Mediator-dependent Nuclear Receptor Functions

PubMed Central

Chen, Wei; Roeder, Robert

2011-01-01

As gene-specific transcription factors, nuclear hormone receptors are broadly involved in many important biological processes. Their function on target genes requires the stepwise assembly of different coactivator complexes that facilitate chromatin remodeling and subsequent preinitiation complex (PIC) formation and function. Mediator has proved to be a crucial, and general, nuclear receptor-interacting coactivator, with demonstrated functions in transcription steps ranging from chromatin remodeling to subsequent PIC formation and function. Here we discuss (i) our current understanding of pathways that nuclear receptors and other interacting cofactors employ to recruit Mediator to target gene enhancers and promoters, including conditional requirements for the strong NR-Mediator interactions mediated by the NR AF2 domain and the MED1 LXXLLL motifs and (ii) mechanisms by which Mediator acts to transmit signals from enhancer-bound nuclear receptors to the general transcription machinery at core promoters to effect PIC formation and function. PMID:21854863

Cyclophilin B enhances HIV-1 Infection

PubMed Central

DeBoer, Jason; Madson, Christian J.; Belshan, Michael

2016-01-01

Cyclophilin B (CypB) is a member of the immunophilin family and intracellular chaperone. It predominantly localizes to the ER, but also contains a nuclear localization signal and is secreted from cells. CypB has been shown to interact with the Gag protein of human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1). Several proteomic and genetic studies identified it as a potential factor involved in HIV replication. Herein, we show that over-expression of CypB enhances HIV infection by increasing nuclear import of viral DNA. This enhancement was unaffected by cyclosporine treatment and requires the N-terminus of the protein. The N-terminus contains an ER leader sequence, putative nuclear localization signal, and is required for secretion. Deletion of the N-terminus resulted in mislocalization from the ER and suppression of HIV infection. Passive transfer experiments showed that secreted CypB did not impact HIV infection. Combined, these experiments show that intracellular CypB modulates a pathway of HIV nuclear import. PMID:26774171

Cyclophilin B enhances HIV-1 infection.

PubMed

DeBoer, Jason; Madson, Christian J; Belshan, Michael

2016-02-01

Cyclophilin B (CypB) is a member of the immunophilin family and intracellular chaperone. It predominantly localizes to the ER, but also contains a nuclear localization signal and is secreted from cells. CypB has been shown to interact with the Gag protein of human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1). Several proteomic and genetic studies identified it as a potential factor involved in HIV replication. Herein, we show that over-expression of CypB enhances HIV infection by increasing nuclear import of viral DNA. This enhancement was unaffected by cyclosporine treatment and requires the N-terminus of the protein. The N-terminus contains an ER leader sequence, putative nuclear localization signal, and is required for secretion. Deletion of the N-terminus resulted in mislocalization from the ER and suppression of HIV infection. Passive transfer experiments showed that secreted CypB did not impact HIV infection. Combined, these experiments show that intracellular CypB modulates a pathway of HIV nuclear import. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nuclear envelope breakdown induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 involves the activity of viral fusion proteins

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

Maric, Martina; Haugo, Alison C.; Dauer, William

2014-07-15

Herpesvirus infection reorganizes components of the nuclear lamina usually without loss of integrity of the nuclear membranes. We report that wild-type HSV infection can cause dissolution of the nuclear envelope in transformed mouse embryonic fibroblasts that do not express torsinA. Nuclear envelope breakdown is accompanied by an eight-fold inhibition of virus replication. Breakdown of the membrane is much more limited during infection with viruses that lack the gB and gH genes, suggesting that breakdown involves factors that promote fusion at the nuclear membrane. Nuclear envelope breakdown is also inhibited during infection with virus that does not express UL34, but ismore » enhanced when the US3 gene is deleted, suggesting that envelope breakdown may be enhanced by nuclear lamina disruption. Nuclear envelope breakdown cannot compensate for deletion of the UL34 gene suggesting that mixing of nuclear and cytoplasmic contents is insufficient to bypass loss of the normal nuclear egress pathway. - Highlights: • We show that wild-type HSV can induce breakdown of the nuclear envelope in a specific cell system. • The viral fusion proteins gB and gH are required for induction of nuclear envelope breakdown. • Nuclear envelope breakdown cannot compensate for deletion of the HSV UL34 gene.« less

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor: A family of nuclear receptors role in various diseases

PubMed Central

Tyagi, Sandeep; Gupta, Paras; Saini, Arminder Singh; Kaushal, Chaitnya; Sharma, Saurabh

2011-01-01

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors of nuclear hormone receptor superfamily comprising of the following three subtypes: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ. Activation of PPAR-α reduces triglyceride level and is involved in regulation of energy homeostasis. Activation of PPAR-γ causes insulin sensitization and enhances glucose metabolism, whereas activation of PPAR-β/δ enhances fatty acids metabolism. Thus, PPAR family of nuclear receptors plays a major regulatory role in energy homeostasis and metabolic function. The present review critically analyzes the protective and detrimental effect of PPAR agonists in dyslipidemia, diabetes, adipocyte differentiation, inflammation, cancer, lung diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, fertility or reproduction, pain, and obesity. PMID:22247890

NMR study of the transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha)-epidermal growth factor receptor complex. Visualization of human TGF-alpha binding determinants through nuclear Overhauser enhancement analysis.

PubMed

McInnes, C; Hoyt, D W; Harkins, R N; Pagila, R N; Debanne, M T; O'Connor-McCourt, M; Sykes, B D

1996-12-13

The study of human transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) in complex with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor extracellular domain has been undertaken in order to generate information on the interactions of these molecules. Analysis of 1H NMR transferred nuclear Overhauser enhancement data for titration of the ligand with the receptor has yielded specific data on the residues of the growth factor involved in contact with the larger protein. Significant increases and decreases in nuclear Overhauser enhancement cross-peak intensity occur upon complexation, and interpretation of these changes indicates that residues of the A- and C-loops of TGF-alpha form the major binding interface, while the B-loop provides a structural scaffold for this site. These results corroborate the conclusions from NMR relaxation studies (Hoyt, D. W., Harkins, R. N., Debanne, M. T., O'Connor-McCourt, M., and Sykes, B. D. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 15283-15292), which suggest that the C-terminal residues of the polypeptide are immobilized upon receptor binding, while the N terminus of the molecule retains considerable flexibility, and are consistent with structure-function studies of the TGF-alpha/EGF system indicating a multidomain binding model. These results give a visualization, for the first time, of native TGF-alpha in complex with the EGF receptor and generate a picture of the ligand-binding site based upon the intact molecule. This will undoubtedly be of utility in the structure-based design of TGF-alpha/EGF agonists and/or antagonists.

Cyclophilin B enhances HIV-1 infection

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

DeBoer, Jason; Madson, Christian J.; Belshan, Michael, E-mail: michaelbelshan@creighton.edu

Cyclophilin B (CypB) is a member of the immunophilin family and intracellular chaperone. It predominantly localizes to the ER, but also contains a nuclear localization signal and is secreted from cells. CypB has been shown to interact with the Gag protein of human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1). Several proteomic and genetic studies identified it as a potential factor involved in HIV replication. Herein, we show that over-expression of CypB enhances HIV infection by increasing nuclear import of viral DNA. This enhancement was unaffected by cyclosporine treatment and requires the N-terminus of the protein. The N-terminus contains an ER leader sequence,more » putative nuclear localization signal, and is required for secretion. Deletion of the N-terminus resulted in mislocalization from the ER and suppression of HIV infection. Passive transfer experiments showed that secreted CypB did not impact HIV infection. Combined, these experiments show that intracellular CypB modulates a pathway of HIV nuclear import. - Highlights: • CypB has been identified in several proteomic studies of HIV-1 infection. • CypB expression is upregulated in activated and infected T-cells. • Over-expression of CypB enhances HIV nuclear import and infection. • The N-terminus of CypB is necessary for these effects.« less

Karyopherin alpha 1 regulates satellite cell proliferation and survival by modulating nuclear import

PubMed Central

Choo, Hyo-Jung; Cutler, Alicia; Rother, Franziska; Bader, Michael; Pavlath, Grace K.

2016-01-01

Satellite cells are stem cells with an essential role in skeletal muscle repair. Precise regulation of gene expression is critical for proper satellite cell quiescence, proliferation, differentiation and self -renewal. Nuclear proteins required for gene expression are dependent on the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery to access to nucleus, however little is known about regulation of nuclear transport in satellite cells. The best characterized nuclear import pathway is classical nuclear import which depends on a classical nuclear localization signal (cNLS) in a cargo protein and the heterodimeric import receptors, karyopherin alpha (KPNA) and beta (KPNB). Multiple KPNA1 paralogs exist and can differ in importing specific cNLS proteins required for cell differentiation and function. We show that transcripts for six Kpna paralogs underwent distinct changes in mouse satellite cells during muscle regeneration accompanied by changes in cNLS proteins in nuclei. Depletion of KPNA1, the most dramatically altered KPNA, caused satellite cells in uninjured muscle to prematurely activate, proliferate and undergo apoptosis leading to satellite cell exhaustion with age. Increased proliferation of satellite cells led to enhanced muscle regeneration at early stages of regeneration. In addition, we observed impaired nuclear localization of two key KPNA1 cargo proteins: p27, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor associated with cell cycle control and lymphoid enhancer factor 1, a critical co-transcription factor for β-catenin. These results indicate that regulated nuclear import of proteins by KPNA1 is critical for satellite cell proliferation and survival and establish classical nuclear import as a novel regulatory mechanism for controlling satellite cell fate. PMID:27434733

Nrf2 Deficiency in Dendritic Cells Enhances the Adjuvant Effect of Ambient Ultrafine Particles on Allergic Sensitization

EPA Science Inventory

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is an important risk factor for asthma. Generation of oxidative stress by PM-associated chemicals is a major mechanism of its health effects. Transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) mediates antioxidant and phase II...

The VBP and a1/EBP leucine zipper factors bind overlapping subsets of avian retroviral long terminal repeat CCAAT/enhancer elements.

PubMed

Smith, C D; Baglia, L A; Curristin, S M; Ruddell, A

1994-10-01

Two long terminal repeat (LTR) enhancer-binding proteins which may regulate high rates of avian leukosis virus (ALV) LTR-enhanced c-myc transcription during bursal lymphomagenesis have been identified (A. Ruddell, M. Linial, and M. Groudine, Mol. Cell. Biol. 9:5660-5668, 1989). The genes encoding the a1/EBP and a3/EBP binding factors were cloned by expression screening of a lambda gt11 cDNA library from chicken bursal lymphoma cells. The a1/EBP cDNA encodes a novel leucine zipper transcription factor (W. Bowers and A. Ruddell, J. Virol. 66:6578-6586, 1992). The partial a3/EBP cDNA clone encodes amino acids 84 to 313 of vitellogenin gene-binding protein (VBP), a leucine zipper factor that binds the avian vitellogenin II gene promoter (S. Iyer, D. Davis, and J. Burch, Mol. Cell. Biol. 11:4863-4875, 1991). Multiple VBP mRNAs are expressed in B cells in a pattern identical to that previously observed for VBP in other cell types. The LTR-binding activities of VBP, a1/EBP, and B-cell nuclear extract protein were compared and mapped by gel shift, DNase I footprinting, and methylation interference assays. The purified VBP and a1/EBP bacterial fusion proteins bind overlapping but distinct subsets of CCAAT/enhancer elements in the closely related ALV and Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR enhancers. Protein binding to these CCAAT/enhancer elements accounts for most of the labile LTR enhancer-binding activity observed in B-cell nuclear extracts. VBP and a1/EBP could mediate the high rates of ALV and RSV LTR-enhanced transcription in bursal lymphoma cells and many other cell types.

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

Mehmood, Rashid; Yasuhara, Noriko; Oe, Souichi

The transition from undifferentiated pluripotent cells to terminally differentiated neurons is coordinated by a repertoire of transcription factors. NeuroD1 is a type II basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factor that plays critical roles in neuronal differentiation and maintenance in the central nervous system. Its dimerization with E47, a type I bHLH transcription factor, leads to the transcriptional regulation of target genes. Mounting evidence suggests that regulating the localization of transcription factors contributes to the regulation of their activity during development as defects in their localization underlie a variety of developmental disorders. In this study, we attempted to understand themore » nuclear import mannerisms of NeuroD1 and E47. We found that the nuclear import of NeuroD1 and E47 is energy-dependent and involves the Ran-mediated pathway. Herein, we demonstrate that NeuroD1 and E47 can dimerize inside the cytoplasm before their nuclear import. Moreover, this dimerization promotes nuclear import as the nuclear accumulation of NeuroD1 was enhanced in the presence of E47 in an in vitro nuclear import assay, and NLS-deficient NeuroD1 was successfully imported into the nucleus upon E47 overexpression. NeuroD1 also had a similar effect on the nuclear accumulation of NLS-deficient E47. These findings suggest a novel role for dimerization that may promote, at least partially, the nuclear import of transcription factors allowing them to function efficiently in the nucleus.« less

Optically controlled locking of the nuclear field via coherent dark-state spectroscopy.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaodong; Yao, Wang; Sun, Bo; Steel, Duncan G; Bracker, Allan S; Gammon, Daniel; Sham, L J

2009-06-25

A single electron or hole spin trapped inside a semiconductor quantum dot forms the foundation for many proposed quantum logic devices. In group III-V materials, the resonance and coherence between two ground states of the single spin are inevitably affected by the lattice nuclear spins through the hyperfine interaction, while the dynamics of the single spin also influence the nuclear environment. Recent efforts have been made to protect the coherence of spins in quantum dots by suppressing the nuclear spin fluctuations. However, coherent control of a single spin in a single dot with simultaneous suppression of the nuclear fluctuations has yet to be achieved. Here we report the suppression of nuclear field fluctuations in a singly charged quantum dot to well below the thermal value, as shown by an enhancement of the single electron spin dephasing time T(2)*, which we measure using coherent dark-state spectroscopy. The suppression of nuclear fluctuations is found to result from a hole-spin assisted dynamic nuclear spin polarization feedback process, where the stable value of the nuclear field is determined only by the laser frequencies at fixed laser powers. This nuclear field locking is further demonstrated in a three-laser measurement, indicating a possible enhancement of the electron spin T(2)* by a factor of several hundred. This is a simple and powerful method of enhancing the electron spin coherence time without use of 'spin echo'-type techniques. We expect that our results will enable the reproducible preparation of the nuclear spin environment for repetitive control and measurement of a single spin with minimal statistical broadening.

Enhanced Component Performance Study. Emergency Diesel Generators 1998–2013

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

Schroeder, John Alton

2014-11-01

This report presents an enhanced performance evaluation of emergency diesel generators (EDGs) at U.S. commercial nuclear power plants. This report evaluates component performance over time using Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) Consolidated Events Database (ICES) data from 1998 through 2013 and maintenance unavailability (UA) performance data using Mitigating Systems Performance Index (MSPI) Basis Document data from 2002 through 2013. The objective is to present an analysis of factors that could influence the system and component trends in addition to annual performance trends of failure rates and probabilities. The factors analyzed for the EDG component are the differences in failuresmore » between all demands and actual unplanned engineered safety feature (ESF) demands, differences among manufacturers, and differences among EDG ratings. Statistical analyses of these differences are performed and results showing whether pooling is acceptable across these factors. In addition, engineering analyses were performed with respect to time period and failure mode. The factors analyzed are: sub-component, failure cause, detection method, recovery, manufacturer, and EDG rating.« less

Components of the CCR4-NOT complex function as nuclear hormone receptor coactivators via association with the NRC-interacting Factor NIF-1.

PubMed

Garapaty, Shivani; Mahajan, Muktar A; Samuels, Herbert H

2008-03-14

CCR4-NOT is an evolutionarily conserved, multicomponent complex known to be involved in transcription as well as mRNA degradation. Various subunits (e.g. CNOT1 and CNOT7/CAF1) have been reported to be involved in influencing nuclear hormone receptor activities. Here, we show that CCR4/CNOT6 and RCD1/CNOT9, members of the CCR4-NOT complex, potentiate nuclear receptor activity. RCD1 interacts in vivo and in vitro with NIF-1 (NRC-interacting factor), a previously characterized nuclear receptor cotransducer that activates nuclear receptors via its interaction with NRC. As with NIF-1, RCD1 and CCR4 do not directly associate with nuclear receptors; however, they enhance ligand-dependent transcriptional activation by nuclear hormone receptors. CCR4 mediates its effect through the ligand binding domain of nuclear receptors and small interference RNA-mediated silencing of endogenous CCR4 results in a marked decrease in nuclear receptor activation. Furthermore, knockdown of CCR4 results in an attenuated stimulation of RARalpha target genes (e.g. Sox9 and HoxA1) as shown by quantitative PCR assays. The silencing of endogenous NIF-1 also resulted in a comparable decrease in the RAR-mediated induction of both Sox9 and HoxA1. Furthermore, CCR4 associates in vivo with NIF-1. In addition, the CCR4-enhanced transcriptional activation by nuclear receptors is dependent on NIF-1. The small interference RNA-mediated knockdown of NIF-1 blocks the ligand-dependent potentiating effect of CCR4. Our results suggest that CCR4 plays a role in the regulation of certain endogenous RARalpha target genes and that RCD1 and CCR4 might mediate their function through their interaction with NIF-1.

Low-Temperature Dynamic Nuclear Polarization at 9.4 Tesla With a 30 Milliwatt Microwave Source

PubMed Central

Thurber, Kent R.; Yau, Wai-Ming; Tycko, Robert

2010-01-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can provide large signal enhancements in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) by transfer of polarization from electron spins to nuclear spins. We discuss several aspects of DNP experiments at 9.4 Tesla (400 MHz resonant frequency for 1H, 264 GHz for electron spins in organic radicals) in the 7–80 K temperature range, using a 30 mW, frequency-tunable microwave source and a quasi-optical microwave bridge for polarization control and low-loss microwave transmission. In experiments on frozen glycerol/water doped with nitroxide radicals, DNP signal enhancements up to a factor of 80 are observed (relative to 1H NMR signals with thermal equilibrium spin polarization). The largest sensitivity enhancements are observed with a new triradical dopant, DOTOPA-TEMPO. Field modulation with a 10 G root-mean-squared amplitude during DNP increases the nuclear spin polarizations by up to 135%. Dependencies of 1H NMR signal amplitudes, nuclear spin relaxation times, and DNP build-up times on the dopant and its concentration, temperature, microwave power, and modulation frequency are reported and discussed. The benefits of low-temperature DNP can be dramatic: the 1H spin polarization is increased approximately 1000-fold at 7 K with DNP, relative to thermal polarization at 80 K. PMID:20392658

Quantum shielding effects on the Gamow penetration factor for nuclear fusion reaction in quantum plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Myoung-Jae; Jung, Young-Dae

2017-01-01

The quantum shielding effects on the nuclear fusion reaction process are investigated in quantum plasmas. The closed expression of the classical turning point for the Gamow penetration factor in quantum plasmas is obtained by the Lambert W-function. The closed expressions of the Gamow penetration factor and the cross section for the nuclear fusion reaction in quantum plasmas are obtained as functions of the plasmon energy and the relative kinetic energy by using the effective interaction potential with the WKB analysis. It is shown that the influence of quantum screening suppresses the Sommerfeld reaction factor. It is also shown that the Gamow penetration factor increases with an increase of the plasmon energy. It is also shown that the quantum shielding effect enhances the deuterium formation by the proton-proton reaction in quantum plasmas. In addition, it is found that the energy dependences on the reaction cross section and the Gamow penetration factor are more significant in high plasmon-energy domains.

Aptamer-Mediated Codelivery of Doxorubicin and NF-κB Decoy Enhances Chemosensitivity of Pancreatic Tumor Cells

PubMed Central

Porciani, David; Tedeschi, Lorena; Marchetti, Laura; Citti, Lorenzo; Piazza, Vincenzo; Beltram, Fabio; Signore, Giovanni

2015-01-01

Aptamers able to bind efficiently cell-surface receptors differentially expressed in tumor and in healthy cells are emerging as powerful tools to perform targeted anticancer therapy. Here, we present a novel oligonucleotide chimera, composed by an RNA aptamer and a DNA decoy. Our assembly is able to (i) target tumor cells via an antitransferrin receptor RNA aptamer and (ii) perform selective codelivery of a chemotherapeutic drug (Doxorubicin) and of an inhibitor of a cell-survival factor, the nuclear factor κB decoy oligonucleotide. Both payloads are released under conditions found in endolysosomal compartments (low pH and reductive environment). Targeting and cytotoxicity of the oligonucleotidic chimera were assessed by confocal microscopy, cell viability, and Western blot analysis. These data indicated that the nuclear factor κB decoy does inhibit nuclear factor κB activity and ultimately leads to an increased therapeutic efficacy of Doxorubicin selectively in tumor cells. PMID:25919089

Nuclear Export Inhibition Enhances HLH-30/TFEB Activity, Autophagy, and Lifespan.

PubMed

Silvestrini, Melissa J; Johnson, Joseph R; Kumar, Anita V; Thakurta, Tara G; Blais, Karine; Neill, Zachary A; Marion, Sarah W; St Amand, Victoria; Reenan, Robert A; Lapierre, Louis R

2018-05-15

Transcriptional modulation of the process of autophagy involves the transcription factor HLH-30/TFEB. In order to systematically determine the regulatory network of HLH-30/TFEB, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in C. elegans and found that silencing the nuclear export protein XPO-1/XPO1 enhances autophagy by significantly enriching HLH-30 in the nucleus, which is accompanied by proteostatic benefits and improved longevity. Lifespan extension via xpo-1 silencing requires HLH-30 and autophagy, overlapping mechanistically with several established longevity models. Selective XPO1 inhibitors recapitulated the effect on autophagy and lifespan observed by silencing xpo-1 and protected ALS-afflicted flies from neurodegeneration. XPO1 inhibition in HeLa cells enhanced TFEB nuclear localization, autophagy, and lysosome biogenesis without affecting mTOR activity, revealing a conserved regulatory mechanism for HLH-30/TFEB. Altogether, our study demonstrates that altering the nuclear export of HLH-30/TFEB can regulate autophagy and establishes the rationale of targeting XPO1 to stimulate autophagy in order to prevent neurodegeneration. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Monomeric cocoa catechins enhance β-cell function by increasing mitochondrial respiration.

PubMed

Rowley, Thomas J; Bitner, Benjamin F; Ray, Jason D; Lathen, Daniel R; Smithson, Andrew T; Dallon, Blake W; Plowman, Chase J; Bikman, Benjamin T; Hansen, Jason M; Dorenkott, Melanie R; Goodrich, Katheryn M; Ye, Liyun; O'Keefe, Sean F; Neilson, Andrew P; Tessem, Jeffery S

2017-11-01

A hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is β-cell dysfunction and the eventual loss of functional β-cell mass. Therefore, mechanisms that improve or preserve β-cell function could be used to improve the quality of life of individuals with T2D. Studies have shown that monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric cocoa flavanols have different effects on obesity, insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. We hypothesized that these cocoa flavanols may have beneficial effects on β-cell function. INS-1 832/13-derived β-cells and primary rat islets cultured with a monomeric catechin-rich cocoa flavanol fraction demonstrated enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, while cells cultured with total cocoa extract and with oligomeric or polymeric procyanidin-rich fraction demonstrated no improvement. The increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the presence of the monomeric catechin-rich fraction corresponded with enhanced mitochondrial respiration, suggesting improvements in β-cell fuel utilization. Mitochondrial complex III, IV and V components are up-regulated after culture with the monomer-rich fraction, corresponding with increased cellular ATP production. The monomer-rich fraction improved cellular redox state and increased glutathione concentration, which corresponds with nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) nuclear localization and expression of Nrf2 target genes including nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) and GA binding protein transcription factor alpha subunit (GABPA), essential genes for increasing mitochondrial function. We propose a model by which monomeric cocoa catechins improve the cellular redox state, resulting in Nrf2 nuclear migration and up-regulation of genes critical for mitochondrial respiration, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and ultimately improved β-cell function. These results suggest a mechanism by which monomeric cocoa catechins exert their effects as an effective complementary strategy to benefit T2D patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protective effects of chlorogenic acid against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat liver: molecular evidence of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

PubMed

Yun, Nari; Kang, Jung-Woo; Lee, Sun-Mee

2012-10-01

Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury (I/R) is accompanied by excessive reactive oxygen species and resultant sterile inflammation. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), one of the most abundant polyphenols in the human diet, has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate protective effects of CGA and its molecular mechanisms against hepatic I/R injury. Rats were subjected to 60 min of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 5 h of reperfusion. CGA (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, ip) was administered twice: 10 min prior to ischemia and 10 min before reperfusion. CGA treatment resulted in marked improvement of hepatic function and histology, and suppressed oxidative stress, as indicated by hepatic lipid peroxidation and glutathione level. Levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 protein and mRNA expressions were up-regulated after I/R; these effects were attenuated by CGA. Immunoblot results showed that CGA reduced I/R-induced toll-like receptor 4 overexpression, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B and interferon regulatory factor-1, high-mobility group box-1 release into extracellular milieu, and enhanced heme oxygenase-1 expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Our results suggest that CGA alleviates I/R-induced liver injury and that this protection is likely due to inhibition of inflammatory response and enhancement of antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, CGA might have potential as an agent for use in clinical treatment of hepatic I/R injury. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

WHSC1L1-mediated EGFR mono-methylation enhances the cytoplasmic and nuclear oncogenic activity of EGFR in head and neck cancer

PubMed Central

Saloura, Vassiliki; Vougiouklakis, Theodore; Zewde, Makda; Deng, Xiaolan; Kiyotani, Kazuma; Park, Jae-Hyun; Matsuo, Yo; Lingen, Mark; Suzuki, Takehiro; Dohmae, Naoshi; Hamamoto, Ryuji; Nakamura, Yusuke

2017-01-01

While multiple post-translational modifications have been reported to regulate the function of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the effect of protein methylation on its function has not been well characterized. In this study, we show that WHSC1L1 mono-methylates lysine 721 in the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR, and that this methylation leads to enhanced activation of its downstream ERK cascade without EGF stimulation. We also show that EGFR K721 mono-methylation not only affects the function of cytoplasmic EGFR, but also that of nuclear EGFR. WHSC1L1-mediated methylation of EGFR in the nucleus enhanced its interaction with PCNA in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) cells and resulted in enhanced DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression. Overall, our study demonstrates the multifaceted oncogenic function of the protein lysine methyltransferase WHSC1L1 in SCCHN, which is mediated through direct non-histone methylation of the EGFR protein with effects both in its cytoplasmic and nuclear functions. PMID:28102297

Solid effect in magic angle spinning dynamic nuclear polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corzilius, Björn; Smith, Albert A.; Griffin, Robert G.

2012-08-01

For over five decades, the solid effect (SE) has been heavily utilized as a mechanism for performing dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Nevertheless, it has not found widespread application in contemporary, high magnetic field DNP experiments because SE enhancements display an ω _0 ^{ - 2} field dependence. In particular, for nominally forbidden zero and double quantum SE transitions to be partially allowed, it is necessary for mixing of adjacent nuclear spin states to occur, and this leads to the observed field dependence. However, recently we have improved our instrumentation and report here an enhancement of ɛ = 91 obtained with the organic radical trityl (OX063) in magic angle spinning experiments performed at 5 T and 80 K. This is a factor of 6-7 higher than previous values in the literature under similar conditions. Because the solid effect depends strongly on the microwave field strength, we attribute this large enhancement to larger microwave field strengths inside the sample volume, achieved with more efficient coupling of the gyrotron to the sample chamber. In addition, we develop a theoretical model to explain the dependence of the buildup rate of enhanced nuclear polarization and the steady-state enhancement on the microwave power. Buildup times and enhancements were measured as a function of 1H concentration for both trityl and Gd-DOTA. Comparison of the results indicates that for trityl the initial polarization step is the slower, rate-determining step. However, for Gd-DOTA the spread of nuclear polarization via homonuclear 1H spin diffusion is rate-limiting. Finally, we discuss the applicability of the solid effect at fields > 5 T and the requirements to address the unfavorable field dependence of the solid effect.

Low-temperature dynamic nuclear polarization at 9.4 T with a 30 mW microwave source.

PubMed

Thurber, Kent R; Yau, Wai-Ming; Tycko, Robert

2010-06-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can provide large signal enhancements in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) by transfer of polarization from electron spins to nuclear spins. We discuss several aspects of DNP experiments at 9.4 T (400 MHz resonant frequency for (1)H, 264 GHz for electron spins in organic radicals) in the 7-80K temperature range, using a 30 mW, frequency-tunable microwave source and a quasi-optical microwave bridge for polarization control and low-loss microwave transmission. In experiments on frozen glycerol/water doped with nitroxide radicals, DNP signal enhancements up to a factor of 80 are observed (relative to (1)H NMR signals with thermal equilibrium spin polarization). The largest sensitivity enhancements are observed with a new triradical dopant, DOTOPA-TEMPO. Field modulation with a 10 G root-mean-squared amplitude during DNP increases the nuclear spin polarizations by up to 135%. Dependencies of (1)H NMR signal amplitudes, nuclear spin relaxation times, and DNP build-up times on the dopant and its concentration, temperature, microwave power, and modulation frequency are reported and discussed. The benefits of low-temperature DNP can be dramatic: the (1)H spin polarization is increased approximately 1000-fold at 7 K with DNP, relative to thermal polarization at 80K. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protective effects of glutamine on human melanocyte oxidative stress model.

PubMed

Jiang, Liya; Guo, Zhen; Kong, Yulong; Liang, Jianhua; Wang, Yi; Wang, Keyu

2018-01-01

Vitiligo is a disorder caused by the loss of the melanocyte activity on melanin pigment generation. Studies show that oxidative-stress induced apoptosis in melanocytes is closely related to the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Glutamine is a well known antioxidant with anti-apoptotic effects, and is used in a variety of diseases. However, it is unclear whether glutamine has an antioxidant or anti-apoptotic effect on melanocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of glutamine on a human melanocyte oxidative stress model. The oxidative stress model was established on human melanocytes using hydrogen peroxide. The morphology and viability of melanocytes, levels of oxidants [reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde], levels of antioxidants [superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase], and apoptosis-related indicators (caspase-3, bax and bcl-2) were examined after glutamine exposure at various concentrations. Expressions of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and heat shock protein 70 were detected using western blot technique after glutamine exposure at various concentrations. Our results demonstrate that pre-treatment and post-treatment with glutamine promoted melanocyte viability, increased levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and bcl-2, decreased levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, bax and caspase-3, and enhanced nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and heat shock protein 70 expression in a dose dependent manner. The effect of pre-treatment was more significant than post-treatment, at the same concentration. The mechanisms of glutamine activated nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 antioxidant responsive element signaling pathway need further investigation. Glutamine enhances the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic capabilities of melanocytes and protects them against oxidative stress.

The Orphan Nuclear Receptor TLX Is an Enhancer of STAT1-Mediated Transcription and Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii.

PubMed

Beiting, Daniel P; Hidano, Shinya; Baggs, Julie E; Geskes, Jeanne M; Fang, Qun; Wherry, E John; Hunter, Christopher A; Roos, David S; Cherry, Sara

2015-07-01

The protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma, like many intracellular pathogens, suppresses interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activity. We exploited this well-defined host-pathogen interaction as the basis for a high-throughput screen, identifying nine transcription factors that enhance STAT1 function in the nucleus, including the orphan nuclear hormone receptor TLX. Expression profiling revealed that upon IFN-γ treatment TLX enhances the output of a subset of IFN-γ target genes, which we found is dependent on TLX binding at those loci. Moreover, infection of TLX deficient mice with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma results in impaired production of the STAT1-dependent cytokine interleukin-12 by dendritic cells and increased parasite burden in the brain during chronic infection. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for this orphan nuclear hormone receptor in regulating STAT1 signaling and host defense and reveal that STAT1 activity can be modulated in a context-specific manner by such "modifiers."

The orphan receptor hepatic nuclear factor 4 functions as a transcriptional activator for tissue-specific and hypoxia-specific erythropoietin gene expression and is antagonized by EAR3/COUP-TF1.

PubMed

Galson, D L; Tsuchiya, T; Tendler, D S; Huang, L E; Ren, Y; Ogura, T; Bunn, H F

1995-04-01

The erythropoietin (Epo) gene is regulated by hypoxia-inducible cis-acting elements in the promoter and in a 3' enhancer, both of which contain consensus hexanucleotide hormone receptor response elements which are important for function. A group of 11 orphan nuclear receptors, transcribed and translated in vitro, were screened by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Of these, hepatic nuclear factor 4 (HNF-4), TR2-11, ROR alpha 1, and EAR3/COUP-TF1 bound specifically to the response elements in the Epo promoter and enhancer and, except for ROR alpha 1, formed DNA-protein complexes that had mobilities similar to those observed in nuclear extracts of the Epo-producing cell line Hep3B. Moreover, both anti-HNF-4 and anti-COUP antibodies were able to supershift complexes in Hep3B nuclear extracts. Like Epo, HNF-4 is expressed in kidney, liver, and Hep3B cells but not in HeLa cells. Transfection of a plasmid expressing HNF-4 into HeLa cells enabled an eightfold increase in the hypoxic induction of a luciferase reporter construct which contains the minimal Epo enhancer and Epo promoter, provided that the nuclear hormone receptor consensus DNA elements in both the promoter and the enhancer were intact. The augmentation by HNF-4 in HeLa cells could be abrogated by cotransfection with HNF-4 delta C, which retains the DNA binding domain of HNF-4 but lacks the C-terminal activation domain. Moreover, the hypoxia-induced expression of the endogenous Epo gene was significantly inhibited in Hep3B cells stably transfected with HNF-4 delta C. On the other hand, cotransfection of EAR3/COUP-TF1 and the Epo reporter either with HNF-4 into HeLa cells or alone into Hep3B cells suppressed the hypoxia induction of the Epo reporter. These electrophoretic mobility shift assay and functional experiments indicate that HNF-4 plays a critical positive role in the tissue-specific and hypoxia-inducible expression of the Epo gene, whereas the COUP family has a negative modulatory role.

The Role ERG and CXCR4 in Prostate Cancer Progression

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

axis functions in PC progression to enhance invasion and metastasis. To address the regulation of CXCR4 expression, we identified several putative ERG...interaction between ERG factor and CXCR4 gene promoter and link these activities with TMPRSS2-ERG translocations and enhanced metastasis of tumor cells via...and increased VCaP nuclear extract protein in assay enhanced the intensity of bands (Figure 1D). Inclusion of anti-ERG antibodies super shifted

β-Adrenergic Stimulation Induces Histone Deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) Nuclear Accumulation in Cardiomyocytes by B55α-PP2A-Mediated Dephosphorylation.

PubMed

Weeks, Kate L; Ranieri, Antonella; Karaś, Agnieszka; Bernardo, Bianca C; Ashcroft, Alexandra S; Molenaar, Chris; McMullen, Julie R; Avkiran, Metin

2017-03-25

Class IIa histone deacetylase (HDAC) isoforms such as HDAC5 are critical signal-responsive repressors of maladaptive cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, through nuclear interactions with transcription factors including myocyte enhancer factor-2. β-Adrenoceptor (β-AR) stimulation, a signal of fundamental importance in regulating cardiac function, has been proposed to induce both phosphorylation-independent nuclear export and phosphorylation-dependent nuclear accumulation of cardiomyocyte HDAC5. The relative importance of phosphorylation at Ser259/Ser498 versus Ser279 in HDAC5 regulation is also controversial. We aimed to determine the impact of β-AR stimulation on the phosphorylation, localization, and function of cardiomyocyte HDAC5 and delineate underlying molecular mechanisms. A novel 3-dimensional confocal microscopy method that objectively quantifies the whole-cell nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of green fluorescent protein tagged HDAC5 revealed the β-AR agonist isoproterenol to induce β 1 -AR-mediated and protein kinase A-dependent HDAC5 nuclear accumulation in adult rat cardiomyocytes, which was accompanied by dephosphorylation at Ser259/279/498. Mutation of Ser259/Ser498 to Ala promoted HDAC5 nuclear accumulation and myocyte enhancer factor-2 inhibition, whereas Ser279 ablation had no such effect and did not block isoproterenol-induced nuclear accumulation. Inhibition of the Ser/Thr phosphatase PP2A blocked isoproterenol-induced HDAC5 dephosphorylation. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed a specific interaction of HDAC5 with the PP2A targeting subunit B55α, as well as catalytic and scaffolding subunits, which increased >3-fold with isoproterenol. Knockdown of B55α in neonatal cardiomyocytes attenuated isoproterenol-induced HDAC5 dephosphorylation. β-AR stimulation induces HDAC5 nuclear accumulation in cardiomyocytes by a mechanism that is protein kinase A-dependent but requires B55α-PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of Ser259/Ser498 rather than protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of Ser279. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

Alpinia officinarum Stimulates Osteoblast Mineralization and Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation.

PubMed

Shim, Ki-Shuk; Lee, Chung-Jo; Yim, Nam-Hui; Gu, Min Jung; Ma, Jin Yeul

2016-01-01

Alpinia officinarum rhizome has been used as a traditional herbal remedy to treat inflammatory and internal diseases. Based on the previously observed inhibitory effect of A. officinarum rhizome in an arthritis model, we evaluated whether a water extract of A. officinarum rhizome (WEAO) would enhance in vitro osteoblast mineralization using calvarial osteoblast precursor cells or would inhibit in vitro osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption using bone marrow derived macrophages. In osteoblasts, WEAO enhanced the mRNA levels of transcription factor (runt-related transcription factor 2, smad1, smad5, and junB) and marker (bone morphogenetic protein-2, collagen type 1alpha1, and osteocalcin) genes related to osteoblast mineralization, consistent with increased alizarin red S staining intensity. WEAO markedly inhibited osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the receptor activator for nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B ligand-induced downregulation of inhibitor of DNA binding 2 and V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B, c-Src, and Bruton's tyrosine kinase to induce nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 expression. WEAO also suppressed the resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts by altering actin ring formation. Therefore, the results of this study demonstrate that WEAO stimulates osteoblast mineralization and inhibits osteoclast differentiation. Thus, WEAO may be a promising herbal candidate to treat or prevent pathological bone diseases by regulating the balance between osteoclast and osteoblast activity.

Decoy receptor 3 suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via down-regulating NFATc1 and enhancing cell apoptosis.

PubMed

Cheng, Chia-Pi; Sheu, Ming-Jen; Sytwu, Huey-Kang; Chang, Deh-Ming

2013-04-01

Decoy receptor 3 (DCR3) has been known to modulate immune functions of monocyte or macrophage. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism and the effect of DCR3 on RANK ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. We treated cells with DCR3 in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis to monitor osteoclast formation by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Osteoclast activity was assessed by pit formation assay. The mechanism of inhibition was studied by biochemical analysis such as RT-PCR and immunoblotting. In addition, cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis and apoptosis signalling were evaluated by immunoblotting and using flow cytometry. DCR3 inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP(+) multinucleated cells and inhibited RANKL-induced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 1 (NFATc1) nuclear translocation in RAW264.7 cells. Also, DCR3 significantly inhibited the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. Moreover, DCR3 enhanced RANKL-induced cell apoptosis and enhanced RANKL-induced Fas ligand expression. The mechanisms were mediated via the intrinsic cytochrome c and activated caspase 9 apoptosis pathway. We postulated that the inhibitory activity of DCR3 on osteoclastogenesis occurs via down-regulation of RANKL-induced NFATc1 expression and induction of cell apoptosis. Our results postulated DCR3 as a possible new remedy against inflammatory bone destruction.

Enhancer of rudimentary homologue interacts with scaffold attachment factor B at the nuclear matrix to regulate SR protein phosphorylation.

PubMed

Drakouli, Sotiria; Lyberopoulou, Aggeliki; Papathanassiou, Maria; Mylonis, Ilias; Georgatsou, Eleni

2017-08-01

Scaffold attachment factor B1 (SAFB1) is an integral component of the nuclear matrix of vertebrate cells. It binds to DNA on scaffold/matrix attachment region elements, as well as to RNA and a multitude of different proteins, affecting basic cellular activities such as transcription, splicing and DNA damage repair. In the present study, we show that enhancer of rudimentary homologue (ERH) is a new molecular partner of SAFB1 and its 70% homologous paralogue, scaffold attachment factor B2 (SAFB2). ERH interacts directly in the nucleus with the C-terminal Arg-Gly-rich region of SAFB1/2 and co-localizes with it in the insoluble nuclear fraction. ERH, a small ubiquitous protein with striking homology among species and a unique structure, has also been implicated in fundamental cellular mechanisms. Our functional analyses suggest that the SAFB/ERH interaction does not affect SAFB1/2 function in transcription (e.g. as oestrogen receptor α co-repressors), although it reverses the inhibition exerted by SAFB1/2 on the splicing kinase SR protein kinase 1 (SRPK1), which also binds on the C-terminus of SAFB1/2. Accordingly, ERH silencing decreases lamin B receptor and SR protein phosphorylation, which are major SRPK1 substrates, further substantiating the role of SAFB1 and SAFB2 in the co-ordination of nuclear function. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

HIV-1 Nef-associated Factor 1 Enhances Viral Production by Interacting with CRM1 to Promote Nuclear Export of Unspliced HIV-1 gag mRNA.

PubMed

Ren, Xiao-Xin; Wang, Hai-Bo; Li, Chuan; Jiang, Jin-Feng; Xiong, Si-Dong; Jin, Xia; Wu, Li; Wang, Jian-Hua

2016-02-26

HIV-1 depends on host-cell-encoded factors to complete its life cycle. A comprehensive understanding of how HIV-1 manipulates host machineries during viral infection can facilitate the identification of host targets for antiviral drugs or gene therapy. The cellular protein Naf1 (HIV-1 Nef-associated factor 1) is a CRM1-dependent nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, and has been identified to regulate multiple receptor-mediated signal pathways in inflammation. The cytoplasm-located Naf1 can inhibit NF-κB activation through binding to A20, and the loss of Naf1 controlled NF-κB activation is associated with multiple autoimmune diseases. However, the effect of Naf1 on HIV-1 mRNA expression has not been characterized. In this study we found that the nucleus-located Naf1 could promote nuclear export of unspliced HIV-1 gag mRNA. We demonstrated that the association between Naf1 and CRM1 was required for this function as the inhibition or knockdown of CRM1 expression significantly impaired Naf1-promoted HIV-1 production. The mutation of Naf1 nuclear export signals (NESs) that account for CRM1 recruitment for nuclear export decreased Naf1 function. Additionally, the mutation of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of Naf1 diminished its ability to promote HIV-1 production, demonstrating that the shuttling property of Naf1 is required for this function. Our results reveal a novel role of Naf1 in enhancing HIV-1 production, and provide a potential therapeutic target for controlling HIV-1 infection. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Nuclear insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor phosphorylates proliferating cell nuclear antigen and rescues stalled replication forks after DNA damage.

PubMed

Waraky, Ahmed; Lin, Yingbo; Warsito, Dudi; Haglund, Felix; Aleem, Eiman; Larsson, Olle

2017-11-03

We have previously shown that the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) translocates to the cell nucleus, where it binds to enhancer-like regions and increases gene transcription. Further studies have demonstrated that nuclear IGF-1R (nIGF-1R) physically and functionally interacts with some nuclear proteins, i.e. the lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (Lef1), histone H3, and Brahma-related gene-1 proteins. In this study, we identified the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a nIGF-1R-binding partner. PCNA is a pivotal component of the replication fork machinery and a main regulator of the DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathway. We found that IGF-1R interacts with and phosphorylates PCNA in human embryonic stem cells and other cell lines. In vitro MS analysis of PCNA co-incubated with the IGF-1R kinase indicated tyrosine residues 60, 133, and 250 in PCNA as IGF-1R targets, and PCNA phosphorylation was followed by mono- and polyubiquitination. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that these ubiquitination events may be mediated by DDT-dependent E2/E3 ligases ( e.g. RAD18 and SHPRH/HLTF). Absence of IGF-1R or mutation of Tyr-60, Tyr-133, or Tyr-250 in PCNA abrogated its ubiquitination. Unlike in cells expressing IGF-1R, externally induced DNA damage in IGF-1R-negative cells caused G 1 cell cycle arrest and S phase fork stalling. Taken together, our results suggest a role of IGF-1R in DDT. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

PIAS1 interacts with FLASH and enhances its co-activation of c-Myb

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background FLASH is a huge nuclear protein involved in various cellular functions such as apoptosis signalling, NF-κB activation, S-phase regulation, processing of histone pre-mRNAs, and co-regulation of transcription. Recently, we identified FLASH as a co-activator of the transcription factor c-Myb and found FLASH to be tightly associated with active transcription foci. As a huge multifunctional protein, FLASH is expected to have many interaction partners, some which may shed light on its function as a transcriptional regulator. Results To find additional FLASH-associated proteins, we performed a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening with FLASH as bait and identified the SUMO E3 ligase PIAS1 as an interaction partner. The association appears to involve two distinct interaction surfaces in FLASH. We verified the interaction by Y2H-mating, GST pulldowns, co-IP and ChIP. FLASH and PIAS1 were found to co-localize in nuclear speckles. Functional assays revealed that PIAS1 enhances the intrinsic transcriptional activity of FLASH in a RING finger-dependent manner. Furthermore, PIAS1 also augments the specific activity of c-Myb, and cooperates with FLASH to further co-activate c-Myb. The three proteins, FLASH, PIAS1, and c-Myb, are all co-localized with active RNA polymerase II foci, resembling transcription factories. Conclusions We conclude that PIAS1 is a common partner for two cancer-related nuclear factors, c-Myb and FLASH. Our results point to a functional cooperation between FLASH and PIAS1 in the enhancement of c-Myb activity in active nuclear foci. PMID:21338522

Suppression of NFkB by Tetrathiomolybdate Inhibits Tumor Angiogenesis and Enhances Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancers

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-01

to treat breast cancer. 15. SUBJECT TERMS NFkappaB , tetrathiomolybdate, breast cancer 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION 18. NUMBER 19a...Sonenshein, G. E. Aberrant nuclear factor-icB/Rel expression and the pathogen- HER-2/neu blocks tumor necrosis factor-induced apoptosis via the Akt /NF

Co-regulation of nuclear respiratory factor-1 by NFκB and CREB links LPS-induced inflammation to mitochondrial biogenesis

PubMed Central

Suliman, Hagir B.; Sweeney, Timothy E.; Withers, Crystal M.; Piantadosi, Claude A.

2010-01-01

The nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1) gene is activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which might reflect TLR4-mediated mitigation of cellular inflammatory damage via initiation of mitochondrial biogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we examined NRF1 promoter regulation by NFκB, and identified interspecies-conserved κB-responsive promoter and intronic elements in the NRF1 locus. In mice, activation of Nrf1 and its downstream target, Tfam, by Escherichia coli was contingent on NFκB, and in LPS-treated hepatocytes, NFκB served as an NRF1 enhancer element in conjunction with NFκB promoter binding. Unexpectedly, optimal NRF1 promoter activity after LPS also required binding by the energy-state-dependent transcription factor CREB. EMSA and ChIP assays confirmed p65 and CREB binding to the NRF1 promoter and p65 binding to intron 1. Functionality for both transcription factors was validated by gene-knockdown studies. LPS regulation of NRF1 led to mtDNA-encoded gene expression and expansion of mtDNA copy number. In cells expressing plasmid constructs containing the NRF-1 promoter and GFP, LPS-dependent reporter activity was abolished by cis-acting κB-element mutations, and nuclear accumulation of NFκB and CREB demonstrated dependence on mitochondrial H2O2. These findings indicate that TLR4-dependent NFκB and CREB activation co-regulate the NRF1 promoter with NFκB intronic enhancement and redox-regulated nuclear translocation, leading to downstream target-gene expression, and identify NRF-1 as an early-phase component of the host antibacterial defenses. PMID:20587593

Inhibition of pyrimidine synthesis reverses viral virulence factor-mediated block of mRNA nuclear export

PubMed Central

Zhang, Liang; Das, Priyabrata; Schmolke, Mirco; Manicassamy, Balaji; Wang, Yaming; Deng, Xiaoyi; Cai, Ling; Tu, Benjamin P.; Forst, Christian V.; Roth, Michael G.; Levy, David E.; García-Sastre, Adolfo; de Brabander, Jef; Phillips, Margaret A.

2012-01-01

The NS1 protein of influenza virus is a major virulence factor essential for virus replication, as it redirects the host cell to promote viral protein expression. NS1 inhibits cellular messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) processing and export, down-regulating host gene expression and enhancing viral gene expression. We report in this paper the identification of a nontoxic quinoline carboxylic acid that reverts the inhibition of mRNA nuclear export by NS1, in the absence or presence of the virus. This quinoline carboxylic acid directly inhibited dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a host enzyme required for de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, and partially reduced pyrimidine levels. This effect induced NXF1 expression, which promoted mRNA nuclear export in the presence of NS1. The release of NS1-mediated mRNA export block by DHODH inhibition also occurred in the presence of vesicular stomatitis virus M (matrix) protein, another viral inhibitor of mRNA export. This reversal of mRNA export block allowed expression of antiviral factors. Thus, pyrimidines play a necessary role in the inhibition of mRNA nuclear export by virulence factors. PMID:22312003

Imatinib Enhances Docetaxel-Induced Apoptosis Through Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-κB Activation in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Cells

PubMed Central

Kim, EunSook; Matsuse, Michiko; Saenko, Vladimir; Suzuki, Keiji; Ohtsuru, Akira; Yamashita, Shunichi

2012-01-01

Background We previously reported the partial effectiveness of imatinib (also known as STI571, Glivec, or Gleevec) on anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cells. Imatinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been used for various types of cancer treatments. Recently, several reports have demonstrated that imatinib enhanced the sensitivity of cancer cells to other anticancer drugs. In this study, therefore, we investigated whether imatinib enhances the antitumor activity of docetaxel in ATC cells. Methods Two ATC cell lines, FRO and KTC-2, were treated with imatinib and/or docetaxel. Cell survival assay and flow cytometry for annexin V were used to assess the induction of apoptosis. Changes of pro- and antiapoptotic factors were determined by Western blot. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity was measured by DNA-binding assay. Tumor growth was also investigated in vivo. Results The combined treatment significantly enhanced apoptosis compared with single treatment. ATC cells themselves expressed high levels of antiapoptotic factors, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), and survivin. The treatment with docetaxel alone further increased their expressions; however, the combined treatment blocked the inductions. Although imatinib alone had no effect on NF-κB background levels, combined treatment significantly suppressed the docetaxel-induced NF-κB activation. Further, the combined administration of the drugs also showed significantly greater inhibitory effect on tumor growth in mice xenograft model. Conclusions Imatinib enhanced antitumor activity of docetaxel in ATC cells. Docetaxel seemed to induce both pro- and antiapoptotic signaling pathways in ATC cells, and imatinib blocked the antiapoptotic signal. Thus, docetaxel combined with imatinib emerges as an attractive strategy for the treatment of ATC. PMID:22650230

Negative transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) by nuclear TFAM

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

Lee, Eun Jin; Kang, Young Cheol; Park, Wook-Ha

2014-07-18

Highlights: • TFAM localizes in nuclei and mitochondria of neuronal cells. • Nuclear TFAM does not bind the Tfam promoter. • Nuclear TFAM reduced the Tfam promoter activity via suppressing NRF-1 activity. • A novel self-negative feedback regulation of Tfam gene expression is explored. • FAM may play different roles depending on its subcellular localizations. - Abstract: The nuclear DNA-encoded mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is synthesized in cytoplasm and transported into mitochondria. TFAM enhances both transcription and replication of mitochondrial DNA. It is unclear, however, whether TFAM plays a role in regulating nuclear gene expression. Here, we demonstrated thatmore » TFAM was localized to the nucleus and mitochondria by immunostaining, subcellular fractionation, and TFAM-green fluorescent protein hybrid protein studies. In HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells, human TFAM (hTFAM) overexpression suppressed human Tfam promoter-mediated luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The mitochondria targeting sequence-deficient hTFAM also repressed Tfam promoter activity to the same degree as hTFAM. It indicated that nuclear hTFAM suppressed Tfam expression without modulating mitochondrial activity. The repression required for nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), but hTFAM did not bind to the NRF-1 binding site of its promoter. TFAM was co-immunoprecipitated with NRF-1. Taken together, we suggest that nuclear TFAM down-regulate its own gene expression as a NRF-1 repressor, showing that TFAM may play different roles depending on its subcellular localizations.« less

Highly selective detection of individual nuclear spins with rotary echo on an electron spin probe

PubMed Central

Mkhitaryan, V. V.; Jelezko, F.; Dobrovitski, V. V.

2015-01-01

We consider an electronic spin, such as a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, weakly coupled to a large number of nuclear spins, and subjected to the Rabi driving with a periodically alternating phase. We show that by switching the driving phase synchronously with the precession of a given nuclear spin, the interaction to this spin is selectively enhanced, while the rest of the bath remains decoupled. The enhancement is of resonant character. The key feature of the suggested scheme is that the width of the resonance is adjustable, and can be greatly decreased by increasing the driving strength. Thus, the resonance can be significantly narrowed, by a factor of 10–100 in comparison with the existing detection methods. Significant improvement in selectivity is explained analytically and confirmed by direct numerical many-spin simulations. The method can be applied to a wide range of solid-state systems. PMID:26497777

The Orphan Nuclear Receptor TLX Is an Enhancer of STAT1-Mediated Transcription and Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii

PubMed Central

Beiting, Daniel P.; Hidano, Shinya; Baggs, Julie E.; Geskes, Jeanne M.; Fang, Qun; Wherry, E. John; Hunter, Christopher A.; Roos, David S.; Cherry, Sara

2015-01-01

The protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma, like many intracellular pathogens, suppresses interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activity. We exploited this well-defined host–pathogen interaction as the basis for a high-throughput screen, identifying nine transcription factors that enhance STAT1 function in the nucleus, including the orphan nuclear hormone receptor TLX. Expression profiling revealed that upon IFN-γ treatment TLX enhances the output of a subset of IFN-γ target genes, which we found is dependent on TLX binding at those loci. Moreover, infection of TLX deficient mice with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma results in impaired production of the STAT1-dependent cytokine interleukin-12 by dendritic cells and increased parasite burden in the brain during chronic infection. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for this orphan nuclear hormone receptor in regulating STAT1 signaling and host defense and reveal that STAT1 activity can be modulated in a context-specific manner by such “modifiers.” PMID:26196739

T-cell receptor signaling enhances transcriptional elongation from latent HIV proviruses by activating P-TEFb through an ERK-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Kim, Young Kyeung; Mbonye, Uri; Hokello, Joseph; Karn, Jonathan

2011-07-29

Latent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proviruses are thought to be primarily reactivated in vivo through stimulation of the T-cell receptor (TCR). Activation of the TCR induces multiple signal transduction pathways, leading to the ordered nuclear migration of the HIV transcription initiation factors NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) and NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells), as well as potential effects on HIV transcriptional elongation. We have monitored the kinetics of proviral reactivation using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to measure changes in the distribution of RNA polymerase II in the HIV provirus. Surprisingly, in contrast to TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α) activation, where early transcription elongation is highly restricted due to rate-limiting concentrations of Tat, efficient and sustained HIV elongation and positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) recruitment are detected immediately after the activation of latent proviruses through the TCR. Inhibition of NFAT activation by cyclosporine had no effect on either HIV transcription initiation or elongation. However, examination of P-TEFb complexes by gel-filtration chromatography showed that TCR signaling led to the rapid dissociation of the large inactive P-TEFb:7SK RNP (small nuclear RNA 7SK ribonucleoprotein) complex and the release of active low-molecular-weight P-TEFb complexes. Both P-TEFb recruitment to the HIV long terminal repeat and enhanced HIV processivity were blocked by the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) inhibitor U0126, but not by AKT (serine/threonine protein kinase Akt) and PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitors. In contrast to treatment with HMBA (hexamethylene bisacetamide) and DRB (5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole 1-β-ribofuranoside), which disrupt the large 7SK RNP complex but do not stimulate early HIV elongation, TCR signaling provides the first example of a physiological pathway that can shift the balance between the inactive P-TEFb pool and the active P-TEFb pool and thereby stimulate proviral reactivation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of inflammatory protein expression and nuclear factor Κb (NF-Κb) activity by trichostatin A (TSA) in OP9 preadipocytes.

PubMed

Sato, Taiki; Kotake, Daisuke; Hiratsuka, Masahiro; Hirasawa, Noriyasu

2013-01-01

The production of inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) by preadipocytes and mature adipocytes is closely associated with the impairment of systemic glucose homeostasis. However, precisely how the production is regulated and the roles of histone deacetylases (HDACs) remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to establish whether HDAC inhibitors affect the expression of inflammatory proteins in pre/mature adipocytes, and, if so, to determine the mechanism involved. Trichostatin A (TSA), an HDAC inhibitor, enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of IL-6 in OP9 preadipocytes but not the mature adipocytes. Moreover, TSA also enhanced palmitic acid-induced IL-6 production and the expression of inflammatory genes induced by LPS in preadipocytes. Although TSA did not affect TLR4 mRNA expression or the activation of MAPKs, a reporter gene assay revealed that the LPS-induced increase in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity was enhanced by TSA. Moreover, TSA increased the level of NF-κB p65 acetylation at lysine 310 and duration of its translocation into the nucleus, which leads to enhancement of NF-κB activity and subsequently expression of inflammatory genes. These findings shed new light on the regulatory roles of HDACs in preadipocytes in the production of inflammatory proteins.

Sulforaphane pretreatment prevents systemic inflammation and renal injury in response to cardiopulmonary bypass.

PubMed

Nguyen, Bao; Luong, Le; Naase, Hatam; Vives, Marc; Jakaj, Gentjan; Finch, Jonathan; Boyle, Joseph; Mulholland, John W; Kwak, Jong-hwan; Pyo, Suhkneung; de Luca, Amalia; Athanasiou, Thanos; Angelini, Gianni; Anderson, Jon; Haskard, Dorian O; Evans, Paul C

2014-08-01

Systemic inflammatory responses are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for systemic inflammation in response to cardiopulmonary bypass are poorly understood. A porcine model was established to study the signaling pathways that promote systemic inflammation in response to cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass under well-controlled experimental conditions. The influence of sulforaphane, an anti-inflammatory compound derived from green vegetables, on inflammation and injury in response to cardiopulmonary bypass was also studied. Intracellular staining and flow cytometry were performed to measure phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB in granulocytes and mononuclear cells. Surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for 1 to 2 hours enhanced phosphorylation of p38 (2.5-fold) and nuclear factor-κB (1.6-fold) in circulating mononuclear cells. Cardiopulmonary bypass also modified granulocytes by activating nuclear factor-κB (1.6-fold), whereas p38 was not altered. Histologic analyses revealed that cardiopulmonary bypass promoted acute tubular necrosis. Pretreatment of animals with sulforaphane reduced p38 (90% reduction) and nuclear factor-κB (50% reduction) phosphorylation in leukocytes and protected kidneys from injury. Systemic inflammatory responses after cardiopulmonary bypass were associated with activation of p38 and nuclear factor-κB pathways in circulating leukocytes. Inflammatory responses to cardiopulmonary bypass can be reduced by sulforaphane, which reduced leukocyte activation and protected against renal injury. Copyright © 2014 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Can nuclear physics explain the anomaly observed in the internal pair production in the Beryllium-8 nucleus?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xilin; Miller, Gerald A.

2017-10-01

Recently the experimentalists in Krasznahorkay (2016) [1] announced observing an unexpected enhancement of the e+-e- pair production signal in one of the 8Be nuclear transitions. The subsequent studies have been focused on possible explanations based on introducing new types of particle. In this work, we improve the nuclear physics modeling of the reaction by studying the pair emission anisotropy and the interferences between different multipoles in an effective field theory inspired framework, and examine their possible relevance to the anomaly. The connection between the previously measured on-shell photon production and the pair production in the same nuclear transitions is established. These improvements, absent in the original experimental analysis, should be included in extracting new particle's properties from the experiment of this type. However, the improvements can not explain the anomaly. We then explore the nuclear transition form factor as a possible origin of the anomaly, and find the required form factor to be unrealistic for the 8Be nucleus. The reduction of the anomaly's significance by simply rescaling our predicted event count is also investigated.

Identification of Androgen Receptor-Specific Enhancer RNAs

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

Release; Distribution Unlimited The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as...There are two Tasks in this application. First, we will perform global run-on assay and deep sequencing to identify AR -specific enhancer RNAs. Second...1 Introduction The androgen receptor ( AR ) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor required for normal prostate development and prostate

Magnetic resonance imaging of DNP enhancements in a rotor spinning at the magic angle

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

Perras, Frederic A.; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Pruski, Marek

Simulations performed on model, static, samples have shown that the microwave power is non-uniformly distributed in the magic angle spinning (MAS) rotor when using conventional dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) instrumentation. Here, we applied the stray-field magic angle spinning imaging (STRAFI–MAS) experiment to generate a spatial map of the DNP enhancements in a full rotor, which is spun at a low rate in a commercial DNP–MAS NMR system. Notably, we observed that the enhancement factors produced in the center of the rotor can be twice as large as those produced at the top of the rotor. Surprisingly, we observed that themore » largest enhancement factors are observed along the axis of the rotor as opposed to against its walls, which are most directly irradiated by the microwave beam. We lastly observed that the distribution of enhancement factors can be moderately improved by degassing the sample and increasing the microwave power. The inclusion of dielectric particles greatly amplifies the enhancement factors throughout the rotor. Furthermore, the STRAFI–MAS approach can provide useful guidance for optimizing the access of microwave power to the sample, and thereby lead to further increases in sensitivity of DNP–MAS NMR.« less

Magnetic resonance imaging of DNP enhancements in a rotor spinning at the magic angle

DOE PAGES

Perras, Frederic A.; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Pruski, Marek

2016-02-23

Simulations performed on model, static, samples have shown that the microwave power is non-uniformly distributed in the magic angle spinning (MAS) rotor when using conventional dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) instrumentation. Here, we applied the stray-field magic angle spinning imaging (STRAFI–MAS) experiment to generate a spatial map of the DNP enhancements in a full rotor, which is spun at a low rate in a commercial DNP–MAS NMR system. Notably, we observed that the enhancement factors produced in the center of the rotor can be twice as large as those produced at the top of the rotor. Surprisingly, we observed that themore » largest enhancement factors are observed along the axis of the rotor as opposed to against its walls, which are most directly irradiated by the microwave beam. We lastly observed that the distribution of enhancement factors can be moderately improved by degassing the sample and increasing the microwave power. The inclusion of dielectric particles greatly amplifies the enhancement factors throughout the rotor. Furthermore, the STRAFI–MAS approach can provide useful guidance for optimizing the access of microwave power to the sample, and thereby lead to further increases in sensitivity of DNP–MAS NMR.« less

Prothymosin α overexpression contributes to the development of pulmonary emphysema.

PubMed

Su, Bing-Hua; Tseng, Yau-Lin; Shieh, Gia-Shing; Chen, Yi-Cheng; Shiang, Ya-Chieh; Wu, Pensee; Li, Kuo-Jung; Yen, Te-Hsin; Shiau, Ai-Li; Wu, Chao-Liang

2013-01-01

Emphysema is one of the disease conditions that comprise chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prothymosin α transgenic mice exhibit an emphysema phenotype, but the pathophysiological role of prothymosin α in emphysema remains unclear. Here we show that prothymosin α contributes to the pathogenesis of emphysema by increasing acetylation of histones and nuclear factor-kappaB, particularly upon cigarette smoke exposure. We find a positive correlation between prothymosin α levels and the severity of emphysema in prothymosin α transgenic mice and emphysema patients. Prothymosin α overexpression increases susceptibility to cigarette smoke-induced emphysema, and cigarette smoke exposure further enhances prothymosin α expression. We show that prothymosin α inhibits the association of histone deacetylases with histones and nuclear factor-kappaB, and that prothymosin α overexpression increases expression of nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9, which are found in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These results demonstrate the clinical relevance of prothymosin α in regulating acetylation events during the pathogenesis of emphysema.

Prothymosin α overexpression contributes to the development of pulmonary emphysema

PubMed Central

Su, Bing-Hua; Tseng, Yau-Lin; Shieh, Gia-Shing; Chen, Yi-Cheng; Shiang, Ya-Chieh; Wu, Pensee; Li, Kuo-Jung; Yen, Te-Hsin; Shiau, Ai-Li; Wu, Chao-Liang

2013-01-01

Emphysema is one of the disease conditions that comprise chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prothymosin α transgenic mice exhibit an emphysema phenotype, but the pathophysiological role of prothymosin α in emphysema remains unclear. Here we show that prothymosin α contributes to the pathogenesis of emphysema by increasing acetylation of histones and nuclear factor-kappaB, particularly upon cigarette smoke exposure. We find a positive correlation between prothymosin α levels and the severity of emphysema in prothymosin α transgenic mice and emphysema patients. Prothymosin α overexpression increases susceptibility to cigarette smoke-induced emphysema, and cigarette smoke exposure further enhances prothymosin α expression. We show that prothymosin α inhibits the association of histone deacetylases with histones and nuclear factor-kappaB, and that prothymosin α overexpression increases expression of nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9, which are found in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These results demonstrate the clinical relevance of prothymosin α in regulating acetylation events during the pathogenesis of emphysema. PMID:23695700

Reconsolidation or extinction: transcription factor switch in the determination of memory course after retrieval.

PubMed

de la Fuente, Verónica; Freudenthal, Ramiro; Romano, Arturo

2011-04-13

In fear conditioning, aversive stimuli are readily associated with contextual features. A brief reexposure to the training context causes fear memory reconsolidation, whereas a prolonged reexposure induces memory extinction. The regulation of hippocampal gene expression plays a key role in contextual memory consolidation and reconsolidation. However, the mechanisms that determine whether memory will reconsolidate or extinguish are not known. Here, we demonstrate opposing roles for two evolutionarily related transcription factors in the mouse hippocampus. We found that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is required for fear memory reconsolidation. Conversely, calcineurin phosphatase inhibited NF-κB and induced nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) nuclear translocation in the transition between reconsolidation and extinction. Accordingly, the hippocampal inhibition of both calcineurin and NFAT independently impaired memory extinction, whereas inhibition of NF-κB enhanced memory extinction. These findings represent the first insight into the molecular mechanisms that determine memory reprocessing after retrieval, supporting a transcriptional switch that directs memory toward reconsolidation or extinction. The precise molecular characterization of postretrieval processes has potential importance to the development of therapeutic strategies for fear memory disorders.

Modulatory effect of silymarin on nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 regulated redox status, nuclear factor-κB mediated inflammation and apoptosis in experimental gastric ulcer.

PubMed

Arafa Keshk, Walaa; Zahran, Samer Mahmoud; Katary, Mohamed Alaa; Abd-Elaziz Ali, Darin

2017-08-01

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) consumption has been commonly associated with gastric mucosal lesions including gastric ulcer. Silymarin (SM) is a flavonoid mixture with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which explain its protective role against hepatic and renal injuries. However, its impact on gastric ulcer has not yet been elucidated. Thus we went further to investigate the potential protective effects of SM against indomethacin-induced gastric injury in rats. Pretreatment with SM (50 mg/kg orally) attenuated the severity of gastric mucosal damage as evidenced by decreasing ulcer index (UI) and ulcer score, improvement of disturbed histopathologicl features to be insignificant with those induced by the reference anti-ulcer drug. Pretreatment with SM also suppressed gastric inflammation by decreasing myeloperoxidase activity, tumer necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) and interleukin 6 (IL6) levels along with nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB) expression. Meanwhile, SM prevent gastric oxidative stress via inhibition of lipid peroxides formation, enhancement of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities and up-regulation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the redox-sensitive master regulator of oxidative stress signaling. In conclusion, the results herein revealed that SM has a gastro-protective effect which is mediated via suppression of gastric inflammation, oxidative stress, increased the anti-oxidant and the cyto-protective defense mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Citrullination of NF-κB p65 promotes its nuclear localization and TLR-induced expression of IL-1β and TNFα.

PubMed

Sun, Bo; Dwivedi, Nishant; Bechtel, Tyler J; Paulsen, Janet L; Muth, Aaron; Bawadekar, Mandar; Li, Gang; Thompson, Paul R; Shelef, Miriam A; Schiffer, Celia A; Weerapana, Eranthie; Ho, I-Cheng

2017-06-09

Many citrullinated proteins are known autoantigens in rheumatoid arthritis, a disease mediated by inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). Citrullinated proteins are generated by converting peptidylarginine to peptidylcitrulline, a process catalyzed by the peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), including PAD1 to PAD4 and PAD6. Several major risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis are associated with heightened citrullination. However, the physiological role of citrullination in immune cells is poorly understood. We report that suppression of PAD activity attenuates Toll-like receptor-induced expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and TNFα by neutrophils in vivo and in vitro but not their global transcription activity. Mechanistically, PAD4 directly citrullinates nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 and enhances the interaction of p65 with importin α3, which brings p65 into the nucleus. The citrullination-enhanced interaction of p65 with importin α3 and its nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity can be attributed to citrullination of four arginine residues located in the Rel homology domain of p65. Furthermore, a rheumatoid arthritis-prone variant of PAD4, carrying three missense mutations, is more efficient in interacting with p65 and enhancing NF-κB activity. Together, these data not only demonstrate a critical role of citrullination in an NF-κB-dependent expression of IL-1β and TNFα but also provide a molecular mechanism by which heightened citrullination propagates inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Accordingly, attenuating p65-mediated production of IL-1β and TNFα by blocking the citrullination of p65 has great therapeutic potential in rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Structure of Colloidal Quantum Dots from Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Surface Enhanced NMR Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Piveteau, Laura; Ong, Ta-Chung; Rossini, Aaron J; Emsley, Lyndon; Copéret, Christophe; Kovalenko, Maksym V

2015-11-04

Understanding the chemistry of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) is primarily hampered by the lack of analytical methods to selectively and discriminately probe the QD core, QD surface and capping ligands. Here, we present a general concept for studying a broad range of QDs such as CdSe, CdTe, InP, PbSe, PbTe, CsPbBr3, etc., capped with both organic and inorganic surface capping ligands, through dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy. DNP can enhance NMR signals by factors of 10-100, thereby reducing the measurement times by 2-4 orders of magnitude. 1D DNP enhanced spectra acquired in this way are shown to clearly distinguish QD surface atoms from those of the QD core, and environmental effects such as oxidation. Furthermore, 2D NMR correlation experiments, which were previously inconceivable for QD surfaces, are demonstrated to be readily performed with DNP and provide the bonding motifs between the QD surfaces and the capping ligands.

Properties of a U1 RNA enhancer-like sequence.

PubMed Central

Ciliberto, G; Palla, F; Tebb, G; Mattaj, I W; Philipson, L

1987-01-01

The properties of a X.laevis U1B snRNA gene enhancer have been studied by microinjection in Xenopus oocytes. The enhancer-like sequence, defined as a short DNA stretch that is able to activate transcription in an orientation independent manner, is interchangeable between different U snRNA genes. The enhancer sequence alone does not, however, efficiently activate transcription from an SV40 pol II promoter but regains its activity when combined with the U-gene specific proximal sequence element. DNase I protection experiments show that the X.laevis U1B enhancer can interact specifically with a nuclear factor present in mammalian cells. Images PMID:3031597

Interaction of acute-phase-inducible and liver-enriched nuclear factors with the promoter region of the mouse alpha sub 1 -acid glycoprotein gene-1

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

Alam, T.; Papaconstantinou, J.

1992-02-25

The synthesis and secretion of several acute-phase proteins increases markedly following physiological stress. {alpha}{sub 1}-Acid glycoprotein (AGP), a major acute-phase reactant made by the liver, is strongly induced by inflammatory agents such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nuclear run-on assay showed a 17-fold increase in the rate of AGP transcription 4 h following LPS injection. DNase I footprinting assays revealed multiple protein binding domains in the mouse AGP-1 promoter region. Region B ({minus}104 to {minus}91) is protected by a liver-enriched transcription factor that is heat labile and in limiting quantity. An adjacent region, C ({minus}125 to {minus}104), is well-protected by nuclear extractsmore » from hepatocytes. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that only one DNA-protein complex can form with an oligonucleotide corresponding to region B. However, nuclear proteins from untreated mouse liver can form three strong complexes (C1, C2, and C3) and a weak one (C4) with oligonucleotide C. An acute-phase-inducible DNA-binding protein (AP-DBP) forms complex 4. A dramatic increase (over 11-fold) in AP-DBP binding activity is seen with nuclear proteins from LPS-stimulated animals. Interestingly, AP-DBP, a heat-stable factor, can form heterodimers with the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP). Furthermore, purified C/EBP also binds avidly to region C. The studies indicate that several liver-enriched nuclear factors can interact with AGP-1 promoter and that AP-DBP binds to the AGP-1 promoter with high affinity only during the acute-phase induction.« less

Dynamic nuclear polarization by frequency modulation of a tunable gyrotron of 260GHz.

PubMed

Yoon, Dongyoung; Soundararajan, Murari; Cuanillon, Philippe; Braunmueller, Falk; Alberti, Stefano; Ansermet, Jean-Philippe

2016-01-01

An increase in Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) signal intensity is obtained with a tunable gyrotron producing frequency modulation around 260GHz at power levels less than 1W. The sweep rate of frequency modulation can reach 14kHz, and its amplitude is fixed at 50MHz. In water/glycerol glassy ice doped with 40mM TEMPOL, the relative increase in the DNP enhancement was obtained as a function of frequency-sweep rate for several temperatures. A 68 % increase was obtained at 15K, thus giving a DNP enhancement of about 80. By employing λ/4 and λ/8 polarizer mirrors, we transformed the polarization of the microwave beam from linear to circular, and achieved an increase in the enhancement by a factor of about 66% for a given power. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dexamethasone potently enhances phorbol ester-induced IL-1beta gene expression and nuclear factor NF-kappaB activation.

PubMed

Wang, Y; Zhang, J J; Dai, W; Lei, K Y; Pike, J W

1997-07-15

The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone, an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agent, was investigated for its effect on PMA-mediated expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta in the human monocytic leukemic cell line THP-1. PMA alone induced the production of low levels of IL-1beta in THP-1 cells, whereas dexamethasone alone had no effect. However, dexamethasone potently enhanced PMA-mediated IL-1beta production. Using a selective and potent inhibitor of protein kinase C, we found that synergistic interaction between PMA and dexamethasone requires protein kinase C activation. PMA has been known to activate nuclear factor NF-kappaB in THP-1 cells. Using an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to an NF-kappaB DNA-binding motif of the IL-1beta gene promoter in gel electrophoresis mobility shift assays, we demonstrated that PMA-induced NF-kappaB activation was greatly potentiated by dexamethasone. Our results indicate that glucocorticoids can be positive regulators of inflammatory cytokine gene expression during monocytic cell differentiation.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta activates insulin-like growth factor-I gene transcription in osteoblasts. Identification of a novel cyclic AMP signaling pathway in bone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Umayahara, Y.; Ji, C.; Centrella, M.; Rotwein, P.; McCarthy, T. L.

1997-01-01

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) plays a key role in skeletal growth by stimulating bone cell replication and differentiation. We previously showed that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and other cAMP-activating agents enhanced IGF-I gene transcription in cultured primary rat osteoblasts through promoter 1, the major IGF-I promoter, and identified a short segment of the promoter, termed HS3D, that was essential for hormonal regulation of IGF-I gene expression. We now demonstrate that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) delta is a major component of a PGE2-stimulated DNA-protein complex involving HS3D and find that C/EBPdelta transactivates IGF-I promoter 1 through this site. Competition gel shift studies first indicated that a core C/EBP half-site (GCAAT) was required for binding of a labeled HS3D oligomer to osteoblast nuclear proteins. Southwestern blotting and UV-cross-linking studies showed that the HS3D probe recognized a approximately 35-kDa nuclear protein, and antibody supershift assays indicated that C/EBPdelta comprised most of the PGE2-activated gel-shifted complex. C/EBPdelta was detected by Western immunoblotting in osteoblast nuclear extracts after treatment of cells with PGE2. An HS3D oligonucleotide competed effectively with a high affinity C/EBP site from the rat albumin gene for binding to osteoblast nuclear proteins. Co-transfection of osteoblast cell cultures with a C/EBPdelta expression plasmid enhanced basal and PGE2-activated IGF-I promoter 1-luciferase activity but did not stimulate a reporter gene lacking an HS3D site. By contrast, an expression plasmid for the related protein, C/EBPbeta, did not alter basal IGF-I gene activity but did increase the response to PGE2. In osteoblasts and in COS-7 cells, C/EBPdelta, but not C/EBPbeta, transactivated a reporter gene containing four tandem copies of HS3D fused to a minimal promoter; neither transcription factor stimulated a gene with four copies of an HS3D mutant that was unable to bind osteoblast nuclear proteins. These results identify C/EBPdelta as a hormonally activated inducer of IGF-I gene transcription in osteoblasts and show that the HS3D element within IGF-I promoter 1 is a high affinity binding site for this protein.

Producing >60,000-fold room-temperature 89Y NMR signal enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lumata, Lloyd; Jindal, Ashish; Merritt, Matthew; Malloy, Craig; Sherry, A. Dean; Kovacs, Zoltan

2011-03-01

89 Y in chelated form is potentially valuable in medical imaging because its chemical shift is sensitive to local factors in tumors such as pH. However, 89 Y has a low gyromagnetic ratio γn thus its NMR signal is hampered by low thermal polarization. Here we show that we can enhance the room-temperature NMR signal of 89 Y up to 65,000 times the thermal signal, which corresponds to 10 % nuclear polarization, via fast dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). The relatively long spin-lattice relaxation time T1 (~ 500 s) of 89 Y translates to a long polarization lifetime. The 89 Y NMR enhancement is optimized by varying the glassing matrices and paramagnetic agents as well as doping the samples with a gadolinium relaxation agent. Co-polarization of 89 Y-DOTA with a 13 C sample shows that both nuclear spin species acquire the same spin temperature Ts , consistent with thermal mixing mechanism of DNP. The high room-temperature NMR signal enhancement places 89 Y, one of the most challenging nuclei to detect by NMR, in the list of viable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents when hyperpolarized under optimized conditions. This work is supported in part by the National Institutes of Health grant numbers 1R21EB009147-01 and RR02584.

β-catenin nuclear translocation induced by HIF-1α overexpression leads to the radioresistance of prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Luo, Yong; Li, Mingchuan; Zuo, Xuemei; Basourakos, Spyridon P.; Zhang, Jiao; Zhao, Jiahui; Han, Yili; Lin, Yunhua; Wang, Yongxing; Jiang, Yongguang; Lan, Ling

2018-01-01

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is known to play crucial roles in tumor radioresistance; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the promotion of tumor radioresistance by HIF-1α remain unclear. β-catenin is known to be involved in the metastatic potential of prostate cancer (PCa). In this study, to investigate the role of HIF-1α and β-catenin in the radioresistance of PCa, two PCa cell lines, LNCaP and C4-2B, were grouped as follows: Negative control (no treatment), HIF-1α overexpression group (transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid) and β-catenin silenced group (transfected with HIF-1α plasmids and β-catenin-shRNA). Cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell invasion and radiosensitivity were examined under normal or hypoxic conditions. In addition, radiosensitivity was examined in two mouse PCa models (the LNCaP orthotopic BALB/c-nu mice model and the C4-2B subcutaneous SCID mice model). Our results revealed that in both the LNCaP and C4-2B cells, transfection with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid led to an enhanced β-catenin nuclear translocation, while β-catenin silencing inhibited β-catenin nuclear translocation. The enhanced β-catenin nuclear translocation induced by HIF-1α overexpression resulted in an enhanced cell proliferation and cell invasion, an altered cell cycle distribution, decreased apoptosis, and improved non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair under normal and irradiation conditions. Similar results were observed in the animal models. HIF-1α overexpression enhanced β-catenin nuclear translocation, which led to the activation of the β-catenin/NHEJ signaling pathway and increased cell proliferation, cell invasion and DNA repair. These results thus suggest that HIF-1α overexpression promotes the radioresistance of PCa cells. PMID:29658569

Mineral trioxide aggregate promotes the odonto/osteogenic differentiation and dentinogenesis of stem cells from apical papilla via nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.

PubMed

Yan, Ming; Wu, Jintao; Yu, Yan; Wang, Yanping; Xie, Lizhe; Zhang, Guangdong; Yu, Jinhua; Zhang, Chengfei

2014-05-01

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been widely used in clinical apexification and apexogenesis. However, the effects of MTA on the stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and the precise mechanism of apexogenesis have not been elucidated in detail. Multiple colony-derived stem cells were isolated from the apical papillae, and the effects of MTA on the proliferation and differentiation of SCAPs were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway in MTA-treated SCAPs was analyzed by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot. MTA at the concentration of 2 mg/mL did not affect the proliferation activity of SCAPs. However, 2 mg/mL MTA-treated SCAPs presented the ultrastructural changes, up-regulated alkaline phosphatase, increased calcium deposition, up-regulated expression of odontoblast markers (dentin sialoprotein and dentin sialophosphoprotein) and odonto/osteoblast markers (runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin), suggesting that MTA enhanced the odonto/osteoblastic differentiation of SCAPs in vitro. In vivo results confirmed that MTA can promote the regular dentinogenesis of SCAPs. Moreover, MTA-treated SCAPs exhibited the up-regulated cytoplasmic phos-IκBα and phos-P65, enhanced nuclear P65, and increased nuclear translocation of P65. When co-treated with BMS345541 (the specific NFκB inhibitor), MTA-mediated odonto/osteoblastic differentiation was significantly attenuated. MTA at the concentration of 2 mg/mL can improve the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs via the activation of NFκB pathway. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Localization of the C1 Factor (Host Cell Factor) in Sensory Neurons Correlates with Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus from Latency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kristie, Thomas M.; Vogel, Jodi L.; Sears, Amy E.

1999-02-01

After a primary infection, herpes simplex virus is maintained in a latent state in neurons of sensory ganglia until complex stimuli reactivate viral lytic replication. Although the mechanisms governing reactivation from the latent state remain unknown, the regulated expression of the viral immediate early genes represents a critical point in this process. These genes are controlled by transcription enhancer complexes whose assembly requires and is coordinated by the cellular C1 factor (host cell factor). In contrast to other tissues, the C1 factor is not detected in the nuclei of sensory neurons. Experimental conditions that induce the reactivation of herpes simplex virus in mouse model systems result in rapid nuclear localization of the protein, indicating that the C1 factor is sequestered in these cells until reactivation signals induce a redistribution of the protein. The regulated localization suggests that C1 is a critical switch determinant of the viral lytic-latent cycle.

Friedelane-type triterpenoids as selective anti-inflammatory agents by regulation of differential signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated macrophages

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

Villar-Lorenzo, Andrea, E-mail: avillar@iib.uam.es

A series of 31 pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from the root barks of Celastrus vulcanicola and Maytenus jelskii were tested for cytotoxicity and inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compounds 18 (C18) and 25 (C25) exhibited significant inhibition of LPS-induced NO release at 50 and 25 μM concentrations, respectively, and decreased mRNAs of pro-inflammatory cytokines. At the molecular level, C18 neither inhibited LPS-mediated phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) nor nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB). Instead, C18 enhanced and prolonged nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) andmore » increased the expression of its target genes including hemeoxigenase 1 (HO1). C25 efficiently inhibited LPS-mediated phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ERK, without affecting NFκB or Nrf2 signaling pathways. Both compounds reduced LPS-mediated processing of caspase-1 and the cleavage of interleukin 1β (IL1β) proform, reflecting their ability to target the inflammasome. C25 also counteracted LPS effects on iNOS expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA levels in Bv-2 microglial cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of both compounds was also assessed in human macrophages. Our results suggest that triterpenoids C18 and C25 possess anti-inflammatory effects, which may be therapeutically relevant for diseases linked to inflammation. - Highlights: • Compounds 18 (C18) and 25 (C25) exert anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages. • C18 enhanced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased HO1 expression. • C25 inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ERK, members of the MAPKs family. • C25 reduced LPS-mediated processing of caspase-1 and the cleavage of interleukin 1β. • C18 and C25 may be therapeutic agents for diseases linked to inflammation.« less

IL-2 activation of STAT5 enhances production of IL-10 from human cytotoxic regulatory T cells, HOZOT.

PubMed

Tsuji-Takayama, Kazue; Suzuki, Motoyuki; Yamamoto, Mayuko; Harashima, Akira; Okochi, Ayumi; Otani, Takeshi; Inoue, Toshiya; Sugimoto, Akira; Motoda, Ryuichi; Yamasaki, Fumiyuki; Nakamura, Shuji; Kibata, Masayoshi

2008-02-01

Interleukin (IL)-10 is an immunosuppressive cytokine produced by many cell types, including T cells. We previously reported that a novel type of regulatory T (Treg) cells, termed HOZOT, which possesses a FOXP3+CD4+CD8+CD25+ phenotype and dual suppressor/cytotoxic activities, produced high levels of IL-10. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of high IL-10 production by HOZOT, focusing on Janus activating kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. We prepared five different types of T cells, including HOZOT from human umbilical cord blood. Cytokine productions of IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were compared among these T cells after anti-CD3/CD28 antibody stimulation in the presence or absence of IL-2. Specific inhibitors for JAK/STAT, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and nuclear factor for activated T cell (NFAT) were used to analyze signal transduction mechanisms. IL-10 production by HOZOTs was greatly enhanced by the addition of IL-2. Little or no enhancement of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production was observed under the same conditions. The enhancing effect of IL-2 was specific for both HOZOT and IL-10-secreting Treg cells. T helper type 2 cells, whose IL-10 production mechanisms involve GATA-3, failed to show IL-2-mediated enhancement of IL-10. Similar enhancing effects of IL-15 and IFN-alpha suggested a major role of JAK/STAT activation pathway for high IL-10 production. Further inhibitor experiments demonstrated that STAT5 rather than STAT3 was critically involved in this mechanism. Our results demonstrated that IL-2 selectively enhanced production of IL-10 in HOZOT primarily through activation of STAT5, which synergistically acts with NF-kappaB/NFAT activation, implying a novel regulatory mechanism of IL-10 production in Treg cells.

Effects of biradical deuteration on the performance of DNP: Towards better performing polarizing agents

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

Perras, Frédéric A.; Reinig, Regina R.; Slowing, Igor I.

2015-11-20

We study the effects of the deuteration of biradical polarizing agents on the efficiency of dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) via the cross-effect. To this end, we synthesized a series of bTbK and TOTAPol biradicals with systematically increased deuterium substitution. The deuteration increases the radicals' relaxation time, thus contributing to a higher saturation factor and larger DNP enhancement, and reduces the pool of protons within the so-called spin diffusion barrier. Notably, we report that full or partial deuteration leads to improved DNP enhancement factors in standard samples, but also slows down the build-up of hyperpolarization. Improvements in DNP enhancements factors ofmore » up to 70% and time savings of up to 38% are obtained upon full deuteration. As a result, it is foreseen that this approach may be applied to other DNP polarizing agents thus enabling further sensitivity improvements.« less

Hydrogen gas attenuates sevoflurane neurotoxicity through inhibiting nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling and proinflammatory cytokine release in neonatal rats.

PubMed

Shi, Yiwei; Wang, Gang; Li, Jinyuan; Yu, Wenli

2017-12-06

Anesthesia neurotoxicity in developing brain has gained increasing attention. However, knowledge regarding its mitigating strategies remains scant. Sevoflurane, a commonly used anesthetic, is responsible for learning and memory deficits in neonates. Molecular hydrogen is reported to be a potential neuroprotective agent because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrogen gas on sevoflurane neurotoxicity. The newborn rats were treated with sevoflurane and/or hydrogen gas for 2 h. Spatial recognition memory and fear memory were determined by Y-maze and fear conditioning tests at 10 weeks of age. Nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and proinflammatory cytokine levels were detected using western blot analysis. The data showed that the spatial recognition memory and fear memory of the rats treated with sevoflurane decreased compared with the control, and the cognitive function of the rats treated with sevoflurane and hydrogen gas significantly increased in comparison with treatment with sevoflurane alone. Moreover, hydrogen gas suppressed NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation and reduced the production of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α following sevoflurane administration. Thus, the results proposed that hydrogen gas might protect against sevoflurane neurotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB activation and proinflammatory cytokine release, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for anesthesia neurotoxicity.

Chalepin: A Compound from Ruta angustifolia L. Pers Exhibits Cell Cycle Arrest at S phase, Suppresses Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) Pathway, Signal Transducer and Activation of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Phosphorylation and Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Carcinoma (A549).

PubMed

Richardson, Jaime Stella Moses; Aminudin, Norhaniza; Abd Malek, Sri Nurestri

2017-10-01

Plants have been a major source of inspiration in developing novel drug compounds in the treatment of various diseases that afflict human beings worldwide. Ruta angustifolia L. Pers known locally as Garuda has been conventionally used for various medicinal purposes such as in the treatment of cancer. A dihydrofuranocoumarin named chalepin, which was isolated from the chloroform extract of the plant, was tested on its ability to inhibit molecular pathways of human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. Cell cycle analysis and caspase 8 activation were conducted using a flow cytometer, and protein expressions in molecular pathways were determined using Western blot technique. Cell cycle analysis showed that cell cycle was arrested at the S phase. Further studies using Western blotting technique showed that cell cycle-related proteins such as cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and inhibitors of CDKs correspond to a cell cycle arrest at the S phase. Chalepin also showed inhibition in the expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT-3), cyclooxygenase-2, and c-myc were also downregulated upon treatment with chalepin. Chalepin was found to induce extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Death receptors 4 and 5 showed a dramatic upregulation at 24 h. Analysis of activation of caspase 8 with the flow cytometer showed an increase in activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Activation of caspase 8 induced cleavage of BH3-interacting domain death agonist, which initiated a mitochondrial-dependent or -independent apoptosis. Chalepin causes S phase cell cycle arrest, NF-κB pathway inhibition, and STAT-3 inhibition, induces extrinsic apoptotic pathway, and could be an excellent chemotherapeutic agent. This study reports the capacity of an isolated bioactive compound known as chalepin to suppress the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells pathway, signal transducer and activation of transcription 3, and extrinsic apoptotic pathway and also its ability to arrest cell cycle in S phase. This compound was from the leaves of Ruta angustifolia L. Pers. It provides new insight on the ability of this plant in suppressing certain cancers, especially the nonsmall cell lung carcinoma according to this study. Abbreviations used: °C: Degree Celsius, ANOVA: Analysis of variance, ATCC: American Type Culture Collection, BCL-2: B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2, Bcl-xL: B-cell lymphoma extra-large, BH3: Bcl-2 homology 3, BID: BH3-interacting domain death agonist, BIR: Baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis protein repeat, Caspases: Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteases, CDK: Cyclin-dependent kinase, CO 2 : Carbon dioxide, CST: Cell signaling technologies, DISC: Death-inducing signaling complex, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, DR4: Death receptor 4, DR5: Death receptor 5, E1a: Adenovirus early region 1A, ECL: Enhanced chemiluminescence, EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, etc.: Etcetera, FADD: Fas-associated protein with death domain, FBS: Fetal bovine serum, FITC: Fluorescein isothiocyanate, G1: Gap 1, G2: Gap 2, HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography, HRP: Horseradish peroxidase, IAPs: Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, IC50: Inhibitory concentration at half maximal inhibitory, IKK-α: Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit alpha, IKK-β: Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta, IKK-γ: Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit gamma, IKK: IκB kinase, IkBα: Nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha, m: Meter, M: Mitotic, mm: Millimeter, mRNA: Messenger ribonucleic acid, NaCl: Sodium chloride, NaVO4: Sodium orthovanadate, NEMO: NF-Kappa-B essential modulator, NF-κB: Nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells, NSCLC: Nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, PBS: Phosphate buffered saline, PGE2: Prostaglandin E2, PI: Propidium iodide, PMSF: Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, pRB: Phosphorylated retinoblastoma, R. angustifolia : Ruta angustifolia L. Pers, Rb: Retinoblastoma, rpm: Rotation per minute, RPMI: Roswell Park Memorial Institute, S phase: Synthesis phase, SD: Standard deviation, SDS-PAGE: Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Smac: Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase, SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, STAT3: Signal transducer and activation of transcription 3, tBID: Truncated BID, TNF: Tumor necrosis factor, TRADD: Tumor necrosis factor receptor type-1 associated death domain, TRAIL: TNF-related apoptosis- inducing ligand, USA: United States of America, v/v: Volume over volume.

Osteopontin Signals through Calcium and Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells (NFAT) in Osteoclasts

PubMed Central

Tanabe, Natsuko; Wheal, Benjamin D.; Kwon, Jiyun; Chen, Hong H.; Shugg, Ryan P. P.; Sims, Stephen M.; Goldberg, Harvey A.; Dixon, S. Jeffrey

2011-01-01

Osteopontin (OPN), an integrin-binding extracellular matrix glycoprotein, enhances osteoclast activity; however, its mechanisms of action are elusive. The Ca2+-dependent transcription factor NFATc1 is essential for osteoclast differentiation. We assessed the effects of OPN on NFATc1, which translocates to nuclei upon activation. Osteoclasts from neonatal rabbits and rats were plated on coverslips, uncoated or coated with OPN or bovine albumin. OPN enhanced the proportion of osteoclasts exhibiting nuclear NFATc1. An RGD-containing, integrin-blocking peptide prevented the translocation of NFATc1 induced by OPN. Moreover, mutant OPN lacking RGD failed to induce translocation of NFATc1. Thus, activation of NFATc1 is dependent on integrin binding through RGD. Using fluorescence imaging, OPN was found to increase the proportion of osteoclasts exhibiting transient elevations in cytosolic Ca2+ (oscillations). OPN also enhanced osteoclast survival. The intracellular Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) suppressed Ca2+ oscillations and inhibited increases in NFATc1 translocation and survival induced by OPN. Furthermore, a specific, cell-permeable peptide inhibitor of NFAT activation blocked the effects of OPN on NFATc1 translocation and osteoclast survival. This is the first demonstration that OPN activates NFATc1 and enhances osteoclast survival through a Ca2+-NFAT-dependent pathway. Increased NFATc1 activity and enhanced osteoclast survival may account for the stimulatory effects of OPN on osteoclast function in vivo. PMID:21940634

Nucleoporin MOS7/Nup88 contributes to plant immunity and nuclear accumulation of defense regulators.

PubMed

Wiermer, Marcel; Germain, Hugo; Cheng, Yu Ti; García, Ana V; Parker, Jane E; Li, Xin

2010-01-01

Controlled nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is an important feature for fine-tuning signaling pathways in eukaryotic organisms. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) composed of nucleoporin proteins (Nups) are essential for the exchange of macromolecules across the nuclear envelope. A recent genetic screen in our laboratory identified a partial loss-of-function mutation in Arabidopsis MOS7/Nup88 that causes defects in basal immunity, Resistance (R) protein-mediated defense and systemic acquired resistance. In Drosophila and mammalian cells, exportin-mediated nuclear export of activated Rel/NFκB transcription factors is enhanced in nup88 mutants resulting in immune response failure. Consistent with Nup88 promoting nuclear retention of NFκB, our functional analyses revealed that MOS7/Nup88 is required for appropriate nuclear accumulation of the autoactivated R protein snc1, as well as the key immune regulators EDS1 and NPR1. These results suggest that controlling the nuclear concentrations of specific immune regulators is fundamental for defining defense outputs.

FANCL ubiquitinates β-catenin and enhances its nuclear function.

PubMed

Dao, Kim-Hien T; Rotelli, Michael D; Petersen, Curtis L; Kaech, Stefanie; Nelson, Whitney D; Yates, Jane E; Hanlon Newell, Amy E; Olson, Susan B; Druker, Brian J; Bagby, Grover C

2012-07-12

Bone marrow failure is a nearly universal complication of Fanconi anemia. The proteins encoded by FANC genes are involved in DNA damage responses through the formation of a multisubunit nuclear complex that facilitates the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of FANCL. However, it is not known whether loss of E3 ubiquitin ligase activity accounts for the hematopoietic stem cell defects characteristic of Fanconi anemia. Here we provide evidence that FANCL increases the activity and expression of β-catenin, a key pluripotency factor in hematopoietic stem cells. We show that FANCL ubiquitinates β-catenin with atypical ubiquitin chain extension known to have nonproteolytic functions. Specifically, β-catenin modified with lysine-11 ubiquitin chain extension efficiently activates a lymphocyte enhancer-binding factor-T cell factor reporter. We also show that FANCL-deficient cells display diminished capacity to activate β-catenin leading to reduced transcription of Wnt-responsive targets c-Myc and Cyclin D1. Suppression of FANCL expression in normal human CD34(+) stem and progenitor cells results in fewer β-catenin active cells and inhibits expansion of multilineage progenitors. Together, these results suggest that diminished Wnt/β-catenin signaling may be an underlying molecular defect in FANCL-deficient hematopoietic stem cells leading to their accelerated loss.

Highly selective detection of individual nuclear spins with rotary echo on an electron spin probe

DOE PAGES

Mkhitaryan, V. V.; Jelezko, F.; Dobrovitski, V. V.

2015-10-26

We consider an electronic spin, such as a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, weakly coupled to a large number of nuclear spins, and subjected to the Rabi driving with a periodically alternating phase. We show that by switching the driving phase synchronously with the precession of a given nuclear spin, the interaction to this spin is selectively enhanced, while the rest of the bath remains decoupled. The enhancement is of resonant character. The key feature of the suggested scheme is that the width of the resonance is adjustable, and can be greatly decreased by increasing the driving strength. Thus, the resonancemore » can be significantly narrowed, by a factor of 10–100 in comparison with the existing detection methods. Significant improvement in selectivity is explained analytically and confirmed by direct numerical many-spin simulations. As a result, the method can be applied to a wide range of solid-state systems.« less

Genistein enhances the effect of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and inhibits nuclear factor kappa B in nonsmall cell lung cancer cell lines.

PubMed

Gadgeel, Shirish M; Ali, Shadan; Philip, Philip A; Wozniak, Antoinette; Sarkar, Fazlul H

2009-05-15

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have shown modest clinical benefit in patients with relapsed nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Down-regulation of Akt appears to correlate with the antitumor activity of EGFR-TKIs. Akt activates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), which transcribes genes important for cell survival, invasion, and metastasis. The authors hypothesized that genistein, through the inhibition of NF-kappaB, could enhance the activity of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLCs. Three NSCLC cell lines with various EGFR mutation status and sensitivities to EGFR-TKIs were selected: H3255 (L858R), H1650 (del E746-A750), and H1781 (wild-type EGFR). Cells were treated with erlotinib, gefitinib, genistein, or the combination of each of the EGFR-TKIs with genistein. Cell survival and apoptosis were assessed, and expression levels of EGFR, pAkt, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), E-cadherin, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and NF-kappaB were measured. Both EGFR-TKIs demonstrated growth inhibition and apoptosis in each of the cell lines, but H1650 and H1781 were much less sensitive. Genistein demonstrated some antitumor activity in all cell lines, but enhanced growth inhibition and apoptosis when combined with the EGFR-TKIs in each of the cell lines. Both combinations down-regulated NF-kappaB significantly more than either agent alone in H3255. In addition, the combinations reduced the expression of EGFR, pAkt, COX-2, and PGE(2,) consistent with inactivation of NF-kappaB. The authors concluded that genistein enhances the antitumor effects of EGFR-TKIs in 3 separate NSCLC cell lines. This enhanced activity is in part because of greater reduction in the DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB when EGFR-TKIs were combined with genistein.

c-Jun localizes to the nucleus independent of its phosphorylation by and interaction with JNK and vice versa promotes nuclear accumulation of JNK

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

Schreck, Ilona; Al-Rawi, Marco; Mingot, Jose-Manuel

2011-04-22

Highlights: {yields} HSP70, Ku70 and 80 as well as importin 8 are novel interactors of c-Jun. {yields} Nuclear accumulation of c-Jun does not require its functions as a transcription factor. {yields} Nuclear accumulation of c-Jun does not require the interaction with its kinase JNK. {yields} Nuclear accumulation of JNK is regulated by interaction with c-Jun. -- Abstract: In order to activate gene expression, transcription factors such as c-Jun have to reside in the nucleus. The abundance of c-Jun in the nucleus correlates with the activity of its target genes. As a consequence of excessive c-Jun activation, cells undergo apoptosis ormore » changes in differentiation whereas decreased c-Jun function can reduce proliferation. In the present study we addressed how nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor c-Jun is regulated. First, we analyzed which functions of c-Jun are required for efficient nuclear accumulation. Mutants of c-Jun deficient in dimerization or DNA-binding show no defect in nuclear transport. Furthermore, c-Jun import into the nucleus of living cells occurred when the c-Jun phosphorylation sites were mutated as well in cells that lack the major c-Jun kinase, JNK, suggesting that c-Jun transport into the nucleus does not require JNK signaling. Conversely, however, binding of c-Jun seemed to enhance nuclear accumulation of JNK. In order to identify proteins that might be relevant for the nuclear translocation of c-Jun we searched for novel binding partners by a proteomic approach. In addition to the heat shock protein HSP70 and the DNA damage repair factors Ku70 and 80, we isolated human importin 8 as a novel interactor of c-Jun. Interaction of Imp 8 with c-Jun in human cells was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Nuclear accumulation of c-Jun does not require its functions as a transcription factor or the interaction with its kinase JNK. Interestingly, nuclear accumulation of JNK is regulated by interaction with c-Jun. Unraveling the mechanisms of c-Jun and JNK transport to the nucleus and its regulation will improve our understanding of their role in biological and pathophysiological processes.« less

Esrrb Unlocks Silenced Enhancers for Reprogramming to Naive Pluripotency.

PubMed

Adachi, Kenjiro; Kopp, Wolfgang; Wu, Guangming; Heising, Sandra; Greber, Boris; Stehling, Martin; Araúzo-Bravo, Marcos J; Boerno, Stefan T; Timmermann, Bernd; Vingron, Martin; Schöler, Hans R

2018-06-11

Transcription factor (TF)-mediated reprogramming to pluripotency is a slow and inefficient process, because most pluripotency TFs fail to access relevant target sites in a refractory chromatin environment. It is still unclear how TFs actually orchestrate the opening of repressive chromatin during the long latency period of reprogramming. Here, we show that the orphan nuclear receptor Esrrb plays a pioneering role in recruiting the core pluripotency factors Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog to inactive enhancers in closed chromatin during the reprogramming of epiblast stem cells. Esrrb binds to silenced enhancers containing stable nucleosomes and hypermethylated DNA, which are inaccessible to the core factors. Esrrb binding is accompanied by local loss of DNA methylation, LIF-dependent engagement of p300, and nucleosome displacement, leading to the recruitment of core factors within approximately 2 days. These results suggest that TFs can drive rapid remodeling of the local chromatin structure, highlighting the remarkable plasticity of stable epigenetic information. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

E-cadherin expression increases cell proliferation by regulating energy metabolism through nuclear factor-κB in AGS cells.

PubMed

Park, Song Yi; Shin, Jee-Hye; Kee, Sun-Ho

2017-09-01

β-Catenin is a central player in Wnt signaling, and activation of Wnt signaling is associated with cancer development. E-cadherin in complex with β-catenin mediates cell-cell adhesion, which suppresses β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling. Recently, a tumor-suppressive role for E-cadherin has been reconsidered, as re-expression of E-cadherin was reported to enhance the metastatic potential of malignant tumors. To explore the role of E-cadherin, we established an E-cadherin-expressing cell line, EC96, from AGS cells that featured undetectable E-cadherin expression and a high level of Wnt signaling. In EC96 cells, E-cadherin re-expression enhanced cell proliferation, although Wnt signaling activity was reduced. Subsequent analysis revealed that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and consequent c-myc expression might be involved in E-cadherin expression-mediated cell proliferation. To facilitate rapid proliferation, EC96 cells enhance glucose uptake and produce ATP using both mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, whereas AGS cells use these mechanisms less efficiently. These events appeared to be mediated by NF-κB activation. Therefore, E-cadherin re-expression and subsequent induction of NF-κB signaling likely enhance energy production and cell proliferation. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

New Features in the Computational Infrastructure for Nuclear Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, M. S.; Lingerfelt, E. J.; Scott, J. P.; Hix, W. R.; Nesaraja, C. D.; Koura, H.; Roberts, L. F.

2006-04-01

The Computational Infrastructure for Nuclear Astrophysics is a suite of computer codes online at nucastrodata.org that streamlines the incorporation of recent nuclear physics results into astrophysical simulations. The freely-available, cross- platform suite enables users to upload cross sections and s-factors, convert them into reaction rates, parameterize the rates, store the rates in customizable libraries, setup and run custom post-processing element synthesis calculations, and visualize the results. New features include the ability for users to comment on rates or libraries using an email-type interface, a nuclear mass model evaluator, enhanced techniques for rate parameterization, better treatment of rate inverses, and creation and exporting of custom animations of simulation results. We also have online animations of r- process, rp-process, and neutrino-p process element synthesis occurring in stellar explosions.

Nuclear accumulation of SHIP1 mutants derived from AML patients leads to increased proliferation of leukemic cells.

PubMed

Nalaskowski, Marcus M; Ehm, Patrick; Rehbach, Christoph; Nelson, Nina; Täger, Maike; Modest, Kathrin; Jücker, Manfred

2018-05-28

The inositol 5-phosphatase SHIP1 acts as negative regulator of intracellular signaling in myeloid cells and is a tumor suppressor in myeloid leukemogenesis. After relocalization from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane SHIP1 terminates PI3-kinase mediated signaling processes. Furthermore, SHIP1 is also found in distinct puncta in the cell nucleus and nuclear SHIP1 has a pro-proliferative function. Here we report the identification of five nuclear export signals (NESs) which regulate together with the two known nuclear localization signals (NLSs) the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of SHIP1. Mutation of NLSs reduced the nuclear import and mutation of NESs decreased the nuclear export of SHIP1 in the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line UKE-1. Interestingly, four SHIP1 mutants (K210R, N508D, V684E, Q1153L) derived from AML patients showed a nuclear accumulation after expression in UKE-1 cells. In addition, overexpression of the AML patient-derived mutation N508D caused an increased proliferation rate of UKE-1 cells in comparison to wild type SHIP1. Furthermore, we identified serine and tyrosine phosphorylation as a molecular mechanism for the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of SHIP1 where tyrosine phosphorylation of distinct residues i.e. Y864, Y914, Y1021 reduces nuclear localization, whereas serine phosphorylation at S933 enhances nuclear localization of SHIP1. In summary, our data further implicate nuclear SHIP1 in cellular signaling and suggest that enhanced accumulation of SHIP1 mutants in the nucleus may be a contributory factor of abnormally high proliferation of AML cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional Control by PARP-1: Chromatin Modulation, Enhancer-binding, Coregulation, and Insulation

PubMed Central

Kraus, W. Lee

2008-01-01

Summary The regulation of gene expression requires a wide array of protein factors that can modulate chromatin structure, act at enhancers, function as transcriptional coregulators, or regulate insulator function. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), an abundant and ubiquitous nuclear enzyme that catalyzes the NAD+-dependent addition of ADP-ribose polymers on a variety of nuclear proteins, has been implicated in all of these functions. Recent biochemical, genomic, proteomic, and cell-based studies have highlighted the role of PARP-1 in each of these processes and provided new insights about the molecular mechanisms governing PARP-1-dependent regulation of gene expression. In addition, these studies have demonstrated how PARP-1 functions as an integral part of cellular signaling pathways that culminate in gene regulatory outcomes. PMID:18450439

CRM1 protein-mediated regulation of nuclear clusterin (nCLU), an ionizing radiation-stimulated, Bax-dependent pro-death factor.

PubMed

Leskov, Konstantin S; Araki, Shinako; Lavik, John-Paul; Gomez, Jose A; Gama, Vivian; Gonos, Efstathios S; Trougakos, Ioannis P; Matsuyama, Shigemi; Boothman, David A

2011-11-18

Expression of the clusterin (CLU) gene results in the synthesis of a conventional secretory isoform set (pre- and mature secretory clusterin proteins, psCLU/sCLU), as well as another set of intracellular isoforms, appearing in the cytoplasm (pre-nuclear CLU, pnCLU) and in the nucleus as an ∼55-kDa mature nuclear clusterin (nCLU) form. These two isoform sets have opposing cell functions: pro-survival and pro-death, respectively. Although much is known about the regulation and function of sCLU as a pro-survival factor, the regulation and function of endogenous nCLU in cell death are relatively unexplored. Here, we show that depletion of endogenous nCLU protein using siRNA specific to its truncated mRNA increased clonogenic survival of ionizing radiation (IR)-exposed cells. nCLU-mediated apoptosis was Bax-dependent, and lethality correlated with accumulation of mature nCLU protein. nCLU accumulation was regulated by CRM1 because binding between CRM1 and nCLU proteins was significantly diminished by leptomycin B (LMB), and nuclear levels of nCLU protein were significantly enhanced by LMB and IR co-treatment. Moreover, LMB treatment significantly enhanced IR-induced nCLU-mediated cell death responses. Importantly, bax(-/-) and bax(-/-)/bak(-/-) double knock-out cells were resistant to nCLU-mediated cell death, whereas bak(-/-) or wild-type bax(+/+)/bak(+/+) cells were hypersensitive. The regulation of nCLU by CRM1 nuclear export/import may explain recent clinical results showing that highly malignant tumors have lost the ability to accumulate nCLU levels, thereby avoiding growth inhibition and cell death.

Hydroquinone stimulates inflammatory functions in microvascular endothelial cells via NF-κB nuclear activation.

PubMed

Hebeda, Cristina Bichels; Pinedo, Fernanda Júdice; Vinolo, Marco Aurélio Ramirez; Curi, Rui; Farsky, Sandra Helena Poliselli

2011-11-01

Hydroquinone impairs several leucocyte cell functions, which alter the immune response. Although endothelial cell functions are important for the development of immune responses, hydroquinone actions on endothelial cell have not been shown. Therefore, the effect of hydroquinone exposure (10 or 100 μM for 2 hr) on primary culture of microvascular endothelial cells (PMECs) obtained from the cremaster muscle of Wistar rats incubated in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 μg/mL) was investigated. Hydroquinone treatment induced the membrane expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) from the immunoglobulin superfamilies ICAM-1 (intercellular), VCAM-1(vascular) and PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial) and induced the secretion of cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The effects were dependent on transcriptional modifications because enhanced CAM mRNA expression as well as both cytokines and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) nuclear activation was found. These effects may be due to the direct action of hydroquinone rather than its quinone metabolites, because endothelial cells do not present myeloperoxidase enzyme and hydroquinone incubation did not induce the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) or prostaglandin H synthase 1. In addition, the incubation of endothelial cells with benzoquinone (10 μM, 2 hr) impaired PECAM-1 expression and did not modify NF-κB nuclear activation. Taken together, the data herein presented reveal that hydroquinone evokes pro-inflammatory properties in endothelial cells that are triggered by the enhancement of NF-κB nuclear translocation-dependent gene transcription. © 2011 The Authors. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology © 2011 Nordic Pharmacological Society.

Enhanced interleukin-4 production in CD4+ T cells and elevated immunoglobulin E levels in antigen-primed mice by bisphenol A and nonylphenol, endocrine disruptors: involvement of nuclear factor-AT and Ca2+

PubMed Central

Lee, Mee H; Chung, Su W; Kang, Bok Y; Park, Jin; Lee, Choon H; Hwang, Seung Y; Kim, Tae S

2003-01-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) and p-nonylphenol (NP) are representative endocrine disruptors (EDs) that may have adverse effects on human health. The influence of these compounds on allergic immune responses remains unclear. In this study, we have examined the effects of BPA and NP on production of interleukin-4 (IL-4), a pro-inflammatory cytokine closely associated with allergic immune responses. Both BPA and NP significantly enhanced IL-4 production in keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH)-primed CD4+ T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with BPA or NP in vivo resulted in significant increase of IL-4 production in CD4+ T cells and of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the sera of KLH-primed mice. Furthermore, BPA and NP enhanced the activation of IL-4 gene promoter in EL4 T cells transiently transfected with IL-4 promoter/reporter constructs, and the enhancing effect mapped to a region in the IL-4 promoter containing binding sites for nuclear factor (NF)-AT. Activation of T lymphocytes by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin resulted in markedly enhanced binding activities to the NF-AT site, which significantly increased upon addition of BPA or NP, as demonstrated by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, indicating that the transcription factor NF-AT was involved in the enhancing effect of BPA and NP on IL-4 production. The enhancement of IL-4 production by BPA or NP was significantly reduced by nitrendipine, a blocker of Ca2+ influx, and by FK506, a calcineurin inhibitor. FK506 inhibited the NF-AT–DNA binding activity and IL-4 gene promoter activity enhanced by BPA or NP. These results represent the first report describing possible enhancement of allergic response by EDs through increasing IL-4 production in CD4+ T cells and antigen-specific IgE levels in the sera via the stimulation of Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent NF-AT activation. PMID:12709020

ICP27-dependent resistance of herpes simplex virus type 1 to leptomycin B is associated with enhanced nuclear localization of ICP4 and ICP0

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

Lengyel, Joy; Strain, Anna K.; Perkins, Keith D.

2006-09-01

It was previously shown that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is sensitive to leptomycin B (LMB), an inhibitor of nuclear export factor CRM1, and that a single methionine to threonine change at residue 50 (M50T) of viral immediate-early (IE) protein ICP27 can confer LMB resistance. In this work, we show that deletion of residues 21-63 from ICP27 can also confer LMB resistance. We further show that neither the M50T mutation nor the presence of LMB affects the nuclear shuttling activity of ICP27, suggesting that another function of ICP27 determines LMB resistance. A possible clue to this function emerged whenmore » it was discovered that LMB treatment of HSV-1-infected cells dramatically enhances the cytoplasmic accumulation of two other IE proteins, ICP0 and ICP4. This effect is completely dependent on ICP27 and is reversed in cells infected with LMB-resistant mutants. Moreover, LMB-resistant mutations in ICP27 enhance the nuclear localization of ICP0 and ICP4 even in the absence of LMB, and this effect can be discerned in transfected cells. Thus, the same amino (N)-terminal region of ICP27 that determines sensitivity to LMB also enhances ICP27's previously documented ability to promote the cytoplasmic accumulation of ICP4 and ICP0. We speculate that ICP27's effects on ICP4 and ICP0 may contribute to HSV-1 LMB sensitivity.« less

TGF{beta} induces proHB-EGF shedding and EGFR transactivation through ADAM activation in gastric cancer cells

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

Ebi, Masahide; Kataoka, Hiromi, E-mail: hkataoka@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp; Shimura, Takaya

2010-11-19

Research highlights: {yields} TGF{beta} induces EGFR transactivation through proHB-EGF shedding by activated ADAM members in gastric cancer cells. {yields} TGF{beta} induces nuclear translocation of HB-EGF-CTF cleaved by ADAM members. {yields} TGF{beta} enhances cell growth by EGFR transactivation and HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation and ADAM inhibitors block these effects. {yields} Silencing of ADAM17 also blocks EGFR transactivation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation and cancer cell growth by TGF{beta}. {yields} ADAM17 may play a crucial role in this TGF{beta}-HB-EGF signal transduction. -- Abstract: Background and aims: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF{beta}) is known to potently inhibit cell growth. Loss of responsiveness to TGF{beta} inhibition on cellmore » growth is a hallmark of many types of cancer, yet its mechanism is not fully understood. Membrane-anchored heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (proHB-EGF) ectodomain is cleaved by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) members and is implicated in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation. Recently, nuclear translocation of the C-terminal fragment (CTF) of pro-HB-EGF was found to induce cell growth. We investigated the association between TGF{beta} and HB-EGF signal transduction via ADAM activation. Materials and methods: The CCK-8 assay in two gastric cancer cell lines was used to determine the effect for cell growth by TGF{beta}. The effect of two ADAM inhibitors was also evaluated. Induction of EGFR phosphorylation by TGF{beta} was analyzed and the effect of the ADAM inhibitors was also examined. Nuclear translocation of HB-EGF-CTF by shedding through ADAM activated by TGF{beta} was also analyzed. EGFR transactivation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation, and cell growth were examined under the condition of ADAM17 knockdown. Result: TGF{beta}-induced EGFR phosphorylation of which ADAM inhibitors were able to inhibit. TGF{beta} induced shedding of proHB-EGF allowing HB-EGF-CTF to translocate to the nucleus. ADAM inhibitors blocked this nuclear translocation. TGF{beta} enhanced gastric cancer cell growth and ADAM inhibitors suppressed this effect. EGFR phosphorylation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation, and cell growth were suppressed in ADAM17 knockdown cells. Conclusion: HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation and EGFR transactivation from proHB-EGF shedding mediated by ADAM17 activated by TGF{beta} might be an important pathway of gastric cancer cell proliferation by TGF{beta}.« less

Binding sites for abundant nuclear factors modulate RNA polymerase I-dependent enhancer function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Kang, J J; Yokoi, T J; Holland, M J

1995-12-01

The 190-base pair (bp) rDNA enhancer within the intergenic spacer sequences of Saccharomyces cerevisiae rRNA cistrons activates synthesis of the 35S-rRNA precursor about 20-fold in vivo (Mestel,, R., Yip, M., Holland, J. P., Wang, E., Kang, J., and Holland, M. J. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9, 1243-1254). We now report identification and analysis of transcriptional activities mediated by three cis-acting sites within a 90-bp portion of the rDNA enhancer designated the modulator region. In vivo, these sequences mediated termination of transcription by RNA polymerase I and potentiated the activity of the rDNA enhancer element. Two trans-acting factors, REB1 and REB2, bind independently to sites within the modulator region (Morrow, B. E., Johnson, S. P., and Warner, J. R. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 9061-9068). We show that REB2 is identical to the ABF1 protien. Site-directed mutagenesis of REB1 and ABF1 binding sites demonstrated uncoupling of RNA polymerase I-dependent termination from transcriptional activation in vivo. We conclude that REB1 and ABF1 are required for RNA polymerase I-dependent termination and enhancer function, respectively, Since REB1 and ABF1 proteins also regulate expression of class II genes and other nuclear functions, our results suggest further similarities between RNA polymerase I and II regulatory mechanisms. Two rDNA enhancers flanking a rDNA minigene stimulated RNA polymerase I transcription in a "multiplicative" fashion. Deletion mapping analysis showed that similar cis-acting sequences were required for enhancer function when positioned upstream or downstream from a rDNA minigene.

Nuclear IL-33 is a transcriptional regulator of NF-{kappa}B p65 and induces endothelial cell activation

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

Choi, Yeon-Sook; Park, Jeong Ae; Kim, Jihye

2012-05-04

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer IL-33 as nuclear factor regulated expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nuclear IL-33 increased the transcription of NF-{kappa}B p65 by binding to the p65 promoter. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nuclear IL-33 controls NF-{kappa}B-dependent inflammatory responses. -- Abstract: Interleukin (IL)-33, an IL-1 family member, acts as an extracellular cytokine by binding its cognate receptor, ST2. IL-33 is also a chromatin-binding transcriptional regulator highly expressed in the nuclei of endothelial cells. However, the function of IL-33 as a nuclear factor is poorly defined. Here, we show that IL-33 is a novel transcriptional regulator of the p65 subunit of the NF-{kappa}B complex and ismore » involved in endothelial cell activation. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and Western blot analyses indicated that IL-33 mediates the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 in endothelial cells basally and in response to tumor necrosis factor-{alpha}-treatment. IL-33-induced ICAM-1/VCAM-1 expression was dependent on the regulatory effect of IL-33 on the nuclear factor (NF)-{kappa}B pathway; NF-{kappa}B p65 expression was enhanced by IL-33 overexpression and, conversely, reduced by IL-33 knockdown. Moreover, NF-{kappa}B p65 promoter activity and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that IL-33 binds to the p65 promoter region in the nucleus. Our data provide the first evidence that IL-33 in the nucleus of endothelial cells participates in inflammatory reactions as a transcriptional regulator of NF-{kappa}B p65.« less

Somatic cell cloning: the ultimate form of nuclear reprogramming?

PubMed

Piedrahita, Jorge A; Mir, Bashir; Dindot, Scott; Walker, Shawn

2004-05-01

With the increasing difficulties associated with meeting the required needs for organs used in transplantation, alternative approaches need to be considered. These include the use of stem cells as potential sources of specialized cells, the ability to transdifferentiate cell types in culture, and the development of complete organs that can be used in humans. All of the above goals will require a complete understanding of the factors affecting cell differentiation and nuclear reprogramming. To make this a reality, however, techniques associated with cloning and genetic modifications in somatic cells need to be continued to be developed and optimized. This includes not only an enhancement of the rate of homologous recombination in somatic cells, but also a thorough understanding of the nuclear reprogramming process taking place during nuclear transfer. The understanding of this process is likely to have an effect beyond the area of nuclear transfer and assist with better methods for transdifferentiation of mammalian cells.

A Protein Preparation Method for the High-throughput Identification of Proteins Interacting with a Nuclear Cofactor Using LC-MS/MS Analysis.

PubMed

Tsuchiya, Megumi; Karim, M Rezaul; Matsumoto, Taro; Ogawa, Hidesato; Taniguchi, Hiroaki

2017-01-24

Transcriptional coregulators are vital to the efficient transcriptional regulation of nuclear chromatin structure. Coregulators play a variety of roles in regulating transcription. These include the direct interaction with transcription factors, the covalent modification of histones and other proteins, and the occasional chromatin conformation alteration. Accordingly, establishing relatively quick methods for identifying proteins that interact within this network is crucial to enhancing our understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms. LC-MS/MS-mediated protein binding partner identification is a validated technique used to analyze protein-protein interactions. By immunoprecipitating a previously-identified member of a protein complex with an antibody (occasionally with an antibody for a tagged protein), it is possible to identify its unknown protein interactions via mass spectrometry analysis. Here, we present a method of protein preparation for the LC-MS/MS-mediated high-throughput identification of protein interactions involving nuclear cofactors and their binding partners. This method allows for a better understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the targeted nuclear factors.

The small-x gluon distribution in centrality biased pA and pp collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumitru, Adrian; Kapilevich, Gary; Skokov, Vladimir

2018-06-01

The nuclear modification factor RpA (pT) provides information on the small-x gluon distribution of a nucleus at hadron colliders. Several experiments have recently measured the nuclear modification factor not only in minimum bias but also for central pA collisions. In this paper we analyze the bias on the configurations of soft gluon fields introduced by a centrality selection via the number of hard particles. Such bias can be viewed as reweighting of configurations of small-x gluons. We find that the biased nuclear modification factor QpA (pT) for central collisions is above RpA (pT) for minimum bias events, and that it may redevelop a "Cronin peak" even at small x. The magnitude of the peak is predicted to increase approximately like 1 /A⊥ ν, ν ∼ 0.6 ± 0.1, if one is able to select more compact configurations of the projectile proton where its gluons occupy a smaller transverse area A⊥. We predict an enhanced Qpp (pT) - 1 ∼ 1 /(pT2) ν and a Cronin peak even for central pp collisions.

Targeting NRF2 for Improved Skin Barrier Function and Photoprotection: Focus on the Achiote-Derived Apocarotenoid Bixin

PubMed Central

Rojo de la Vega, Montserrat; Krajisnik, Andrea; Zhang, Donna D.; Wondrak, Georg T.

2017-01-01

The transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2) orchestrates major cellular defense mechanisms including phase-II detoxification, inflammatory signaling, DNA repair, and antioxidant response. Recent studies strongly suggest a protective role of NRF2-mediated gene expression in the suppression of cutaneous photodamage induced by solar UV (ultraviolet) radiation. The apocarotenoid bixin, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved natural food colorant (referred to as ‘annatto’) originates from the seeds of the achiote tree native to tropical America, consumed by humans since ancient times. Use of achiote preparations for skin protection against environmental insult and for enhanced wound healing has long been documented. We have recently reported that (i) bixin is a potent canonical activator of the NRF2-dependent cytoprotective response in human skin keratinocytes; that (ii) systemic administration of bixin activates NRF2 with protective effects against solar UV-induced skin damage; and that (iii) bixin-induced suppression of photodamage is observable in Nrf2+/+ but not in Nrf2−/− SKH-1 mice confirming the NRF2-dependence of bixin-induced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, bixin displays molecular activities as sacrificial antioxidant, excited state quencher, PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) α/γ agonist, and TLR (Toll-like receptor) 4/NFκB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) antagonist, all of which might be relevant to the enhancement of skin barrier function and environmental stress protection. Potential skin photoprotection and photochemoprevention benefits provided by topical application or dietary consumption of this ethno-pharmacologically validated phytochemical originating from the Americas deserves further preclinical and clinical examination. PMID:29258247

Nuclear factors that bind to the enhancer region of nondefective Friend murine leukemia virus.

PubMed Central

Manley, N R; O'Connell, M A; Sharp, P A; Hopkins, N

1989-01-01

Nondefective Friend murine leukemia virus (MuLV) causes erythroleukemia when injected into newborn NFS mice, while Moloney MuLV causes T-cell lymphoma. Exchange of the Friend virus enhancer region, a sequence of about 180 nucleotides including the direct repeat and a short 3'-adjacent segment, for the corresponding region in Moloney MuLV confers the ability to cause erythroid disease on Moloney MuLV. We have used the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and methylation interference analysis to identify cellular factors which bind to the Friend virus enhancer region and compared these with factors, previously identified, that bind to the Moloney virus direct repeat (N. A. Speck and D. Baltimore, Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:1101-1110, 1987). We identified five binding sites for sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins in the Friend virus enhancer region. While some binding sites are present in both the Moloney and Friend virus enhancers, both viruses contain unique sites not present in the other. Although none of the factors identified in this report which bind to these unique sites are present exclusively in T cells or erythroid cells, they bind to three regions of the enhancer shown by genetic analysis to encode disease specificity and thus are candidates to mediate the tissue-specific expression and distinct disease specificities encoded by these virus enhancer elements. Images PMID:2778872

Hyper-O-GlcNAcylation inhibits the induction of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp 70) by sodium arsenite in HeLa cells.

PubMed

Miura, Yuri; Sato, Takatoshi; Sakurai, Yoko; Sakai, Ryo; Hiraoka, Wakako; Endo, Tamao

2014-01-01

O-Linked β-N-acetylglucosamine-modification (O-GlcNAcylation) is a reversible, post-translational, and regulatory modification of nuclear, mitochondrial, and cytoplasmic proteins that is responsive to cellular stress. However, the role of O-GlcNAcylation in the induction of heat shock proteins (Hsps) by arsenite remains unclear. We used O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranosylidene) amino N-phenyl carbamate (PUGNAc), an inhibitor of O-GlcNAcase, and glucosamine (GlcN), an enhancer of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, or O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) short interfering RNA (siRNA) to enhance or suppress cellular O-GlcNAcylation levels, respectively, in HeLa cells. The exposure to arsenite increased O-GlcNAcylation and Hsp 70 levels in HeLa cells. However, the pre-treatment with PUGNAc or GlcN, which enhanced O-GlcNAcylation levels, decreased the arsenite-induced expression of Hsp 70. The pre-treatment with OGT siRNA, which suppressed O-GlcNAcylation levels, did not affect the induction of Hsp 70. We then examined the effects of O-GlcNAcylation on the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), and found that neither the nuclear translocation nor phosphorylation of HSF1 was regulated by O-GlcNAcylation. Finally, Hsp 70 mRNA expression was induced by arsenite, whereas the addition of PUGNAc slightly suppressed its induction. These results indicate that O-GlcNAcylation is related to arsenite-induced Hsp 70 expression, and demonstrated that hyper-O-GlcNAcylation inhibited the induction of Hsp 70 via transcriptional factors instead of HSF1.

Thoracic vagal efferent nerve stimulation evokes substance P-induced early airway bronchonstriction and late proinflammatory and oxidative injury in the rat respiratory tract.

PubMed

Li, Ping-Chia; Li, Sheng-Chung; Lin, Yuan-Ju; Liang, Jin-Tung; Chien, Chiang-Ting; Shaw, Chen-Fu

2005-01-01

Electrical stimulation of efferent thoracic vagus nerve (TVN) evoked neurogenic inflammation in respiratory tract of atropine-treated rats by an undefined mechanism. We explored whether efferent TVN stimulation via substance P facilitates neurogenic inflammation via action of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Our results showed that increased frequency of TVN stimulation concomitantly increased substance P-enhanced hypotension, and bronchoconstriction (increases in smooth muscle electromyographic activity and total pulmonary resistance). The enhanced SP release evoked the appearance of endothelial gap in silver-stained leaky venules, India-ink labeled extravasation, and accumulations of inflammatory cells in the respiratory tract, contributing to trachea plasma extravasation as well as increases in blood O (2)(-) and H(2)O(2) ROS amount. L-732138 (NK(1) receptor antagonist), SR-48968 (NK(2) receptor antagonist), dimethylthiourea (H(2)O(2) scavenger) or catechins (O (2)(-) and H(2)O(2) scavenger) pretreatment reduced efferent TVN stimulation-enhanced hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and plasma extravasation. Increased frequency of TVN stimulation significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in nuclear protein and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in total protein of the lower respiratory tract tissue. The upregulation of NF-kappaB and ICAM-1 was attenuated by NK receptor antagonist and antioxidants. In conclusion, TVN efferent stimulation increases substance P release to trigger NF-kappaB mediated ICAM-1 expression and O (2)(-) and H(2)O(2) ROS production in the respiratory tract.

p35 Regulates the CRM1-Dependent Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of Nuclear Hormone Receptor Coregulator-Interacting Factor 1 (NIF-1)

PubMed Central

Zhao, Xiao-Su; Fu, Wing-Yu; Chien, Winnie W. Y.; Li, Zhen; Fu, Amy K. Y.; Ip, Nancy Y.

2014-01-01

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase, which plays critical roles in a wide spectrum of neuronal functions including neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth, and synapse development and plasticity. Cdk5 activity is controlled by its specific activators: p35 or p39. While knockout studies reveal that Cdk5/p35 is critical for neuronal migration during early brain development, functions of Cdk5/p35 have been unraveled through the identification of the interacting proteins of p35, most of which are Cdk5/p35 substrates. However, it remains unclear whether p35 can regulate neuronal functions independent of Cdk5 activity. Here, we report that a nuclear protein, nuclear hormone receptor coregulator (NRC)-interacting factor 1 (NIF-1), is a new interacting partner of p35. Interestingly, p35 regulates the functions of NIF-1 independent of Cdk5 activity. NIF-1 was initially discovered as a transcriptional regulator that enhances the transcriptional activity of nuclear hormone receptors. Our results show that p35 interacts with NIF-1 and regulates its nucleocytoplasmic trafficking via the nuclear export pathway. Furthermore, we identified a nuclear export signal on p35; mutation of this site or blockade of the CRM1/exportin-dependent nuclear export pathway resulted in the nuclear accumulation of p35. Intriguingly, blocking the nuclear export of p35 attenuated the nuclear accumulation of NIF-1. These findings reveal a new p35-dependent mechanism in transcriptional regulation that involves the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of transcription regulators. PMID:25329792

p35 regulates the CRM1-dependent nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of nuclear hormone receptor coregulator-interacting factor 1 (NIF-1).

PubMed

Zhao, Xiao-Su; Fu, Wing-Yu; Chien, Winnie W Y; Li, Zhen; Fu, Amy K Y; Ip, Nancy Y

2014-01-01

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase, which plays critical roles in a wide spectrum of neuronal functions including neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth, and synapse development and plasticity. Cdk5 activity is controlled by its specific activators: p35 or p39. While knockout studies reveal that Cdk5/p35 is critical for neuronal migration during early brain development, functions of Cdk5/p35 have been unraveled through the identification of the interacting proteins of p35, most of which are Cdk5/p35 substrates. However, it remains unclear whether p35 can regulate neuronal functions independent of Cdk5 activity. Here, we report that a nuclear protein, nuclear hormone receptor coregulator (NRC)-interacting factor 1 (NIF-1), is a new interacting partner of p35. Interestingly, p35 regulates the functions of NIF-1 independent of Cdk5 activity. NIF-1 was initially discovered as a transcriptional regulator that enhances the transcriptional activity of nuclear hormone receptors. Our results show that p35 interacts with NIF-1 and regulates its nucleocytoplasmic trafficking via the nuclear export pathway. Furthermore, we identified a nuclear export signal on p35; mutation of this site or blockade of the CRM1/exportin-dependent nuclear export pathway resulted in the nuclear accumulation of p35. Intriguingly, blocking the nuclear export of p35 attenuated the nuclear accumulation of NIF-1. These findings reveal a new p35-dependent mechanism in transcriptional regulation that involves the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of transcription regulators.

Reversal of ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity by cinnamic and syringic acids in mice.

PubMed

Yan, Sheng-Lei; Wang, Zhi-Hong; Yen, Hsiu-Fang; Lee, Yi-Ju; Yin, Mei-Chin

2016-12-01

Ethanol was used to induce acute hepatotoxicity in mice. Effects of cinnamic acid (CA) and syringic acid (SA) post-intake for hepatic recovery from alcoholic injury was investigated. Ethanol treated mice were supplied by CA or SA at 40 or 80 mg/kg BW/day for 5 days. Results showed that ethanol stimulated protein expression of CYP2E1, p47 phox , gp91 phox , cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor kappa B in liver. CA or SA post-intake restricted hepatic expression of these molecules. Ethanol suppressed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression, and CA or SA enhanced Nrf2 expression in cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Ethanol increased the release of reactive oxygen species, oxidized glutathione, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric acid and prostaglandin E 2 . CA or SA lowered hepatic production of these oxidative and inflammatory factors. Histological data revealed that ethanol administration caused obvious foci of inflammatory cell infiltration, and CA or SA post-intake improved hepatic inflammatory infiltration. These findings support that cinnamic acid and syringic acid are potent nutraceutical agents for acute alcoholic liver disease therapy. However, potential additive or synergistic benefits of cinnamic and syringic acids against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity need to be investigated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced air dispersion modelling at a typical Chinese nuclear power plant site: Coupling RIMPUFF with two advanced diagnostic wind models.

PubMed

Liu, Yun; Li, Hong; Sun, Sida; Fang, Sheng

2017-09-01

An enhanced air dispersion modelling scheme is proposed to cope with the building layout and complex terrain of a typical Chinese nuclear power plant (NPP) site. In this modelling, the California Meteorological Model (CALMET) and the Stationary Wind Fit and Turbulence (SWIFT) are coupled with the Risø Mesoscale PUFF model (RIMPUFF) for refined wind field calculation. The near-field diffusion coefficient correction scheme of the Atmospheric Relative Concentrations in the Building Wakes Computer Code (ARCON96) is adopted to characterize dispersion in building arrays. The proposed method is evaluated by a wind tunnel experiment that replicates the typical Chinese NPP site. For both wind speed/direction and air concentration, the enhanced modelling predictions agree well with the observations. The fraction of the predictions within a factor of 2 and 5 of observations exceeds 55% and 82% respectively in the building area and the complex terrain area. This demonstrates the feasibility of the new enhanced modelling for typical Chinese NPP sites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Lee, Sungsoo, E-mail: sungsoo.lee@utsouthwestern.edu; Wang, Ping-Yuan; Jeong, Yangsik

Oxysterol binding protein related protein 1S (ORP1S) is a member of a family of sterol transport proteins. Here we present evidence that ORP1S translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in response to sterol binding. The sterols that best promote nuclear import of ORP1S also activate the liver X receptor (LXR) transcription factors and we show that ORP1S binds to LXRs, promotes binding of LXRs to LXR response elements (LXREs) and specifically enhances LXR-dependent transcription via the ME.1 and ME.2 enhancer elements of the apoE gene. We propose that ORP1S is a cytoplasmic sterol sensor, which transports sterols to themore » nucleus and promotes LXR-dependent gene transcription through select enhancer elements. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ORP1S translocates to the nucleus in response to sterol binding. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The sterols that best promote nuclear import of ORP1S are LXR agonists. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ORP1S binds to LXRs, enhances binding of LXRs to LXREs and promotes LXR-dependent transcription of apoE.« less

Fascin regulates nuclear actin during Drosophila oogenesis

PubMed Central

Kelpsch, Daniel J.; Groen, Christopher M.; Fagan, Tiffany N.; Sudhir, Sweta; Tootle, Tina L.

2016-01-01

Drosophila oogenesis provides a developmental system with which to study nuclear actin. During Stages 5–9, nuclear actin levels are high in the oocyte and exhibit variation within the nurse cells. Cofilin and Profilin, which regulate the nuclear import and export of actin, also localize to the nuclei. Expression of GFP-tagged Actin results in nuclear actin rod formation. These findings indicate that nuclear actin must be tightly regulated during oogenesis. One factor mediating this regulation is Fascin. Overexpression of Fascin enhances nuclear GFP-Actin rod formation, and Fascin colocalizes with the rods. Loss of Fascin reduces, whereas overexpression of Fascin increases, the frequency of nurse cells with high levels of nuclear actin, but neither alters the overall nuclear level of actin within the ovary. These data suggest that Fascin regulates the ability of specific cells to accumulate nuclear actin. Evidence indicates that Fascin positively regulates nuclear actin through Cofilin. Loss of Fascin results in decreased nuclear Cofilin. In addition, Fascin and Cofilin genetically interact, as double heterozygotes exhibit a reduction in the number of nurse cells with high nuclear actin levels. These findings are likely applicable beyond Drosophila follicle development, as the localization and functions of Fascin and the mechanisms regulating nuclear actin are widely conserved. PMID:27535426

Protein Kinase D-dependent Phosphorylation and Nuclear Export of Histone Deacetylase 5 Mediates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-induced Gene Expression and Angiogenesis*S⃞

PubMed Central

Ha, Chang Hoon; Wang, Weiye; Jhun, Bong Sook; Wong, Chelsea; Hausser, Angelika; Pfizenmaier, Klaus; McKinsey, Timothy A.; Olson, Eric N.; Jin, Zheng-Gen

2008-01-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential for normal and pathological angiogenesis. However, the signaling pathways linked to gene regulation in VEGF-induced angiogenesis are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate a critical role of protein kinase D (PKD) and histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in VEGF-induced gene expression and angiogenesis. We found that VEGF stimulated HDAC5 phosphorylation and nuclear export in endothelial cells through a VEGF receptor 2-phospholipase Cγ-protein kinase C-PKD-dependent pathway. We further showed that the PKD-HDAC5 pathway mediated myocyte enhancer factor-2 transcriptional activation and a specific subset of gene expression in response to VEGF, including NR4A1, an orphan nuclear receptor involved in angiogenesis. Specifically, inhibition of PKD by overexpression of the PKD kinase-negative mutant prevents VEGF-induced HDAC5 phosphorylation and nuclear export as well as NR4A1 induction. Moreover, a mutant of HDAC5 specifically deficient in PKD-dependent phosphorylation inhibited VEGF-mediated NR4A1 expression, endothelial cell migration, and in vitro angiogenesis. These findings suggest that the PKD-HDAC5 pathway plays an important role in VEGF regulation of gene transcription and angiogenesis. PMID:18332134

Nuclear factor I-C reciprocally regulates adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation via control of canonical Wnt signaling.

PubMed

Zhou, Jie; Wang, Shan; Qi, Qi; Yang, Xiaoyue; Zhu, Endong; Yuan, Hairui; Li, Xuemei; Liu, Ying; Li, Xiaoxia; Wang, Baoli

2017-05-01

Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC) has recently been identified as an important player in osteogenesis and bone homeostasis in vivo However, the molecular mechanisms involved have yet to be defined. In the current study, Nfic expression was altered in primary marrow stromal cells and established progenitor lines after adipogenic and osteogenic treatment. Overexpression of Nfic in stromal cells ST2, mesenchymal cells C3H10T1/2, and primary marrow stromal cells inhibited adipogenic differentiation, whereas it promoted osteogenic differentiation. Conversely, silencing of endogenous Nfic in the cell lines enhanced adipogenic differentiation, whereas it blocked osteogenic differentiation. Mechanism investigations revealed that Nfic overexpression promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin and increased nuclear protein levels of β-catenin and transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2). Promoter studies and the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed that NFIC directly binds to the promoter of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (Lrp5) and thereafter transactivates the promoter. Finally, inactivation of canonical Wnt signaling in ST2 attenuated the inhibition of adipogenic differentiation and stimulation of osteogenic differentiation by NFIC. Our study suggests that NFIC balances adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation from progenitor cells through controlling canonical Wnt signaling and highlights the potential of NFIC as a target for new therapies to control metabolic disorders like osteoporosis and obesity.-Zhou, J., Wang, S., Qi, Q., Yang, X., Zhu, E., Yuan, H., Li, X., Liu, Y., Li, X., Wang, B. Nuclear factor I-C reciprocally regulates adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation via control of canonical Wnt signaling. © FASEB.

A ΩXaV motif in the Rift Valley fever virus NSs protein is essential for degrading p62, forming nuclear filaments and virulence

PubMed Central

Cyr, Normand; de la Fuente, Cynthia; Lecoq, Lauriane; Guendel, Irene; Chabot, Philippe R.; Kehn-Hall, Kylene; Omichinski, James G.

2015-01-01

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a single-stranded RNA virus capable of inducing fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans. A key component of RVFV virulence is its ability to form nuclear filaments through interactions between the viral nonstructural protein NSs and the host general transcription factor TFIIH. Here, we identify an interaction between a ΩXaV motif in NSs and the p62 subunit of TFIIH. This motif in NSs is similar to ΩXaV motifs found in nucleotide excision repair (NER) factors and transcription factors known to interact with p62. Structural and biophysical studies demonstrate that NSs binds to p62 in a similar manner as these other factors. Functional studies in RVFV-infected cells show that the ΩXaV motif is required for both nuclear filament formation and degradation of p62. Consistent with the fact that the RVFV can be distinguished from other Bunyaviridae-family viruses due to its ability to form nuclear filaments in infected cells, the motif is absent in the NSs proteins of other Bunyaviridae-family viruses. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that p62 binding to NSs through the ΩXaV motif is essential for degrading p62, forming nuclear filaments and enhancing RVFV virulence. In addition, these results show how the RVFV incorporates a simple motif into the NSs protein that enables it to functionally mimic host cell proteins that bind the p62 subunit of TFIIH. PMID:25918396

A ΩXaV motif in the Rift Valley fever virus NSs protein is essential for degrading p62, forming nuclear filaments and virulence.

PubMed

Cyr, Normand; de la Fuente, Cynthia; Lecoq, Lauriane; Guendel, Irene; Chabot, Philippe R; Kehn-Hall, Kylene; Omichinski, James G

2015-05-12

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a single-stranded RNA virus capable of inducing fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans. A key component of RVFV virulence is its ability to form nuclear filaments through interactions between the viral nonstructural protein NSs and the host general transcription factor TFIIH. Here, we identify an interaction between a ΩXaV motif in NSs and the p62 subunit of TFIIH. This motif in NSs is similar to ΩXaV motifs found in nucleotide excision repair (NER) factors and transcription factors known to interact with p62. Structural and biophysical studies demonstrate that NSs binds to p62 in a similar manner as these other factors. Functional studies in RVFV-infected cells show that the ΩXaV motif is required for both nuclear filament formation and degradation of p62. Consistent with the fact that the RVFV can be distinguished from other Bunyaviridae-family viruses due to its ability to form nuclear filaments in infected cells, the motif is absent in the NSs proteins of other Bunyaviridae-family viruses. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that p62 binding to NSs through the ΩXaV motif is essential for degrading p62, forming nuclear filaments and enhancing RVFV virulence. In addition, these results show how the RVFV incorporates a simple motif into the NSs protein that enables it to functionally mimic host cell proteins that bind the p62 subunit of TFIIH.

Acetaminophen Enhances Cisplatin- and Paclitaxel-mediated Cytotoxicity to SKOV3 Human Ovarian Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Wu, Y. Jeffrey; Neuwelt, Alexander J.; Muldoon, Leslie L.; Neuwelt, Edward A.

2013-01-01

Background Ovarian cancer is commonly treated with cisplatin/paclitaxel but many tumors become resistant. Acetaminophen reduced glutathione and enhanced chemotherapy efficacy in treating hepatic cancer. The objective of this study was to examine if acetaminophen enhances the cytotoxicity of cisplatin/paclitaxel in ovarian cancer. Materials and Methods SKOV3 human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and a subcutaneous tumor nude rat model were used and treated with cisplatin/paclitaxel with or without acetaminophen. Results In vitro, acetaminophen enhanced apoptosis induced by cisplatin and paclitaxel with similar effects on glutathione, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential but different effects on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) translocation. In vivo, acetaminophen was uniformly distributed in tissue and significantly reduced hepatic glutathione. Acetaminophen enhanced cisplatin chemotherapeutic effect by reducing tumor recurrence Conclusion Our results suggest that acetaminophen as a chemoenhancing adjuvant could improve the efficacy of cisplatin and paclitaxel in treating patients with ovarian carcinoma and other tumor types. PMID:23749887

A Herpesvirus Protein Selectively Inhibits Cellular mRNA Nuclear Export.

PubMed

Gong, Danyang; Kim, Yong Hoon; Xiao, Yuchen; Du, Yushen; Xie, Yafang; Lee, Kevin K; Feng, Jun; Farhat, Nisar; Zhao, Dawei; Shu, Sara; Dai, Xinghong; Chanda, Sumit K; Rana, Tariq M; Krogan, Nevan J; Sun, Ren; Wu, Ting-Ting

2016-11-09

Nuclear mRNA export is highly regulated to ensure accurate cellular gene expression. Viral inhibition of cellular mRNA export can enhance viral access to the cellular translation machinery and prevent anti-viral protein production but is generally thought to be nonselective. We report that ORF10 of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), a nuclear DNA virus, inhibits mRNA export in a transcript-selective manner to control cellular gene expression. Nuclear export inhibition by ORF10 requires an interaction with an RNA export factor, Rae1. Genome-wide analysis reveals a subset of cellular mRNAs whose nuclear export is blocked by ORF10 with the 3' UTRs of ORF10-targeted transcripts conferring sensitivity to export inhibition. The ORF10-Rae1 interaction is important for the virus to express viral genes and produce infectious virions. These results suggest that a nuclear DNA virus can selectively interfere with RNA export to restrict host gene expression for optimal replication. Published by Elsevier Inc.

WDR5 Facilitates Human Cytomegalovirus Replication by Promoting Capsid Nuclear Egress.

PubMed

Yang, Bo; Liu, Xi-Juan; Yao, Yongxuan; Jiang, Xuan; Wang, Xian-Zhang; Yang, Hong; Sun, Jin-Yan; Miao, Yun; Wang, Wei; Huang, Zhen-Li; Wang, Yanyi; Tang, Qiyi; Rayner, Simon; Britt, William J; McVoy, Michael A; Luo, Min-Hua; Zhao, Fei

2018-05-01

WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) is essential for assembling the VISA-associated complex to induce a type I interferon antiviral response to Sendai virus infection. However, the roles of WDR5 in DNA virus infections are not well described. Here, we report that human cytomegalovirus exploits WDR5 to facilitate capsid nuclear egress. Overexpression of WDR5 in fibroblasts slightly enhanced the infectious virus yield. However, WDR5 knockdown dramatically reduced infectious virus titers with only a small decrease in viral genome replication or gene expression. Further investigation of late steps of viral replication found that WDR5 knockdown significantly impaired formation of the viral nuclear egress complex and induced substantially fewer infoldings of the inner nuclear membrane. In addition, fewer capsids were associated with these infoldings, and there were fewer capsids in the cytoplasm. Restoration of WDR5 partially reversed these effects. These results suggest that WDR5 knockdown impairs the nuclear egress of capsids, which in turn decreases virus titers. These findings reveal an important role for a host factor whose function(s) is usurped by a viral pathogen to promote efficient replication. Thus, WDR5 represents an interesting regulatory mechanism and a potential antiviral target. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has a large (∼235-kb) genome with over 170 open reading frames and exploits numerous cellular factors to facilitate its replication. HCMV infection increases protein levels of WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) during infection, overexpression of WDR5 enhances viral replication, and knockdown of WDR5 dramatically attenuates viral replication. Our results indicate that WDR5 promotes the nuclear egress of viral capsids, the depletion of WDR5 resulting in a significant decrease in production of infectious virions. This is the first report that WDR5 favors HCMV, a DNA virus, replication and highlights a novel target for antiviral therapy. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

ARSENITE ACTIVATES KB-DEPENDENT IL-8 GENE EXPRESSION IN AIRWAY EPITHELIM IN THE ABSENCE OF NUCLEAR TRANSLOCATION OF NF-KB

EPA Science Inventory

Airway epithelial cells respond to certain environmental stresses by mounting a proinflammatory response, which is characterized by enhanced synthesis and release of the neutrophil chemotactic and activating factor interleukin-8 (IL-8). IL-8 expression is regulated at the transcr...

Quercetin Reduces Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Induced Muscle Atrophy by Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1.

PubMed

Kim, Yeji; Kim, Chu-Sook; Joe, Yeonsoo; Chung, Hun Taeg; Ha, Tae Youl; Yu, Rina

2018-06-01

The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), upregulated in the obese condition, promotes protein degradation and is implicated in obesity-related skeletal muscle atrophy and age-related sarcopenia. Quercetin, a flavonoid, elicits antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the effect of quercetin on TNFα-induced skeletal muscle atrophy as well as its potential mechanism of action. In this study, we observed that quercetin suppressed expression of TNFα-induced atrophic factors such as MAFbx/atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in myotubes, and it enhanced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein level accompanied by increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in myotubes. The HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP suppressed the inhibitory actions of quercetin on TNFα-induced atrophic responses and degradation of IκB-α in myotubes. Moreover, quercetin supplementation to high-fat diet-fed obese mice inhibited obesity-induced atrophic responses in skeletal muscle, accompanied by upregulation of HO-1 and inactivation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and the quercetin actions were attenuated in Nrf2-deficient mice. These findings suggest that quercetin protects against TNFα-induced muscle atrophy under obese conditions through Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction accompanied by inactivation of NF-κB. Quercetin may be used as a dietary supplement to protect against obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

Characterization of a protein that binds multiple sequences in mammalian type C retrovirus enhancers.

PubMed Central

Sun, W; O'Connell, M; Speck, N A

1993-01-01

Mammalian type C retrovirus enhancer factor 1 (MCREF-1) is a nuclear protein that binds several directly repeated sequences (CNGGN6CNGG) in the Moloney and Friend murine leukemia virus (MLV) enhancers (N. R. Manley, M. O'Connell, W. Sun, N. A. Speck, and N. Hopkins, J. Virol. 67:1967-1975, 1993). In this paper, we describe the partial purification of MCREF-1 from calf thymus nuclei and further characterize the binding properties of MCREF-1. MCREF-1 binds four sites in the Moloney MLV enhancer and three sites in the Friend MLV enhancer. Ethylation interference analysis suggests that the MCREF-1 binding site spans two adjacent minor grooves of DNA. Images PMID:8445719

Dynamic Nuclear Polarization enhanced NMR at 187 GHz/284 MHz using an Extended Interaction Klystron amplifier.

PubMed

Kemp, Thomas F; Dannatt, Hugh R W; Barrow, Nathan S; Watts, Anthony; Brown, Steven P; Newton, Mark E; Dupree, Ray

2016-04-01

A Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation (DNP) enhanced solid-state Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR spectrometer which uses a 187 GHz (corresponding to (1)H NMR frequency of 284 MHz) Extended Interaction Klystron (EIK) amplifier as the microwave source is briefly described. Its performance is demonstrated for a biomolecule (bacteriorhodopsin), a pharmaceutical, and surface functionalised silica. The EIK is very compact and easily incorporated into an existing spectrometer. The bandwidth of the amplifier is sufficient that it obviates the need for a sweepable magnetic field, once set, for all commonly used radicals. The variable power (CW or pulsed) output from the EIK is transmitted to the DNP-NMR probe using a quasi-optic system with a high power isolator and a corrugated waveguide which feeds the microwaves into the DNP-NMR probe. Curved mirrors inside the probe project the microwaves down the axis of the MAS rotor, giving a very efficient system such that maximum DNP enhancement is achieved with less than 3 W output from the microwave source. The DNP-NMR probe operates with a sample temperature down to 90K whilst spinning at 8 kHz. Significant enhancements, in excess of 100 for bacteriorhodopsin in purple membrane (bR in PM), are shown along with spectra which are enhanced by ≈25 with respect to room temperature, for both the pharmaceutical furosemide and surface functionalised silica. These enhancements allow hitherto prohibitively time consuming experiments to be undertaken. The power at which the DNP enhancement in bR in PM saturates does not change significantly between 90K and 170 K even though the enhancement drops by a factor of ≈11. As the DNP build up time decreases by a factor 3 over this temperature range, the reduction in T1n is presumably a significant contribution to the drop in enhancement. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Deciphering the Regulatory Logic of an Ancient, Ultraconserved Nuclear Receptor Enhancer Module

PubMed Central

Bagamasbad, Pia D.; Bonett, Ronald M.; Sachs, Laurent; Buisine, Nicolas; Raj, Samhitha; Knoedler, Joseph R.; Kyono, Yasuhiro; Ruan, Yijun; Ruan, Xiaoan

2015-01-01

Cooperative, synergistic gene regulation by nuclear hormone receptors can increase sensitivity and amplify cellular responses to hormones. We investigated thyroid hormone (TH) and glucocorticoid (GC) synergy on the Krüppel-like factor 9 (Klf9) gene, which codes for a zinc finger transcription factor involved in development and homeostasis of diverse tissues. We identified regions of the Xenopus and mouse Klf9 genes 5–6 kb upstream of the transcription start sites that supported synergistic transactivation by TH plus GC. Within these regions, we found an orthologous sequence of approximately 180 bp that is highly conserved among tetrapods, but absent in other chordates, and possesses chromatin marks characteristic of an enhancer element. The Xenopus and mouse approximately 180-bp DNA element conferred synergistic transactivation by hormones in transient transfection assays, so we designate this the Klf9 synergy module (KSM). We identified binding sites within the mouse KSM for TH receptor, GC receptor, and nuclear factor κB. TH strongly increased recruitment of liganded GC receptor and serine 5 phosphorylated (initiating) RNA polymerase II to chromatin at the KSM, suggesting a mechanism for transcriptional synergy. The KSM is transcribed to generate long noncoding RNAs, which are also synergistically induced by combined hormone treatment, and the KSM interacts with the Klf9 promoter and a far upstream region through chromosomal looping. Our findings support that the KSM plays a central role in hormone regulation of vertebrate Klf9 genes, it evolved in the tetrapod lineage, and has been maintained by strong stabilizing selection. PMID:25866873

Macrophage activation by polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz through the nuclear factor-κB pathway.

PubMed

Ji, Guang-Quan; Chen, Ren-Qiong; Zheng, Jian-Xian

2015-04-01

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz is a traditional herb. Atractylodes macrocephalaon polysaccharides (AMP) have been found to enhance immunity and improve heart function. However, the mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effect have not been investigated. We examined whether AMP activated macrophages and explored the mechanisms of activation. AMP was prepared and evaluated its immunomodulatory activity (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) by detecting the phagocytosis and the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IFN-γ, and nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway was examined in regulating TNF-α and NO production. The phagocytosis of macrophages was enhanced by AMP in a dose-dependent manner and the maximal phagocytosis of macrophages occurred at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg/mL. NO, TNF-α, and IFN-γ release was also found to be dose dependent by increasing concentrations of AMP and reached the peak at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. In addition, AMP induced inhibitor kappaB (IκB) degradation and the activation of NF-κB by p65 nuclear translocation, and then the activation of NF-κB in nucleus peaked at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. Besides, NF-κB-specific inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) decreased AMP-induced NO and TNF-α production. These data suggest that AMP may modulate macrophage activities by stimulating NF-κB or activating NF-κB-dependent mechanisms.

Capsicum annuum homeobox 1 (CaHB1) is a nuclear factor that has roles in plant development, salt tolerance, and pathogen defense

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

Oh, Sang-Keun; Yoon, Joonseon; Choi, Gyung Ja

Highlights: •The CaHB1 is a nuclear factor, belonging to HD-Zip proteins. •SA and ET, as signal molecules, modulate CaHB1-mediated responses. •Overexpression of CaHB1 in tomato resulted in a thicker cell wall. •CaHB1-transgenic tomato confers resistance to Phytophthora infestans. •CaHB1 enhanced tolerance to saline stress in tomato. -- Abstract: Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) family proteins are unique to plants, but little is known about their role in defense responses. CaHB1 is a nuclear factor in peppers, belonging to subfamily II of HD-Zip proteins. Here, we determined the role of CaHB1 in the defense response. CaHB1 expression was induced when pepper plants weremore » challenged with Phytophthora capsici, a plant pathogen to which peppers are susceptible, or environmental stresses such as drought and salt stimuli. CaHB1 was also highly expressed in pepper leaves following application of SA, whereas ethephon and MeJA had a moderate effect. To further investigate the function of CaHB1 in plants, we performed gain-of-function study by overexpression of CaHB1 in tomato. CaHB1-transgenic tomatoes showed significant growth enhancement including increased leaf thickness and enlarged cell size (1.8-fold larger than control plants). Microscopic analysis revealed that leaves from CaHB1-transgenic plants had thicker cell walls and cuticle layers than those from controls. Moreover, CaHB1-transgenic plants displayed enhanced resistance against Phytophthora infestans and increased tolerance to salt stress. Additionally, RT-PCR analysis of CaHB1-transgenic tomatoes revealed constitutive up-regulation of multiple genes involved in plant defense and osmotic stress. Therefore, our findings suggest roles for CaHB1 in development, salt stress, and pathogen defense.« less

Thyroid hormone and COUP-TF1 regulate kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) gene expression.

PubMed

Liu, Yan-Yun; Nakatani, Teruyo; Kogai, Takahiko; Mody, Kaizeen; Brent, Gregory A

2011-03-01

Kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) is a component of the kallikrein-kinin system that mediates vasodilation and inhibits tumor growth by antagonizing vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated angiogenesis. We demonstrate that KBP gene expression is repressed by T(3) and modulated by the orphan nuclear receptor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor 1 (COUP-TF1). In hypothyroid mice, KBP mRNA expression in the testis was increased 2.1-fold compared with euthyroid mice. We have identified two negative thyroid hormone response elements (nTREs) in the mouse KBP gene, nTRE1 located in the 5' flanking region (-53 to -29) and nTRE2, located in the first intron (104-132). We used functional assays, cofactor knockdown, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to characterize nTRE1 and nTRE2 in hepatic (HepG2) and testes (GC-1spg) cell lines. Reporter expression directed by both elements was enhanced with addition of thyroid hormone receptor and repressed with the addition of T(3). COUP-TF1 enhanced basal expression of both elements but blunted unliganded thyroid hormone receptor enhancement and T(3) repression of nTRE1 but not nTRE2. Both nTREs bound nuclear corepressor and binding increased in response to T(3). Nuclear corepressor knockdown resulted in loss of T(3) repression of both nTRE1 and nTRE2. COUP-TF1, which usually represses T(3) induction of positive thyroid hormone response elements, reverses T(3) repression mediated by nTRE1 in the mouse KBP gene. Endogenous KBP expression is repressed by T(3) and two functional nTREs, both of which are required, have been characterized in the KBP gene. COUP-TF1 may be an important factor to modulate expression of genes that are repressed by T(3).

Thyroid Hormone and COUP-TF1 Regulate Kallikrein-Binding Protein (KBP) Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Liu, Yan-Yun; Nakatani, Teruyo; Kogai, Takahiko; Mody, Kaizeen

2011-01-01

Kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) is a component of the kallikrein-kinin system that mediates vasodilation and inhibits tumor growth by antagonizing vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated angiogenesis. We demonstrate that KBP gene expression is repressed by T3 and modulated by the orphan nuclear receptor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor 1 (COUP-TF1). In hypothyroid mice, KBP mRNA expression in the testis was increased 2.1-fold compared with euthyroid mice. We have identified two negative thyroid hormone response elements (nTREs) in the mouse KBP gene, nTRE1 located in the 5′ flanking region (−53 to −29) and nTRE2, located in the first intron (104–132). We used functional assays, cofactor knockdown, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to characterize nTRE1 and nTRE2 in hepatic (HepG2) and testes (GC-1spg) cell lines. Reporter expression directed by both elements was enhanced with addition of thyroid hormone receptor and repressed with the addition of T3. COUP-TF1 enhanced basal expression of both elements but blunted unliganded thyroid hormone receptor enhancement and T3 repression of nTRE1 but not nTRE2. Both nTREs bound nuclear corepressor and binding increased in response to T3. Nuclear corepressor knockdown resulted in loss of T3 repression of both nTRE1 and nTRE2. COUP-TF1, which usually represses T3 induction of positive thyroid hormone response elements, reverses T3 repression mediated by nTRE1 in the mouse KBP gene. Endogenous KBP expression is repressed by T3 and two functional nTREs, both of which are required, have been characterized in the KBP gene. COUP-TF1 may be an important factor to modulate expression of genes that are repressed by T3. PMID:21266512

The Related Transcriptional Enhancer Factor-1 Isoform, TEAD4216, Can Repress Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Mammalian Cells

PubMed Central

Appukuttan, Binoy; McFarland, Trevor J.; Stempel, Andrew; Kassem, Jean B.; Hartzell, Matthew; Zhang, Yi; Bond, Derek; West, Kelsey; Wilson, Reid; Stout, Andrew; Pan, Yuzhen; Ilias, Hoda; Robertson, Kathryn; Klein, Michael L.; Wilson, David; Smith, Justine R.; Stout, J. Timothy

2012-01-01

Increased cellular production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is responsible for the development and progression of multiple cancers and other neovascular conditions, and therapies targeting post-translational VEGF products are used in the treatment of these diseases. Development of methods to control and modify the transcription of the VEGF gene is an alternative approach that may have therapeutic potential. We have previously shown that isoforms of the transcriptional enhancer factor 1-related (TEAD4) protein can enhance the production of VEGF. In this study we describe a new TEAD4 isoform, TEAD4216, which represses VEGF promoter activity. The TEAD4216 isoform inhibits human VEGF promoter activity and does not require the presence of the hypoxia responsive element (HRE), which is the sequence critical to hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-mediated effects. The TEAD4216 protein is localized to the cytoplasm, whereas the enhancer isoforms are found within the nucleus. The TEAD4216 isoform can competitively repress the stimulatory activity of the TEAD4434 and TEAD4148 enhancers. Synthesis of the native VEGF165 protein and cellular proliferation is suppressed by the TEAD4216 isoform. Mutational analysis indicates that nuclear or cytoplasmic localization of any isoform determines whether it acts as an enhancer or repressor, respectively. The TEAD4216 isoform appears to inhibit VEGF production independently of the HRE required activity by HIF, suggesting that this alternatively spliced isoform of TEAD4 may provide a novel approach to treat VEGF-dependent diseases. PMID:22761647

Gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) root extract protects against glycation and related inflammatory and oxidative stress while offering UV absorption capability.

PubMed

Glynn, Kelly M; Anderson, Penny; Fast, David J; Koedam, James; Rebhun, John F; Velliquette, Rodney A

2018-06-15

Glycation and advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) damage skin which is compounded by AGE-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Lip and facial skin could be susceptible to glycation damage as they are chronically stressed. As Gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) root (GR) has an extensive traditional medicine history that includes providing multiple skin benefits, our objective was to determine if GR extract and its base naphthoquinone, shikonin, might protect skin by inhibiting glycation, increasing oxidative defenses, suppressing inflammatory responses, and offering ultraviolet (UV) absorptive potential in lip and facial cosmetic matrices. We show GR extract and shikonin dose-dependently inhibited glycation and enhanced oxidative defenses through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) activation. Inflammatory targets, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), were suppressed by GR extract and shikonin. Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) and glutathione synthesis genes were significantly upregulated by GR extract and shikonin. GR extract boosted higher wavelength UV absorption in select cosmetic matrices. Rationale for the use of GR extract and shikonin are supported by our research. By inhibiting glycation, modulating oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, and UV-absorptive properties, GR extract and shikonin potentially offer multiple skin benefits. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

NOTE The effect of 13C enrichment in the glassing matrix on dynamic nuclear polarization of [1-13C]pyruvate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lumata, Lloyd; Kovacs, Zoltan; Malloy, Craig; Sherry, A. Dean; Merritt, Matthew

2011-03-01

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can effectively form a glassy matrix necessary for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments. We tested the effects of 13C enrichment in DMSO on DNP of [1-13C]pyruvate doped with trityl radical OX063Me. We found that the polarization build-up time τ of pyruvate in 13C-labeled DMSO glassing solution is twice as fast as the unenriched DMSO while the nuclear magnetic resonance enhancement was unchanged. This indicates that 13C-13C spin diffusion is a limiting factor in the kinetics of DNP in this system, but it has a minimal effect on the absolute value of polarization achievable for the target.

The effect of 13C enrichment in the glassing matrix on dynamic nuclear polarization of [1-13C]pyruvate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lumata, Lloyd; Kovacs, Zoltan; Malloy, Craig; Sherry, A. Dean; Merritt, Matthew

2011-03-01

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can effectively form a glassy matrix necessary for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments. We tested the effects of 13C enrichment in DMSO on DNP of [1-13C]pyruvate doped with trityl radical OX063Me. We found that the polarization build-up time τ of pyruvate in 13C-labeled DMSO glassing solution is twice as fast as the unenriched DMSO while the nuclear magnetic resonance enhancement was unchanged. This indicates that 13C-13C spin diffusion is a limiting factor in the kinetics of DNP in this system, but it has a minimal effect on the absolute value of polarization achievable for the target.

Production and NMR signal optimization of hyperpolarized 13C-labeled amino acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parish, Christopher; Niedbalski, Peter; Ferguson, Sarah; Kiswandhi, Andhika; Lumata, Lloyd

Amino acids are targeted nutrients for consumption by cancers to sustain their rapid growth and proliferation. 13C-enriched amino acids are important metabolic tracers for cancer diagnostics using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Despite this diagnostic potential, 13C NMR of amino acids however is hampered by the inherently low NMR sensitivity of the 13C nuclei. In this work, we have employed a physics technique known as dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) to enhance the NMR signals of 13C-enriched amino acids. DNP works by transferring the high polarization of electrons to the nuclear spins via microwave irradiation at low temperature and high magnetic field. Using a fast dissolution method in which the frozen polarized samples are dissolved rapidly with superheated water, injectable solutions of 13C-amino acids with highly enhanced NMR signals (by at least 5,000-fold) were produced at room temperature. Factors that affect the NMR signal enhancement levels such as the choice of free radical polarizing agents and sample preparation will be discussed along with the thermal mixing physics model of DNP. The authors would like to acknowledge the support by US Dept of Defense Award No. W81XWH-14-1-0048 and Robert A. Welch Foundation Grant No. AT-1877.

Influence of the nuclear Zeeman effect on mode locking in pulsed semiconductor quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beugeling, Wouter; Uhrig, Götz S.; Anders, Frithjof B.

2017-09-01

The coherence of the electron spin in a semiconductor quantum dot is strongly enhanced by mode locking through nuclear focusing, where the synchronization of the electron spin to periodic pulsing is slowly transferred to the nuclear spins of the semiconductor material, mediated by the hyperfine interaction between these. The external magnetic field that drives the Larmor oscillations of the electron spin also subjects the nuclear spins to a Zeeman-like coupling, albeit a much weaker one. For typical magnetic fields used in experiments, the energy scale of the nuclear Zeeman effect is comparable to that of the hyperfine interaction, so that it is not negligible. In this work, we analyze the influence of the nuclear Zeeman effect on mode locking quantitatively. Within a perturbative framework, we calculate the Overhauser-field distribution after a prolonged period of pulsing. We find that the nuclear Zeeman effect can exchange resonant and nonresonant frequencies. We distinguish between models with a single type and with multiple types of nuclei. For the latter case, the positions of the resonances depend on the individual g factors, rather than on the average value.

HIF-1α regulates epithelial inflammation by cell autonomous NFκB activation and paracrine stromal remodeling

PubMed Central

Scortegagna, Marzia; Cataisson, Christophe; Martin, Rebecca J.; Hicklin, Daniel J.; Schreiber, Robert D.; Yuspa, Stuart H.

2008-01-01

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a master regulatory transcription factor controlling multiple cell-autonomous and non–cell-autonomous processes, such as metabolism, angiogenesis, matrix invasion, and cancer metastasis. Here we used a new line of transgenic mice with constitutive gain of HIF-1 function in basal keratinocytes and demonstrated a signaling pathway from HIF-1 to nuclear factor κ B (NFκB) activation to enhanced epithelial chemokine and cytokine elaboration. This pathway was responsible for a phenotypically silent accumulation of stromal inflammatory cells and a marked inflammatory hypersensitivity to a single 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) challenge. HIF-1–induced NFκB activation was composed of 2 elements, IκB hyperphosphorylation and phosphorylation of Ser276 on p65, enhancing p65 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, respectively. NFκB transcriptional targets macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2/CXCL2/3), keratinocyte chemokine (KC/CXCL1), and tumor necrosis factor [alfa] (TNFα) were constitutively up-regulated and further increased after TPA challenge both in cultured keratinocytes and in transgenic mice. Whole animal KC, MIP-2, or TNFα immunodepletion each abrogated TPA-induced inflammation, whereas blockade of either VEGF or placenta growth factor (PlGF) signaling did not affect transgenic inflammatory hyper-responsiveness. Thus, epithelial HIF-1 gain of function remodels the local environment by cell-autonomous NFκB-mediated chemokine and cytokine secretion, which may be another mechanism by which HIF-1 facilitates either inflammatory diseases or malignant progression. PMID:18199827

Ginseng saponins and the treatment of osteoporosis: mini literature review

PubMed Central

Siddiqi, Muhammad Hanif; Siddiqi, Muhammad Zubair; Ahn, Sungeun; Kang, Sera; Kim, Yeon-Ju; Sathishkumar, Natarajan; Yang, Dong-Uk; Yang, Deok-Chun

2013-01-01

The ginseng plant (Panax ginseng Meyer) has a large number of active ingredients including steroidal saponins with a dammarane skeleton as well as protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol, commonly known as ginsenosides, which have antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-adipocyte, and sexual enhancing effects. Though several discoveries have demonstrated that ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) as the most important therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis, yet the molecular mechanism of its active metabolites is unknown. In this review, we summarize the evidence supporting the therapeutic properties of ginsenosides both in vivo and in vitro, with an emphasis on the different molecular agents comprising receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B, and matrix metallopeptidase-9, as well as the bone morphogenetic protein-2 and Smad signaling pathways. PMID:24198650

Tyrosine dephosphorylation enhances the therapeutic target activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by disrupting its interaction with estrogen receptor (ER).

PubMed

Ma, Shao; Yin, Ning; Qi, Xiaomei; Pfister, Sandra L; Zhang, Mei-Jie; Ma, Rong; Chen, Guan

2015-05-30

Protein-protein interactions can increase or decrease its therapeutic target activity and the determining factors involved, however, are largely unknown. Here, we report that tyrosine-dephosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) increases its therapeutic target activity by disrupting its interaction with estrogen receptor (ER). Protein tyrosine phosphatase H1 (PTPH1) dephosphorylates the tyrosine kinase EGFR, disrupts its interaction with the nuclear receptor ER, and increases breast cancer sensitivity to small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These effects require PTPH1 catalytic activity and its interaction with EGFR, suggesting that the phosphatase may increase the sensitivity by dephosphorylating EGFR leading to its dissociation with ER. Consistent with this notion, a nuclear-localization defective ER has a higher EGFR-binding activity and confers the resistance to TKI-induced growth inhibition. Additional analysis show that PTPH1 stabilizes EGFR, stimulates the membranous EGFR accumulation, and enhances the growth-inhibitory activity of a combination therapy of TKIs with an anti-estrogen. Since EGFR and ER both are substrates for PTPH1 in vitro and in intact cells, these results indicate that an inhibitory EGFR-ER protein complex can be switched off through a competitive enzyme-substrate binding. Our results would have important implications for the treatment of breast cancer with targeted therapeutics.

FANCL ubiquitinates β-catenin and enhances its nuclear function

PubMed Central

Rotelli, Michael D.; Petersen, Curtis L.; Kaech, Stefanie; Nelson, Whitney D.; Yates, Jane E.; Hanlon Newell, Amy E.; Olson, Susan B.; Druker, Brian J.; Bagby, Grover C.

2012-01-01

Bone marrow failure is a nearly universal complication of Fanconi anemia. The proteins encoded by FANC genes are involved in DNA damage responses through the formation of a multisubunit nuclear complex that facilitates the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of FANCL. However, it is not known whether loss of E3 ubiquitin ligase activity accounts for the hematopoietic stem cell defects characteristic of Fanconi anemia. Here we provide evidence that FANCL increases the activity and expression of β-catenin, a key pluripotency factor in hematopoietic stem cells. We show that FANCL ubiquitinates β-catenin with atypical ubiquitin chain extension known to have nonproteolytic functions. Specifically, β-catenin modified with lysine-11 ubiquitin chain extension efficiently activates a lymphocyte enhancer-binding factor-T cell factor reporter. We also show that FANCL-deficient cells display diminished capacity to activate β-catenin leading to reduced transcription of Wnt-responsive targets c-Myc and Cyclin D1. Suppression of FANCL expression in normal human CD34+ stem and progenitor cells results in fewer β-catenin active cells and inhibits expansion of multilineage progenitors. Together, these results suggest that diminished Wnt/β-catenin signaling may be an underlying molecular defect in FANCL-deficient hematopoietic stem cells leading to their accelerated loss. PMID:22653977

Brain Science and International Nuclear Safeguards: Implications from Cognitive Science and Human Factors Research on the Provision and Use of Safeguards-Relevant Information in the Field

DOE PAGES

Gastelum, Zoe Nellie; Matzen, Laura E.; Smartt, Heidi A.; ...

2017-06-01

Today’s international nuclear safeguards inspectors have access to an increasing volume of supplemental information about the facilities under their purview, including commercial satellite imagery, nuclear trade data, open source information, and results from previous safeguards activities. In addition to completing traditional in-field safeguards activities, inspectors are now responsible for being able to act upon this growing corpus of supplemental safeguards-relevant data and for maintaining situational awareness of unusual activities taking place in their environment. However, cognitive science research suggests that maintaining too much information can be detrimental to a user’s understanding, and externalizing information (for example, to a mobile device)more » to reduce cognitive burden can decrease cognitive function related to memory, navigation, and attention. Given this dichotomy, how can international nuclear safeguards inspectors better synthesize information to enhance situational awareness, decision making, and performance in the field? This paper examines literature from the fields of cognitive science and human factors in the areas of wayfinding, situational awareness, equipment and technical assistance, and knowledge transfer, and describes the implications for the provision of, and interaction with, safeguards-relevant information for international nuclear safeguards inspectors working in the field.« less

Brain Science and International Nuclear Safeguards: Implications from Cognitive Science and Human Factors Research on the Provision and Use of Safeguards-Relevant Information in the Field

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

Gastelum, Zoe Nellie; Matzen, Laura E.; Smartt, Heidi A.

Today’s international nuclear safeguards inspectors have access to an increasing volume of supplemental information about the facilities under their purview, including commercial satellite imagery, nuclear trade data, open source information, and results from previous safeguards activities. In addition to completing traditional in-field safeguards activities, inspectors are now responsible for being able to act upon this growing corpus of supplemental safeguards-relevant data and for maintaining situational awareness of unusual activities taking place in their environment. However, cognitive science research suggests that maintaining too much information can be detrimental to a user’s understanding, and externalizing information (for example, to a mobile device)more » to reduce cognitive burden can decrease cognitive function related to memory, navigation, and attention. Given this dichotomy, how can international nuclear safeguards inspectors better synthesize information to enhance situational awareness, decision making, and performance in the field? This paper examines literature from the fields of cognitive science and human factors in the areas of wayfinding, situational awareness, equipment and technical assistance, and knowledge transfer, and describes the implications for the provision of, and interaction with, safeguards-relevant information for international nuclear safeguards inspectors working in the field.« less

Inhibition of human T cell leukemia virus type 2 replication by the suppressive action of class II transactivator and nuclear factor Y.

PubMed

Tosi, Giovanna; Pilotti, Elisabetta; Mortara, Lorenzo; De Lerma Barbaro, Andrea; Casoli, Claudio; Accolla, Roberto S

2006-08-22

The master regulator of MHC-II gene transcription, class II transactivator (CIITA), acts as a potent inhibitor of human T cell leukemia virus type 2 (HTLV-2) replication by blocking the activity of the viral Tax-2 transactivator. Here, we show that this inhibitory effect takes place at the nuclear level and maps to the N-terminal 1-321 region of CIITA, where we identified a minimal domain, from positions 64-144, that is strictly required to suppress Tax-2 function. Furthermore, we show that Tax-2 specifically cooperates with cAMP response element binding protein-binding protein (CBP) and p300, but not with p300/CBP-associated factor, to enhance transcription from the viral promoter. This finding represents a unique difference with respect to Tax-1, which uses all three coactivators to transactivate the human T cell leukemia virus type 1 LTR. Direct sequestering of CBP or p300 is not the primary mechanism by which CIITA causes suppression of Tax-2. Interestingly, we found that the transcription factor nuclear factor Y, which interacts with CIITA to increase transcription of MHC-II genes, exerts a negative regulatory action on the Tax-2-mediated HTLV-2 LTR transactivation. Thus, CIITA may inhibit Tax-2 function, at least in part, through nuclear factor Y. These findings demonstrate the dual defensive role of CIITA against pathogens: it increases the antigen-presenting function for viral determinants and suppresses HTLV-2 replication in infected cells.

c-MYC independent nuclear reprogramming favors cardiogenic potential of induced pluripotent stem cells

PubMed Central

Martinez-Fernandez, Almudena; Nelson, Timothy J.; Ikeda, Yasuhiro; Terzic, Andre

2010-01-01

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technology has launched a new platform in regenerative medicine aimed at deriving unlimited replacement tissue from autologous sources through somatic cell reprogramming using stemness factor sets. In this way, authentic cardiomyocytes have been obtained from iPS and recently demonstrated in proof-of-principle studies to repair infarcted heart. Optimizing the cardiogenic potential of iPS progeny would ensure a maximized yield of bioengineered cardiac tissue. Here, we reprogrammed fibroblasts in the presence or absence of c-MYC to determine if the acquired cardiogenicity is sensitive to the method of nuclear reprogramming. Using lentiviral constructs that expressed stemness factors SOX2, OCT4, and KLF4 with or without c-MYC, iPS clones generated through fibroblast reprogramming demonstrated indistinguishable characteristics for 5 days of differentiation with similar cell morphology, growth rates, and chimeric embryo integration. However, 4-factor c-MYC dependent nuclear reprogramming produced iPS progeny that consistently prolonged the expression of pluripotent Oct-4 and Fgf4 genes and repressed cardiac differentiation. In contrast, 3-factor c-MYC-less iPS clones efficiently up-regulated pre-cardiac (CXCR4, Flk-1, and Mesp1/2) and cardiac (Nkx2.5, Mef2c, and Myocardin) gene expression patterns. In fact, 3-factor iPS progeny demonstrated early and robust cardiogenesis during in vitro differentiation with consistent beating activity, sarcomere maturation, and rhythmical intracellular calcium dynamics. Thus, nuclear reprogramming independent of c-MYC enhances production of pluripotent stem cells with innate cardiogenic potential. PMID:20221419

The transcription factor LEF-1 induces an epithelial–mesenchymal transition in MDCK cells independent of β-catenin

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

Kobayashi, Wakako; Ozawa, Masayuki, E-mail: mozawa@m.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp

2013-12-06

Highlights: •The transcription factor LEF-1 induces an EMT in MDCK cells. •A mutant LEF-1 that cannot interact with β-catenin retained the ability. •The nuclear function of β-catenin was not necessary for the LEF-1-induced EMT. •The mRNA levels of Slug, ZEB1, and ZEB2 increased significantly in these cells. -- Abstract: The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key process in the tumor metastatic cascade, is characterized by the loss of cell–cell junctions and cell polarity, as well as the acquisition of migratory and invasive properties. LEF-1 is a member of the lymphoid enhancer-binding factor/T-cell factor (LEF/TCF) family of DNA-binding transcription factors, which interactmore » with nuclear β-catenin and act as central transcriptional mediators of Wnt signaling. To investigate the role of LEF-1 in EMT, we generated stable LEF-1 transfectants using MDCK cells. The transfectants had a spindle-shaped mesenchymal morphology, and enhanced migration and invasiveness relative to control cells. These EMT changes were accompanied by the downregulation of an epithelial marker protein, E-cadherin, and the upregulation of mesenchymal marker proteins, vimentin and N-cadherin. Consistent with these observations, the mRNA levels of Slug, ZEB1, and ZEB2—EMT-related transcription factors—increased significantly. Although the N-terminally deleted mutant LEF-1 cannot interact with β-catenin, it retained the ability to induce EMT. Consistent with these observations, neither the expression of a dominant negative β-catenin/engrailed chimera, nor the expression of a cytoplasmic domain of E-cadherin that sequesters β-catenin from binding to LEF/TCF, reversed LEF-1-induced EMT. Together, these data indicated that the nuclear function of β-catenin was not necessary for the induction of Slug, ZEB1, and ZEB2 expression leading to EMT.« less

Ketamine produces antidepressant-like effects through phosphorylation-dependent nuclear export of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in rats

PubMed Central

Choi, Miyeon; Lee, Seung Hoon; Wang, Sung Eun; Ko, Seung Yeon; Song, Mihee; Choi, June-Seek; Duman, Ronald S.; Son, Hyeon

2015-01-01

Ketamine produces rapid antidepressant-like effects in animal assays for depression, although the molecular mechanisms underlying these behavioral actions remain incomplete. Here, we demonstrate that ketamine rapidly stimulates histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) phosphorylation and nuclear export in rat hippocampal neurons through calcium/calmodulin kinase II- and protein kinase D-dependent pathways. Consequently, ketamine enhanced the transcriptional activity of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), which leads to regulation of MEF2 target genes. Transfection of a HDAC5 phosphorylation-defective mutant (Ser259/Ser498 replaced by Ala259/Ala498, HDAC5-S/A), resulted in resistance to ketamine-induced nuclear export, suppression of ketamine-mediated MEF2 transcriptional activity, and decreased expression of MEF2 target genes. Behaviorally, viral-mediated hippocampal knockdown of HDAC5 blocked or occluded the antidepressant effects of ketamine both in unstressed and stressed animals. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role of HDAC5 in the actions of ketamine and suggest that HDAC5 could be a potential mechanism contributing to the therapeutic actions of ketamine. PMID:26647181

Characterization of the International Humic Substances Society standard and reference fulvic and humic acids by solution state carbon-13 (13C) and hydrogen-1 (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thorn, Kevin A.; Folan, Daniel W.; MacCarthy, Patrick

1989-01-01

Standard and reference samples of the International Humic Substances Society have been characterized by solution state carbon-13 and hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. Samples included the Suwannee River, soil, and peat standard fulvic and humic acids, the Leonardite standard humic acid, the Nordic aquatic reference fulvic and humic acids, and the Summit Hill soil reference humic acid. Aqueous-solution carbon-13 NMR analyses included the measurement of spin-lattice relaxation times, measurement of nuclear Overhauser enhancement factors, measurement of quantitative carbon distributions, recording of attached proton test spectra, and recording of spectra under nonquantitative conditions. Distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer carbon-13 NMR spectra also were recorded on the Suwannee River fulvic acid in deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide. Hydrogen-1 NMR spectra were recorded on sodium salts of the samples in deuterium oxide. The carbon aromaticities of the samples ranged from 0.24 for the Suwannee River fulvic acid to 0.58 for the Leonardite humic acid.

Reciprocal inhibition of p53 and nuclear factor-kappaB transcriptional activities determines cell survival or death in neurons.

PubMed

Culmsee, Carsten; Siewe, Jan; Junker, Vera; Retiounskaia, Marina; Schwarz, Stephanie; Camandola, Simonetta; El-Metainy, Shahira; Behnke, Hagen; Mattson, Mark P; Krieglstein, Josef

2003-09-17

The tumor suppressor and transcription factor p53 is a key modulator of cellular stress responses, and activation of p53 precedes apoptosis in many cell types. Controversial reports exist on the role of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in p53-mediated apoptosis, depending on the cell type and experimental conditions. Therefore, we sought to elucidate the role of NF-kappaB in p53-mediated neuron death. In cultured neurons DNA damaging compounds induced activation of p53, whereas NF-kappaB activity declined significantly. The p53 inhibitor pifithrin-alpha (PFT) preserved NF-kappaB activity and protected neurons against apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed enhanced p53 binding to the transcriptional cofactor p300 after induction of DNA damage, whereas binding of p300 to NF-kappaB was reduced. In contrast, PFT blocked the interaction of p53 with the cofactor, whereas NF-kappaB binding to p300 was enhanced. Most interestingly, similar results were observed after oxygen glucose deprivation in cultured neurons and in ischemic brain tissue. Ischemia-induced repression of NF-kappaB activity was prevented and brain damage was reduced by the p53 inhibitor PFT in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that a balanced competitive interaction of p53 and NF-kappaB with the transcriptional cofactor p300 exists in neurons. Exposure of neurons to lethal stress activates p53 and disrupts NF-kappaB binding to p300, thereby blocking NF-kappaB-mediated survival signaling. Inhibitors of p53 provide pronounced neuroprotective effects because they block p53-mediated induction of cell death and concomitantly enhance NF-kappaB-induced survival signaling.

Grain boundary engineering for structure materials of nuclear reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, L.; Allen, T. R.; Busby, J. T.

2013-10-01

Grain boundary engineering (GBE), primarily implemented by thermomechanical processing, is an effective and economical method of enhancing the properties of polycrystalline materials. Among the factors affecting grain boundary character distribution, literature data showed definitive effect of grain size and texture. GBE is more effective for austenitic stainless steels and Ni-base alloys compared to other structural materials of nuclear reactors, such as refractory metals, ferritic and ferritic-martensitic steels, and Zr alloys. GBE has shown beneficial effects on improving the strength, creep strength, and resistance to stress corrosion cracking and oxidation of austenitic stainless steels and Ni-base alloys.

Macrophages control vascular stem/progenitor cell plasticity through tumor necrosis factor-α-mediated nuclear factor-κB activation.

PubMed

Wong, Mei Mei; Chen, Yikuan; Margariti, Andriani; Winkler, Bernhard; Campagnolo, Paola; Potter, Claire; Hu, Yanhua; Xu, Qingbo

2014-03-01

Vascular lineage differentiation of stem/progenitor cells can contribute to both tissue repair and exacerbation of vascular diseases such as in vein grafts. The role of macrophages in controlling vascular progenitor differentiation is largely unknown and may play an important role in graft development. This study aims to identify the role of macrophages in vascular stem/progenitor cell differentiation and thereafter elucidate the mechanisms that are involved in the macrophage- mediated process. We provide in vitro evidence that macrophages can induce endothelial cell (EC) differentiation of the stem/progenitor cells while simultaneously inhibiting their smooth muscle cell differentiation. Mechanistically, both effects were mediated by macrophage-derived tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) via TNF-α receptor 1 and canonical nuclear factor-κB activation. Although the overexpression of p65 enhanced EC (or attenuated smooth muscle cell) differentiation, p65 or TNF-α receptor 1 knockdown using lentiviral short hairpin RNA inhibited EC (or rescued smooth muscle cell) differentiation in response to TNF-α. Furthermore, TNF-α-mediated EC differentiation was driven by direct binding of nuclear factor-κB (p65) to specific VE-cadherin promoter sequences. Subsequent experiments using an ex vivo decellularized vessel scaffold confirmed an increase in the number of ECs and reduction in smooth muscle cell marker expression in the presence of TNF-α. The lack of TNF-α in a knockout mouse model of vein graft decreased endothelialization and significantly increased thrombosis formation. Our study highlights the role of macrophages in directing vascular stem/progenitor cell lineage commitment through TNF-α-mediated TNF-α receptor 1 and nuclear factor-κB activation that is likely required for endothelial repair in vascular diseases such as vein graft.

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α (HNF4α) Is a Transcription Factor of Vertebrate Fatty Acyl Desaturase Gene as Identified in Marine Teleost Siganus canaliculatus

PubMed Central

Dong, Yewei; Wang, Shuqi; Chen, Junliang; Zhang, Qinghao; Liu, Yang; You, Cuihong; Monroig, Óscar; Tocher, Douglas R.; Li, Yuanyou

2016-01-01

Rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus was the first marine teleost demonstrated to have the capability of biosynthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) from C18 precursors, and to possess a Δ4 fatty acyl desaturase (Δ4 Fad) which was the first report in vertebrates, and is a good model for studying the regulatory mechanisms of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in teleosts. In order to understand regulatory mechanisms of transcription of Δ4 Fad, the gene promoter was cloned and characterized in the present study. An upstream sequence of 1859 bp from the initiation codon ATG was cloned as the promoter candidate. On the basis of bioinformatic analysis, several binding sites of transcription factors (TF) including GATA binding protein 2 (GATA-2), CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), nuclear factor 1 (NF-1), nuclear factor Y (NF-Y), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and sterol regulatory element (SRE), were identified in the promoter by site-directed mutation and functional assays. HNF4α and NF-1 were confirmed to interact with the core promoter of Δ4 Fad by gel shift assay and mass spectrometry. Moreover, over-expression of HNF4α increased promoter activity in HEK 293T cells and mRNA level of Δ4 Fad in rabbitfish primary hepatocytes, respectively. The results indicated that HNF4α is a TF of rabbitfish Δ4 Fad. To our knowledge, this is the first report on promoter structure of a Δ4 Fad, and also the first demonstration of HNF4α as a TF of vertebrate Fad gene involved in transcription regulation of LC-PUFA biosynthesis. PMID:27472219

Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Transactivational Effects of Chemical Components of the Roots of Polygonum multiflorum.

PubMed

Sun, Ya Nan; Li, Wei; Song, Seok Bean; Yan, Xi Tao; Yang, Seo Young; Kim, Young Ho

2016-01-01

Polygonum multiflorum is well-known as "Heshouwu" in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In Northeast Asia, it is often used as a tonic to prevent premature aging of the kidney and liver, tendons, and bones and strengthening of the lower back and knees. To research the anti-inflammatory activities of components from P. multiflorum. The compounds were isolated by a combination of silica gel and YMC R-18 column chromatography, and their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data (1D, 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry). The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds 1-15 were evaluated by luciferase reporter gene assays. Fifteen compounds (1-15) were isolated from the roots of P. multiflorum. Compounds 1-5 and 14-15 significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α-induced nuclear factor kappa B-luciferase activity, with IC50 values of 24.16-37.56 μM. Compounds 1-5 also greatly enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors transcriptional activity with EC50 values of 18.26-31.45 μM. The anthraquinone derivatives were the active components from the roots of P. multiflorum as an inhibitor on inflammation-related factors in human hepatoma cells. Therefore, we suggest that the roots of P. multiflorum can be used to treat natural inflammatory diseases. This study presented that fifteen compounds (1-15) isolated from the roots of Polygonum multiflrum exert signifiant anti inflmmatory effects by inhibiting TNF α induced NF κB activation and PPARs transcription. Abbreviation used: NF κB: Nuclear factor kappa B, PPARs: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, PPREs: Peroxisome proliferator response elements, TNF α: Tumor necrosis factor α, ESI-MS: Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, HepG2: Human hepatoma cells.

The effects of Mucuna pruriens on the renal oxidative stress and transcription factors in high-fructose-fed rats.

PubMed

Ulu, Ramazan; Gozel, Nevzat; Tuzcu, Mehmet; Orhan, Cemal; Yiğit, İrem Pembegül; Dogukan, Ayhan; Telceken, Hafize; Üçer, Özlem; Kemeç, Zeki; Kaman, Dilara; Juturu, Vijaya; Sahin, Kazim

2018-05-31

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of M. pruriens administration on metabolic parameters, oxidative stress and kidney nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways in high-fructose fed rats. Male rats (n = 28) were divided into 4 groups as control, M. pruriens, fructose, and M. pruriens plus fructose. All rats were fed a standard diet supplemented or no supplemented with M. pruriens (200 mg/kg/d by gavage). Fructose was given in drinking water for 8 weeks. High fructose consumption led to an increase in the serum level of glucose, triglyceride, urea and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Although M. pruriens treatment reduced triglyceride and MDA levels, it did not affect other parameters. M. pruriens supplementation significantly decreased the expression of NF-ҡB and decreased expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the kidney. This study showed that the adverse effects of high fructose were alleviated by M. pruriens supplementation via modulation of the expression of kidney nuclear transcription factors in rats fed high fructose diet. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Trojan Horse method for nuclear astrophysics: Recent results on resonance reactions

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

Cognata, M. La; Pizzone, R. G.; Spitaleri, C.

Nuclear astrophysics aims to measure nuclear-reaction cross sections of astrophysical interest to be included into models to study stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. Low energies, < 1 MeV or even < 10 keV, are requested for this is the window where these processes are more effective. Two effects have prevented to achieve a satisfactory knowledge of the relevant nuclear processes, namely, the Coulomb barrier exponentially suppressing the cross section and the presence of atomic electrons. These difficulties have triggered theoretical and experimental investigations to extend our knowledge down to astrophysical energies. For instance, indirect techniques such as the Trojan Horse Methodmore » have been devised yielding new cutting-edge results. In particular, I will focus on the application of this indirect method to resonance reactions. Resonances might dramatically enhance the astrophysical S(E)-factor so, when they occur right at astrophysical energies, their measurement is crucial to pin down the astrophysical scenario. Unknown or unpredicted resonances might introduce large systematic errors in nucleosynthesis models. These considerations apply to low-energy resonances and to sub-threshold resonances as well, as they may produce sizable modifications of the S-factor due to, for instance, destructive interference with another resonance.« less

Shade-induced nuclear localization of PIF7 is regulated by phosphorylation and 14-3-3 proteins in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Huang, Xu; Zhang, Qian; Jiang, Yupei; Yang, Chuanwei; Wang, Qianyue; Li, Lin

2018-06-21

Shade avoidance syndrome enables shaded plants to grow and compete effectively against their neighbors. In Arabidopsis , the shade-induced de-phosphorylation of the transcription factor PIF7 (PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 7) is the key event linking light perception to stem elongation. However, the mechanism through which phosphorylation regulates the activity of PIF7 is unclear. Here, we show that shade light induces the de-phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of PIF7. Phosphorylation-resistant site mutations in PIF7 result in increased nuclear localization and shade-induced gene expression, and consequently augment hypocotyl elongation. PIF7 interacts with 14-3-3 proteins. Blocking the interaction between PIF7 and 14-3-3 proteins or reducing the expression of 14-3-3 proteins accelerates shade-induced nuclear localization and de-phosphorylation of PIF7, and enhances the shade phenotype. By contrast, the 14-3-3 overexpressing line displays an attenuated shade phenotype. These studies demonstrate a phosphorylation-dependent translocation of PIF7 when plants are in shade and a novel mechanism involving 14-3-3 proteins, mediated by the retention of PIF7 in the cytoplasm that suppresses the shade response. © 2018, Huang et al.

The small-x gluon distribution in centrality biased pA and pp collisions

DOE PAGES

Dumitru, Adrian; Kapilevich, Gary; Skokov, Vladimir

2018-04-04

Here, the nuclear modification factor R pA(p T) provides information on the small- x gluon distribution of a nucleus at hadron colliders. Several experiments have recently measured the nuclear modification factor not only in minimum bias but also for central pA collisions. In this paper we analyze the bias on the configurations of soft gluon fields introduced by a centrality selection via the number of hard particles. Such bias can be viewed as reweighting of configurations of small- x gluons. We find that the biased nuclear modification factor Q pA(p T) for central collisions is above R pA(p T) formore » minimum bias events, and that it may redevelop a “Cronin peak” even at small x . The magnitude of the peak is predicted to increase approximately like 1/A ⊥ ν, ν~0.6±0.1 , if one is able to select more compact configurations of the projectile proton where its gluons occupy a smaller transverse area A ⊥. We predict an enhanced Q pp(p T)–1~1/(p T 2) ν and a Cronin peak even for central pp collisions.« less

The small-x gluon distribution in centrality biased pA and pp collisions

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

Dumitru, Adrian; Kapilevich, Gary; Skokov, Vladimir

Here, the nuclear modification factor R pA(p T) provides information on the small- x gluon distribution of a nucleus at hadron colliders. Several experiments have recently measured the nuclear modification factor not only in minimum bias but also for central pA collisions. In this paper we analyze the bias on the configurations of soft gluon fields introduced by a centrality selection via the number of hard particles. Such bias can be viewed as reweighting of configurations of small- x gluons. We find that the biased nuclear modification factor Q pA(p T) for central collisions is above R pA(p T) formore » minimum bias events, and that it may redevelop a “Cronin peak” even at small x . The magnitude of the peak is predicted to increase approximately like 1/A ⊥ ν, ν~0.6±0.1 , if one is able to select more compact configurations of the projectile proton where its gluons occupy a smaller transverse area A ⊥. We predict an enhanced Q pp(p T)–1~1/(p T 2) ν and a Cronin peak even for central pp collisions.« less

Double-stranded RNA transcribed from vector-based oligodeoxynucleotide acts as transcription factor decoy

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

Xiao, Xiao; Gang, Yi; Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi Province

2015-02-06

Highlights: • A shRNA vector based transcription factor decoy, VB-ODN, was designed. • VB-ODN for NF-κB inhibited cell viability in HEK293 cells. • VB-ODN inhibited expression of downstream genes of target transcription factors. • VB-ODN may enhance nuclear entry ratio for its feasibility of virus production. - Abstract: In this study, we designed a short hairpin RNA vector-based oligodeoxynucleotide (VB-ODN) carrying transcription factor (TF) consensus sequence which could function as a decoy to block TF activity. Specifically, VB-ODN for Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) could inhibit cell viability and decrease downstream gene expression in HEK293 cells without affecting expression of NF-κB itself.more » The specific binding between VB-ODN produced double-stranded RNA and NF-κB was evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Moreover, similar VB-ODNs designed for three other TFs also inhibit their downstream gene expression but not that of themselves. Our study provides a new design of decoy for blocking TF activity.« less

Tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} enhances IL-15-induced natural killer cell differentiation

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

Lee, Jiwon; Lee, Suk Hyung; Korea University of Science and Technology, Yusong, Daejeon 305-333

2009-09-04

The differentiation of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by various factors including soluble growth factors and transcription factors. Here, we have demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) is a positive regulator of NK cell differentiation. TNF-{alpha} augmented the IL-15-induced expression of NK1.1 and CD122 in mature NK cells, and TNF-{alpha} alone also induced NK cell maturation as well as IL-15. TNF-{alpha} also increased IFN-{gamma} production in NK cells in the presence of IL-15. Meanwhile, mRNA expression of several transcription factors, including T-bet and GATA-3, was increased by the addition of TNF-{alpha} and IL-15. In addition, TNF-{alpha} increased nuclear factor-kappamore » B (NF-{kappa}B) activity in NK cells and inhibition of NF-{kappa}B impeded TNF-{alpha}-enhanced NK cell maturation. Overall, these data suggest that TNF-{alpha} significantly increased IL-15-driven NK cell differentiation by increasing the expression of transcription factors that play crucial roles in NK cell maturation and inducing the NF-{kappa}B activity.« less

Enhanced laboratory sensitivity to variation of the fine-structure constant using highly charged ions.

PubMed

Berengut, J C; Dzuba, V A; Flambaum, V V

2010-09-17

We study atomic systems that are in the frequency range of optical atomic clocks and have enhanced sensitivity to potential time variation of the fine-structure constant α. The high sensitivity is due to coherent contributions from three factors: high nuclear charge Z, high ionization degree, and significant differences in the configuration composition of the states involved. Configuration crossing keeps the frequencies in the optical range despite the large ionization energies. We discuss a few promising examples that have the largest α sensitivities seen in atomic systems.

FBI-1 enhances ETS-1 signaling activity and promotes proliferation of human colorectal carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Zhu, Min; Li, Mingyang; Zhang, Fan; Feng, Fan; Chen, Weihao; Yang, Yutao; Cui, Jiajun; Zhang, Dong; Linghu, Enqiang

2014-01-01

In this study, we investigated a potential regulatory role of FBI-1 in transcription factor activity of ETS-1. The protein interaction was identified between ETS-1 and FBI-1 in lovo cells. The accumulating data showed that FBI-1 promoted the recruitment of ETS-1 to endogenous promoter of its target genes and increase ETS-1 accumulation in the nuclear. Our work also indicated that the FBI-1 enhances ETS-1 transcription factor activity via down-regulating p53-mediated inhibition on ETS-1. Further, FBI-1 plays a role in regulation of colorectal carcinoma cells proliferation. These findings supported that FBI-1 might be a potential molecule target for treating colorectal carcinoma.

FBI-1 Enhances ETS-1 Signaling Activity and Promotes Proliferation of Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

PubMed Central

Chen, Weihao; Yang, Yutao; Cui, Jiajun; Zhang, Dong; Linghu, Enqiang

2014-01-01

In this study, we investigated a potential regulatory role of FBI-1 in transcription factor activity of ETS-1. The protein interaction was identified between ETS-1 and FBI-1 in lovo cells. The accumulating data showed that FBI-1 promoted the recruitment of ETS-1 to endogenous promoter of its target genes and increase ETS-1 accumulation in the nuclear. Our work also indicated that the FBI-1 enhances ETS-1 transcription factor activity via down-regulating p53-mediated inhibition on ETS-1. Further, FBI-1 plays a role in regulation of colorectal carcinoma cells proliferation. These findings supported that FBI-1 might be a potential molecule target for treating colorectal carcinoma. PMID:24857950

A Sub-Element in PRE enhances nuclear export of intronless mRNAs by recruiting the TREX complex via ZC3H18

PubMed Central

Chi, Binkai; Wang, Ke; Du, Yanhua; Gui, Bin; Chang, Xingya; Wang, Lantian; Fan, Jing; Chen, She; Wu, Xudong; Li, Guohui; Cheng, Hong

2014-01-01

Viral RNA elements that facilitate mRNA export are useful tools for identifying cellular RNA export factors. Here we show that hepatitis B virus post-transcriptional element (PRE) is one such element, and using PRE several new cellular mRNA export factors were identified. We found that PRE drastically enhances the cytoplasmic accumulation of cDNA transcripts independent of any viral protein. Systematic deletion analysis revealed the existence of a 116 nt functional Sub-Element of PRE (SEP1). The RNP that forms on the SEP1 RNA was affinity purified, in which TREX components as well as several other proteins were identified. TREX components and the SEP1-associating protein ZC3H18 are required for SEP1-mediated mRNA export. Significantly, ZC3H18 directly binds to the SEP1 RNA, interacts with TREX and is required for stable association of TREX with the SEP1-containing mRNA. Requirements for SEP1-mediated mRNA export are similar to those for splicing-dependent mRNA export. Consistent with these similarities, several SEP1-interacting proteins, including ZC3H18, ARS2, Acinus and Brr2, are required for efficient nuclear export of polyA RNAs. Together, our data indicate that SEP1 enhances mRNA export by recruiting TREX via ZC3H18. The new mRNA export factors that we identified might be involved in cap- and splicing-dependent TREX recruitment to cellular mRNAs. PMID:24782531

Curcumin alleviates macrophage activation and lung inflammation induced by influenza virus infection through inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

PubMed

Xu, Yiming; Liu, Ling

2017-09-01

Influenza A viruses (IAV) result in severe public health problems with worldwide each year. Overresponse of immune system to IAV infection leads to complications, and ultimately causing morbidity and mortality. Curcumin has been reported to have anti-inflammatory ability. However, its molecular mechanism in immune responses remains unclear. We detected the pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB)-related protein expression in human macrophages or mice infected by IAV with or without curcumin treatment. We found that the IAV infection caused a dramatic enhancement of pro-inflammatory cytokine productions of human macrophages and mice immune cells. However, curcumin treatment after IAV infection downregulated these cytokines production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the NF-κB has been activated in human macrophages after IAV infection, while administration of curcumin inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway via promoting the expression of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα), and inhibiting the translocation of p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus. In summary, IAV infection could result in the inflammatory responses of immune cells, especially macrophages. Curcumin has the therapeutic potentials to relieve these inflammatory responses through inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. © 2017 The Authors. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Nuclear calcium is required for human T cell activation

PubMed Central

Samstag, Yvonne

2016-01-01

Calcium signals in stimulated T cells are generally considered single entities that merely trigger immune responses, whereas costimulatory events specify the type of reaction. Here we show that the “T cell calcium signal” is a composite signal harboring two distinct components that antagonistically control genomic programs underlying the immune response. Using human T cells from healthy individuals, we establish nuclear calcium as a key signal in human T cell adaptogenomics that drives T cell activation and is required for signaling to cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element–binding protein and the induction of CD25, CD69, interleukin-2, and γ-interferon. In the absence of nuclear calcium signaling, cytosolic calcium activating nuclear factor of activated T cells translocation directed the genomic response toward enhanced expression of genes that negatively modulate T cell activation and are associated with a hyporesponsive state. Thus, nuclear calcium controls the T cell fate decision between a proliferative immune response and tolerance. Modulators of nuclear calcium–driven transcription may be used to develop a new type of pro-tolerance immunosuppressive therapy. PMID:27810914

Theoretical model of dynamic spin polarization of nuclei coupled to paramagnetic point defects in diamond and silicon carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivády, Viktor; Szász, Krisztián; Falk, Abram L.; Klimov, Paul V.; Christle, David J.; Janzén, Erik; Abrikosov, Igor A.; Awschalom, David D.; Gali, Adam

2015-09-01

Dynamic nuclear spin polarization (DNP) mediated by paramagnetic point defects in semiconductors is a key resource for both initializing nuclear quantum memories and producing nuclear hyperpolarization. DNP is therefore an important process in the field of quantum-information processing, sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance, and nuclear-spin-based spintronics. DNP based on optical pumping of point defects has been demonstrated by using the electron spin of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, and more recently, by using divacancy and related defect spins in hexagonal silicon carbide (SiC). Here, we describe a general model for these optical DNP processes that allows the effects of many microscopic processes to be integrated. Applying this theory, we gain a deeper insight into dynamic nuclear spin polarization and the physics of diamond and SiC defects. Our results are in good agreement with experimental observations and provide a detailed and unified understanding. In particular, our findings show that the defect electron spin coherence times and excited state lifetimes are crucial factors in the entire DNP process.

Radiation chemistry for modern nuclear energy development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chmielewski, Andrzej G.; Szołucha, Monika M.

2016-07-01

Radiation chemistry plays a significant role in modern nuclear energy development. Pioneering research in nuclear science, for example the development of generation IV nuclear reactors, cannot be pursued without chemical solutions. Present issues related to light water reactors concern radiolysis of water in the primary circuit; long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel; radiation effects on cables and wire insulation, and on ion exchangers used for water purification; as well as the procedures of radioactive waste reprocessing and storage. Radiation effects on materials and enhanced corrosion are crucial in current (II/III/III+) and future (IV) generation reactors, and in waste management, deep geological disposal and spent fuel reprocessing. The new generation of reactors (III+ and IV) impose new challenges for radiation chemists due to their new conditions of operation and the usage of new types of coolant. In the case of the supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR), water chemistry control may be the key factor in preventing corrosion of reactor structural materials. This paper mainly focuses on radiation effects on long-term performance and safety in the development of nuclear power plants.

Valproic acid attenuates acute lung injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

PubMed

Wu, Shu-Yu; Tang, Shih-En; Ko, Fu-Chang; Wu, Geng-Chin; Huang, Kun-Lun; Chu, Shi-Jye

2015-06-01

Evidence reveals that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The protective effect of HDAC inhibition involves multiple mechanisms. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is protective in lung injury as a key regulator of antioxidant response. The authors examined whether HDAC inhibition provided protection against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) lung injury in rats by up-regulating HO-1 activity. Acute lung injury was induced by producing 40 min of ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion in isolated perfused rat lungs. The rats were randomly allotted to control group, I/R group, or I/R + valproic acid (VPA) group with or without an HO-1 activity inhibitor (zinc protoporphyrin IX) (n = 6 per group). I/R caused significant increases in the lung edema, pulmonary arterial pressure, lung injury scores, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Malondialdehyde levels, carbonyl contents, and myeloperoxidase-positive cells in lung tissue were also significantly increased. I/R stimulated the degradation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB-α, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB, and up-regulation of HO-1 activity. Furthermore, I/R decreased B-cell lymphoma-2, heat shock protein 70, acetylated histone H3 protein expression, and increased the caspase-3 activity in the rat lungs. In contrast, VPA treatment significantly attenuated all the parameters of lung injury, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. In addition, VPA treatment also enhanced HO-1 activity. Treatment with zinc protoporphyrin IX blocked the protective effect of VPA. VPA protected against I/R-induced lung injury. The protective mechanism may be partly due to enhanced HO-1 activity following HDAC inhibition.

Up-regulation of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappaB signaling is associated with enhanced adipogenesis and insulin resistance in fetal skeletal muscle of obese sheep at late gestation.

PubMed

Yan, Xu; Zhu, Mei J; Xu, Wei; Tong, Jun F; Ford, Stephen P; Nathanielsz, Peter W; Du, Min

2010-01-01

Maternal obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. We previously showed that maternal obesity induces an inflammatory response and enhances adipogenesis in fetal skeletal muscle at midgestation. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of maternal obesity on adipogenesis, inflammatory signaling, and insulin pathways at late gestation when ovine fetal skeletal muscle matures. Nonpregnant ewes were assigned to a control diet (Con, fed 100% of National Research Council nutrient recommendations, n = 6) or obesogenic diet (OB, fed 150% of National Research Council recommendations, n = 6) from 60 d before to 135 d after conception (term 148 d) when the fetal semitendenosus skeletal muscle was sampled. Expression of the adipogenic marker, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, was increased in OB compared with Con fetal semitendenosus muscle, indicating up-regulation of adipogenesis. More intramuscular adipocytes were observed in OB muscle. Phosphorylation of inhibitor-kappaB kinase-alpha/beta and nuclear factor-kappaB RelA/p65 were both increased in OB fetal muscle, indicating activation of nuclear factor-kappaB pathway. Phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and c-Jun (at Ser 63 and Ser 73) was also elevated. Toll-like receptor 4 expression was higher in OB than Con fetal muscle. Moreover, despite higher insulin concentrations in OB vs. Con fetal plasma (2.89 +/- 0.53 vs. 1.06 +/- 0.52 ng/ml; P < 0.05), phosphorylation of protein kinase B at Ser 473 was reduced, indicating insulin resistance. In conclusion, our data show maternal obesity-induced inflammatory signaling in late gestation fetal muscle, which correlates with increased im adipogenesis and insulin resistance, which may predispose offspring to later-life obesity and diabetes.

β-Agonists Selectively Modulate Proinflammatory Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle Cells via Non-Canonical Nuclear Crosstalk Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Kolmus, Krzysztof; Van Troys, Marleen; Van Wesemael, Karlien; Ampe, Christophe; Haegeman, Guy; Tavernier, Jan; Gerlo, Sarah

2014-01-01

The proinflammatory cytokine Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α is implicated in a variety of skeletal muscle pathologies. Here, we have investigated how in vitro cotreatment of skeletal muscle C2C12 cells with β-agonists modulates the TNF-α-induced inflammatory program. We observed that C2C12 myotubes express functional TNF receptor 1 (TNF-R1) and β2-adrenoreceptors (β2-ARs). TNF-α activated the canonical Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs), culminating in potent induction of NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory genes. Cotreatment with the β-agonist isoproterenol potentiated the expression of inflammatory mediators, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and several chemokines. The enhanced production of chemotactic factors upon TNF-α/isoproterenol cotreatment was also suggested by the results from migrational analysis. Whereas we could not explain our observations by cytoplasmic crosstalk, we found that TNF-R1-and β2-AR-induced signalling cascades cooperate in the nucleus. Using the IL-6 promoter as a model, we demonstrated that TNF-α/isoproterenol cotreatment provoked phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10, concomitant with enhanced promoter accessibility and recruitment of the NF-κB p65 subunit, cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), CREB-binding protein (CBP) and RNA polymerase II. In summary, we show that β-agonists potentiate TNF-α action, via nuclear crosstalk, that promotes chromatin relaxation at selected gene promoters. Our data warrant further study into the mode of action of β-agonists and urge for caution in their use as therapeutic agents for muscular disorders. PMID:24603712

Antithrombotic Effects of Nur77 and Nor1 Are Mediated Through Upregulating Thrombomodulin Expression in Endothelial Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Ping; Wei, Xin; Zhang, Jian; Yi, Bing; Zhang, Guan-Xin; Yin, Litian; Yang, Xiao-Feng; Sun, Jianxin

2016-02-01

Thrombomodulin is highly expressed on the lumenal surface of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and possesses potent anticoagulant, antifibrinolytic, and anti-inflammatory activities in the vessel wall. However, the regulation of thrombomodulin expression in ECs remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized nuclear receptor 4A family as a novel regulator of thrombomodulin expression in vascular ECs. We demonstrated that both nuclear receptors 4A, Nur77 and Nor1, robustly increase thrombomodulin mRNA and protein levels in human vascular ECs and in mouse liver tissues after adenovirus-mediated transduction of Nur77 and Nor1 cDNAs. Moreover, Nur77 deficiency and knockdown of Nur77 and Nor1 expression markedly attenuated the basal and vascular endothelial growth factor165-stimulated thrombomodulin expression. Mechanistically, we found that Nur77 and Nor1 increase thrombomodulin expression by acting through 2 different mechanisms. We showed that Nur77 barely affects thrombomodulin promoter activity, but significantly increases thrombomodulin mRNA stability, whereas Nor1 enhances thrombomodulin expression mainly through induction of Kruppel-like factors 2 and 4 in vascular ECs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that both Nur77 and Nor1 significantly increase protein C activity and inhibit tumor necrosis factor α-induced prothrombotic effects in human ECs. Deficiency of Nur77 increases susceptibility to arterial thrombosis, whereas enhanced expression of Nur77 and Nor1 protects mice from arterial thrombus formation. Our results identified nuclear receptors 4A as novel regulators of thrombomodulin expression and function in vascular ECs and provided a proof-of-concept demonstration that targeted increasing expression of Nur77 and Nor1 in the vascular endothelium might represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of thrombotic disorders. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Stronger activation of SREBP-1a by nucleus-localized HBx

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

Wu, Qi; Qiao, Ling; Yang, Jian

2015-05-08

We previously showed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein activates the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1a (SREBP-1a). Here we examined the role of nuclear localization of HBx in this process. In comparison to the wild-type and cytoplasmic HBx, nuclear HBx had stronger effects on SREBP-1a and fatty acid synthase transcription activation, intracellular lipid accumulation and cell proliferation. Furthermore, nuclear HBx could activate HBV enhancer I/X promoter and was more effective on up-regulating HBV mRNA level in the context of HBV replication than the wild-type HBx, while the cytoplasmic HBx had no effect. Our results demonstrate the functional significance of themore » nucleus-localized HBx in regulating host lipogenic pathway and HBV replication. - Highlights: • Nuclear HBx is more effective on activating SREBP-1a and FASN transcription. • Nuclear HBx is more effective on enhancing intracellular lipid accumulation. • Nuclear HBx is more effective on enhancing cell proliferation. • Nuclear HBx up-regulates HBV enhancer I/X promoter activity. • Nuclear HBx increases HBV mRNA level in the context of HBV replication.« less

Anabolic activity of ursolic acid in bone: Stimulating osteoblast differentiation in vitro and inducing new bone formation in vivo.

PubMed

Lee, Su-Ui; Park, Sang-Joon; Kwak, Han Bok; Oh, Jaemin; Min, Yong Ki; Kim, Seong Hwan

2008-01-01

In the field of osteoporosis, there has been growing interest in anabolic agents that enhance bone mass and improve bone architecture. In this study, we demonstrated that the ubiquitous plant triterpenoid, ursolic acid, enhances differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts in vitro. We found that ursolic acid induced the expression of osteoblast-specific genes with the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-kappaB, and activator protein-1. Additionally, noggin, an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), inhibited ursolic acid-induced osteoblast differentiation. Noggin also inhibited the activation of Smad and the induction of BMP-2 mRNA expression by ursolic acid in the late stage of osteoblast differentiation. Importantly, ursolic acid was shown to have bone-forming activity in vivo in a mouse calvarial bone formation model. A high proportion of positive immunostaining of BMP-2 was found in the nuclear region of woven bone formed by ursolic acid. These results suggested that ursolic acid has the anabolic potential to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and enhance new bone formation.

DJ-1/PARK7, But Not Its L166P Mutant Linked to Autosomal Recessive Parkinsonism, Modulates the Transcriptional Activity of the Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nurr1 In Vitro and In Vivo.

PubMed

Lu, Lingling; Zhao, Shasha; Gao, Ge; Sun, Xiaohong; Zhao, Huanying; Yang, Hui

2016-12-01

Although mutations of DJ-1 have been linked to autosomal recessive Parkinsonism for years, its physiological function and the pathological mechanism of its mutants are not well understood. We report for the first time that exogenous application of DJ-1, but not its L166P mutant, enhances the nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activity of Nurr1, a transcription factor essential for dopaminergic neuron development and maturation, both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of DJ-1 attenuates Nurr1 activity. Further investigation showed that signaling of Raf/MEK/ERK MAPKs is involved in this regulatory process and that activation induced by exogenous DJ-1 is antagonized by U0126, an ERK pathway inhibitor, indicating that DJ-1 modulates Nurr1 activity via the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Our findings shed light on the novel function of DJ-1 to enhance Nurr1 activity and provide the first insight into the molecular mechanism by which DJ-1 enhances Nurr1 activity.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate prevents lipid peroxidation and enhances antioxidant defense system via modulating hepatic nuclear transcription factors in heat-stressed quails.

PubMed

Sahin, K; Orhan, C; Tuzcu, M; Ali, S; Sahin, N; Hayirli, A

2010-10-01

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol derived from green tea, exerts antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress is one of the consequences of heat stress (HS), which also depresses performance in poultry. This experiment was conducted to elucidate the action mode of EGCG in alleviation of oxidative stress in heat-stressed quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 180 five-week-old female Japanese quails were reared either at 22°C for 24 h/d (thermoneutral, TN) or 34°C for 8 h/d (HS) for 12 wk. Birds in both environments were randomly fed 1 of 3 diets: basal diet and basal diet added with 200 or 400 mg of EGCG/kg of diet. Each of the 2×3 factorially arranged groups was replicated in 10 cages, each containing 3 quails. Performance variables [feed intake (FI) and egg production (EP)], oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)] and hepatic transcription factors [nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)] were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA. Exposure to HS caused reductions in FI by 9.7% and EP by 14.4%, increased hepatic MDA level by 84.8%, and decreased hepatic SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities by 25.8, 52.3, and 45.5%, respectively (P<0.0001 for all). The hepatic NF-κB expression was greater (156 vs. 82%) and Nrf2 expression was lower (84 vs. 118%) for quails reared under the HS environment than for those reared under the TN environment (P<0.0001 for both). In response to increasing supplemental EGCG level, there were linear increases in FI from 29.6 to 30.9 g/d and EP from 84.3 to 90.1%/d, linear decreases in hepatic MDA level from 2.82 to 1.72 nmol/g and Nrf2 expression from 77.5 to 123.3%, and linear increases in hepatic SOD (146.4 to 182.2), CAT (36.2 to 47.1), and GSH-Px (13.5 to 18.5) activities (U/mg of protein) and NF-κB expression (149.7 to 87.3%) (P<0.0001 for all). Two-way treatment interactions revealed that the degree of restorations in all response variables was more notable under the HS environment than under the TN environment as supplemental EGCG level was increased. Moreover, levels of oxidative biomarkers were strongly correlated with expressions of hepatic nuclear transcription factors. In conclusion, supplemental EGCG alleviates oxidative stress through modulating the hepatic nuclear transcription factors in heat-stressed quails.

Taking Steps to Protect Against the Insider Threat

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

Pope, Noah Gale; Williams, Martha; Lewis, Joel

2015-10-16

Research reactors are required (in accordance with the Safeguards Agreement between the State and the IAEA) to maintain a system of nuclear material accounting and control for reporting quantities of nuclear material received, shipped, and held on inventory. Enhancements to the existing accounting and control system can be made at little additional cost to the facility, and these enhancements can make nuclear material accounting and control useful for nuclear security. In particular, nuclear material accounting and control measures can be useful in protecting against an insider who is intent on unauthorized removal or misuse of nuclear material or misuse ofmore » equipment. An enhanced nuclear material accounting and control system that responds to nuclear security is described in NSS-25G, Use of Nuclear Material Accounting and Control for Nuclear Security Purposes at Facilities, which is scheduled for distribution by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Security later this year. Accounting and control measures that respond to the insider threat are also described in NSS-33, Establishing a System for Control of Nuclear Material for Nuclear Security Purposes at a Facility During Storage, Use and Movement, and in NSS-41, Preventive and Protective Measures against Insider Threats (originally issued as NSS-08), which are available in draft form. This paper describes enhancements to existing material control and accounting systems that are specific to research reactors, and shows how they are important to nuclear security and protecting against an insider.« less

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanism of Tangeretin in Activated Microglia.

PubMed

Lee, Yu Young; Lee, Eun-Jung; Park, Jin-Sun; Jang, Se-Eun; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Kim, Hee-Sun

2016-06-01

Tangeretin, a flavonoid from citrus fruit peels, has been proven to play an important role in anti-inflammatory responses and neuroprotective effects in several disease models, but further study is necessary for elucidating the detailed mechanisms of these effects. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effect of tangeretin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia. We first observed that tangeretin inhibited LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, as well as LPS-induced mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases and cytokines. Additionally, we found that the activities, mRNA levels, and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-8 were inhibited, while the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was enhanced by tangeretin in LPS-stimulated microglia. Further mechanistic study showed that tangeretin suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt. Also, tangeretin inhibited nuclear factor-κB by upregulating sirtuin 1 and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. We further demonstrated the antioxidant effect of tangeretin by showing that tangeretin inhibited reactive oxygen species production and p47(phox) phosphorylation, while enhancing the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 to the antioxidant response element in LPS-stimulated microglia. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrate that tangeretin possesses a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect in microglia.

Sanguiin H-6, a constituent of Rubus parvifolius L., inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in vitro and prevents tumor necrosis factor-α-induced osteoclast formation in vivo.

PubMed

Sakai, Eiko; Aoki, Yuri; Yoshimatsu, Masako; Nishishita, Kazuhisa; Iwatake, Mayumi; Fukuma, Yutaka; Okamoto, Kuniaki; Tanaka, Takashi; Tsukuba, Takayuki

2016-07-15

Osteoclasts are multinucleated bone-resorbing cells that differentiate in response to receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL). Enhanced osteoclastogenesis contributes to bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rubus parvifolius L. is traditionally used as an herbal medicine for rheumatism; however, its detailed chemical composition and the molecular mechanisms responsible for its biological action have not been elucidated. To investigate the mechanisms by which R. parvifolius L. extract and its major constituent sanguiin H-6, inhibit osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and bone resorption were detected in vitro. Inhibition of signaling pathways, marker protein expression, and protein nuclear translocation were evaluated by western blot analysis. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-mediated osteoclastogenesis was examined in vivo. R. parvifolius L. extract inhibited the bone-resorption activity of osteoclasts. In addition, sanguiin H-6 markedly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, reduced reactive oxygen species production, and inhibited the phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Sanguiin H-6 also decreased the protein levels of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic-1 (NFATc1), cathepsin K, and c-Src. Moreover, sanguiin H-6 inhibited the nuclear translocation of NFATc1, c-Fos, and NF-κB in vitro, as well as TNF-α-mediated osteoclastogenesis in vivo. Our data revealed that R. parvifolius L. has anti-bone resorption activity and suggest that its constituent, sanguiin H-6, can potentially be used for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases associated with excessive osteoclast formation and subsequent bone destruction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Ginsenoside Rg3 improves cardiac mitochondrial population quality: Mimetic exercise training

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

Sun, Mengwei; Huang, Chenglin; Wang, Cheng

Highlights: •Rg3 is an ergogenic aid. •Rg3 improves mitochondrial antioxidant capacity. •Rg3 regulates mitochondria dynamic remodeling. •Rg3 alone matches some the benefits of aerobic exercise. -- Abstract: Emerging evidence indicates exercise training could mediate mitochondrial quality control through the improvement of mitochondrial dynamics. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), one of the active ingredients in Panax ginseng, is well known in herbal medicine as a tonic and restorative agent. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of Rg3 has been elusive. In the present study, we compared the effects of Rg3 administration with aerobic exercise on mitochondrial adaptation in cardiac muscle tissuemore » of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Three groups of SD rats were studied: (1) sedentary control, (2) Rg3-treated and (3) aerobic exercise trained. Both aerobic exercise training and Rg3 supplementation enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) and nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein levels in cardiac muscle. The activation of PGC-1α led to increased mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) and nuclear related factor 1(Nrf1), these changes were accompanied by increases in mitochondrial DNA copy number and complex protein levels, while activation of Nrf2 increased levels of phase II detoxifying enzymes, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase. Aerobic exercise also enhanced mitochondrial autophagy pathway activity, including increased conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and greater expression of beclin1 and autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7), these effects of aerobic exercise are comparable to that of Rg3. These results demonstrate that Rg3 mimics improved cardiac adaptations to exercise by regulating mitochondria dynamic remodeling and enhancing the quantity and quality of mitochondria.« less

Myeloid Leukemia Factor Acts in a Chaperone Complex to Regulate Transcription Factor Stability and Gene Expression.

PubMed

Dyer, Jamie O; Dutta, Arnob; Gogol, Madelaine; Weake, Vikki M; Dialynas, George; Wu, Xilan; Seidel, Christopher; Zhang, Ying; Florens, Laurence; Washburn, Michael P; Abmayr, Susan M; Workman, Jerry L

2017-06-30

Mutations that affect myelodysplasia/myeloid leukemia factor (MLF) proteins are associated with leukemia and several other cancers. However, with no strong homology to other proteins of known function, the role of MLF proteins in the cell has remained elusive. Here, we describe a proteomics approach that identifies MLF as a member of a nuclear chaperone complex containing a DnaJ protein, BCL2-associated anthanogene 2, and Hsc70. This complex associates with chromatin and regulates the expression of target genes. The MLF complex is bound to sites of nucleosome depletion and sites containing active chromatin marks (e.g., H3K4me3 and H3K4me1). Hence, MLF binding is enriched at promoters and enhancers. Additionally, the MLF-chaperone complex functions to regulate transcription factor stability, including the RUNX transcription factor involved in hematopoiesis. Although Hsc70 and other co-chaperones have been shown to play a role in nuclear translocation of a variety of proteins including transcription factors, our findings suggest that MLF and the associated co-chaperones play a direct role in modulating gene transcription. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The spice for joint inflammation: anti-inflammatory role of curcumin in treating osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Chin, Kok-Yong

2016-01-01

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint affecting aging populations worldwide. It has an underlying inflammatory cause, which contributes to the loss of chondrocytes, leading to diminished cartilage layer at the affected joints. Compounds with anti-inflammatory properties are potential treatment agents for osteoarthritis. Curcumin derived from Curcuma species is an anti-inflammatory compound as such. This review aims to summarize the antiosteoarthritic effects of curcumin derived from clinical and preclinical studies. Many clinical trials have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of curcumin in osteoarthritic patients. Extracts of Curcuma species, curcuminoids and enhanced curcumin, were used in these studies. Patients with osteoarthritis showed improvement in pain, physical function, and quality of life after taking curcumin. They also reported reduced concomitant usage of analgesics and side effects during treatment. In vitro studies demonstrated that curcumin could prevent the apoptosis of chondrocytes, suppress the release of proteoglycans and metal metalloproteases and expression of cyclooxygenase, prostaglandin E-2, and inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes. These were achieved by blocking the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) system in the chondrocytes, by preventing the activation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha, phosphorylation, and translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB complexes into the nucleus. In conclusion, curcumin is a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis. More well-planned randomized control trials and enhanced curcumin formulation are required to justify the use of curcumin in treating osteoarthritis.

The spice for joint inflammation: anti-inflammatory role of curcumin in treating osteoarthritis

PubMed Central

Chin, Kok-Yong

2016-01-01

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint affecting aging populations worldwide. It has an underlying inflammatory cause, which contributes to the loss of chondrocytes, leading to diminished cartilage layer at the affected joints. Compounds with anti-inflammatory properties are potential treatment agents for osteoarthritis. Curcumin derived from Curcuma species is an anti-inflammatory compound as such. This review aims to summarize the antiosteoarthritic effects of curcumin derived from clinical and preclinical studies. Many clinical trials have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of curcumin in osteoarthritic patients. Extracts of Curcuma species, curcuminoids and enhanced curcumin, were used in these studies. Patients with osteoarthritis showed improvement in pain, physical function, and quality of life after taking curcumin. They also reported reduced concomitant usage of analgesics and side effects during treatment. In vitro studies demonstrated that curcumin could prevent the apoptosis of chondrocytes, suppress the release of proteoglycans and metal metalloproteases and expression of cyclooxygenase, prostaglandin E-2, and inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes. These were achieved by blocking the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) system in the chondrocytes, by preventing the activation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha, phosphorylation, and translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB complexes into the nucleus. In conclusion, curcumin is a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis. More well-planned randomized control trials and enhanced curcumin formulation are required to justify the use of curcumin in treating osteoarthritis. PMID:27703331

Fascin Overexpression Promotes Cholangiocarcinoma RBE Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion.

PubMed

Zhao, Haiying; Yang, Fuquan; Zhao, Wenyan; Zhang, Chunjv; Liu, Jingang

2016-04-01

Fascin is overexpressed in various tumor tissues and is closely related to tumor metastasis and invasion. However, the role of fascin in cholangiocarcinoma RBE cells has not been clearly reported. This study aimed to establish a cholangiocarcinoma cell line with stable and high expression of fascin to observe the effect of fascin on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. A fascin overexpression vector, pcDNA3.1-Fascin, was constructed and transfected into the human cholangiocarcinoma RBE cell line. The results of real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence indicated that fascin was steadily and highly expressed in RBE cells. The results of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assay indicated that upregulated fascin expression could enhance cholangiocarcinoma cell proliferation. The results of wound healing assay and transwell assay indicated that fascin could promote cholangiocarcinoma cell migration and invasion, and a further study found that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated after upregulation of fascin, whereas E-cadherin expression in these cells was significantly decreased. Additionally, E-cadherin expression was significantly increased after inhibiting nuclear factor-κB activity using inhibitor or small interfering RNA, and E-cadherin expression was decreased by fascin overexpression after nuclear factor-κB inhibition, suggesting that nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was not involved in the regulation of E-cadherin by fascin. In summary, the results of this study demonstrated that fascin effectively promoted cholangiocarcinoma RBE cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This study provides evidence for fascin as a potential target in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. © The Author(s) 2015.

Protein Kinase D1 attenuates tumorigenesis in colon cancer by modulating β-catenin/T cell factor activity

PubMed Central

Sundram, Vasudha; Ganju, Aditya; Hughes, Joshua E.; Khan, Sheema; Chauhan, Subhash C.; Jaggi, Meena

2014-01-01

Over 80% of colon cancer development and progression is a result of the dysregulation of β-catenin signaling pathway. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate that a serine-threonine kinase, Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1), modulates the functions of β-catenin to suppress colon cancer growth. Analysis of normal and colon cancer tissues reveals downregulation of PKD1 expression in advanced stages of colon cancer and its co-localization with β-catenin in the colon crypts. This PKD1 downregulation corresponds with the aberrant expression and nuclear localization of β-catenin. In-vitro investigation of the PKD1-β-catenin interaction in colon cancer cells reveal that PKD1 overexpression suppresses cell proliferation and clonogenic potential and enhances cell-cell aggregation. We demonstrate that PKD1 directly interacts with β-catenin and attenuates β-catenin transcriptional activity by decreasing nuclear β-catenin levels. Additionally, we show that inhibition of nuclear β-catenin transcriptional activity is predominantly influenced by nucleus targeted PKD1. This subcellular modulation of β-catenin results in enhanced membrane localization of β-catenin and thereby increases cell-cell adhesion. Studies in a xenograft mouse model indicate that PKD1 overexpression delayed tumor appearance, enhanced necrosis and lowered tumor hypoxia. Overall, our results demonstrate a putative tumor-suppressor function of PKD1 in colon tumorigenesis via modulation of β-catenin functions in cells. PMID:25149539

Nuclear pore complex component MOS7/Nup88 is required for innate immunity and nuclear accumulation of defense regulators in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Cheng, Yu Ti; Germain, Hugo; Wiermer, Marcel; Bi, Dongling; Xu, Fang; García, Ana V; Wirthmueller, Lennart; Després, Charles; Parker, Jane E; Zhang, Yuelin; Li, Xin

2009-08-01

Plant immune responses depend on dynamic signaling events across the nuclear envelope through nuclear pores. Nuclear accumulation of certain resistance (R) proteins and downstream signal transducers are critical for their functions, but it is not understood how these processes are controlled. Here, we report the identification, cloning, and analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana modifier of snc1,7 (mos7-1), a partial loss-of-function mutation that suppresses immune responses conditioned by the autoactivated R protein snc1 (for suppressor of npr1-1, constitutive 1). mos7-1 single mutant plants exhibit defects in basal and R protein-mediated immunity and in systemic acquired resistance but do not display obvious pleiotropic defects in development, salt tolerance, or plant hormone responses. MOS7 is homologous to human and Drosophila melanogaster nucleoporin Nup88 and resides at the nuclear envelope. In animals, Nup88 attenuates nuclear export of activated NF-kappaB transcription factors, resulting in nuclear accumulation of NF-kappaB. Our analysis shows that nuclear accumulation of snc1 and the defense signaling components Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 and Nonexpresser of PR genes 1 is significantly reduced in mos7-1 plants, while nuclear retention of other tested proteins is unaffected. The data suggest that specifically modulating the nuclear concentrations of certain defense proteins regulates defense outputs.

Upregulation of Endogenous HMOX1 Expression by a Computer-Designed Artificial Transcription Factor

PubMed Central

Guo, Hongfeng; Tian, Yi; Lu, Hai; Wei, Yong; Ying, Dajun

2010-01-01

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is well known as a cytoprotective factor. Research has revealed that it is a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. In the current study, an HMOX1 (HO-1 gene) enhancer-specific artificial zinc-finger protein (AZP) was designed using bioinformatical methods. Then, an artificial transcription factor (ATF) was constructed based on the AZP. In the ATF, the p65 functional domain was used as the effector domain (ED), and a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) was also included. We next analyzed the affinity of the ATF to the HMOX1 enhancer and the effect of the ATF on endogenous HMOX1 expression. The results suggest that the ATF could effectively upregulate endogenous HMOX1 expression in ECV304 cells. With further research, the ATF could be developed as a potential drug for cardiovascular diseases. PMID:20706680

Condensins exert force on chromatin-nuclear envelope tethers to mediate nucleoplasmic reticulum formation in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Bozler, Julianna; Nguyen, Huy Q; Rogers, Gregory C; Bosco, Giovanni

2014-12-30

Although the nuclear envelope is known primarily for its role as a boundary between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotes, it plays a vital and dynamic role in many cellular processes. Studies of nuclear structure have revealed tissue-specific changes in nuclear envelope architecture, suggesting that its three-dimensional structure contributes to its functionality. Despite the importance of the nuclear envelope, the factors that regulate and maintain nuclear envelope shape remain largely unexplored. The nuclear envelope makes extensive and dynamic interactions with the underlying chromatin. Given this inexorable link between chromatin and the nuclear envelope, it is possible that local and global chromatin organization reciprocally impact nuclear envelope form and function. In this study, we use Drosophila salivary glands to show that the three-dimensional structure of the nuclear envelope can be altered with condensin II-mediated chromatin condensation. Both naturally occurring and engineered chromatin-envelope interactions are sufficient to allow chromatin compaction forces to drive distortions of the nuclear envelope. Weakening of the nuclear lamina further enhanced envelope remodeling, suggesting that envelope structure is capable of counterbalancing chromatin compaction forces. Our experiments reveal that the nucleoplasmic reticulum is born of the nuclear envelope and remains dynamic in that they can be reabsorbed into the nuclear envelope. We propose a model where inner nuclear envelope-chromatin tethers allow interphase chromosome movements to change nuclear envelope morphology. Therefore, interphase chromatin compaction may be a normal mechanism that reorganizes nuclear architecture, while under pathological conditions, such as laminopathies, compaction forces may contribute to defects in nuclear morphology. Copyright © 2015 Bozler et al.

Condensins Exert Force on Chromatin-Nuclear Envelope Tethers to Mediate Nucleoplasmic Reticulum Formation in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Bozler, Julianna; Nguyen, Huy Q.; Rogers, Gregory C.; Bosco, Giovanni

2014-01-01

Although the nuclear envelope is known primarily for its role as a boundary between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotes, it plays a vital and dynamic role in many cellular processes. Studies of nuclear structure have revealed tissue-specific changes in nuclear envelope architecture, suggesting that its three-dimensional structure contributes to its functionality. Despite the importance of the nuclear envelope, the factors that regulate and maintain nuclear envelope shape remain largely unexplored. The nuclear envelope makes extensive and dynamic interactions with the underlying chromatin. Given this inexorable link between chromatin and the nuclear envelope, it is possible that local and global chromatin organization reciprocally impact nuclear envelope form and function. In this study, we use Drosophila salivary glands to show that the three-dimensional structure of the nuclear envelope can be altered with condensin II-mediated chromatin condensation. Both naturally occurring and engineered chromatin-envelope interactions are sufficient to allow chromatin compaction forces to drive distortions of the nuclear envelope. Weakening of the nuclear lamina further enhanced envelope remodeling, suggesting that envelope structure is capable of counterbalancing chromatin compaction forces. Our experiments reveal that the nucleoplasmic reticulum is born of the nuclear envelope and remains dynamic in that they can be reabsorbed into the nuclear envelope. We propose a model where inner nuclear envelope-chromatin tethers allow interphase chromosome movements to change nuclear envelope morphology. Therefore, interphase chromatin compaction may be a normal mechanism that reorganizes nuclear architecture, while under pathological conditions, such as laminopathies, compaction forces may contribute to defects in nuclear morphology. PMID:25552604

Nuclear PTEN functions as an essential regulator of SRF-dependent transcription to control smooth muscle differentiation

PubMed Central

Horita, Henrick; Wysoczynski, Christina L.; Walker, Lori A.; Moulton, Karen S.; Li, Marcella; Ostriker, Allison; Tucker, Rebecca; McKinsey, Timothy A.; Churchill, Mair E. A.; Nemenoff, Raphael A.; Weiser-Evans, Mary C. M.

2016-01-01

Vascular disease progression is associated with marked changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype and function. SMC contractile gene expression and, thus differentiation, is under direct transcriptional control by the transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF); however, the mechanisms dynamically regulating SMC phenotype are not fully defined. Here we report that the lipid and protein phosphatase, PTEN, has a novel role in the nucleus by functioning as an indispensible regulator with SRF to maintain the differentiated SM phenotype. PTEN interacts with the N-terminal domain of SRF and PTEN–SRF interaction promotes SRF binding to essential promoter elements in SM-specific genes. Factors inducing phenotypic switching promote loss of nuclear PTEN through nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation resulting in reduced myogenically active SRF, but enhanced SRF activity on target genes involved in proliferation. Overall decreased expression of PTEN was observed in intimal SMCs of human atherosclerotic lesions underlying the potential clinical importance of these findings. PMID:26940659

Nuclear PTEN functions as an essential regulator of SRF-dependent transcription to control smooth muscle differentiation.

PubMed

Horita, Henrick; Wysoczynski, Christina L; Walker, Lori A; Moulton, Karen S; Li, Marcella; Ostriker, Allison; Tucker, Rebecca; McKinsey, Timothy A; Churchill, Mair E A; Nemenoff, Raphael A; Weiser-Evans, Mary C M

2016-03-04

Vascular disease progression is associated with marked changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype and function. SMC contractile gene expression and, thus differentiation, is under direct transcriptional control by the transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF); however, the mechanisms dynamically regulating SMC phenotype are not fully defined. Here we report that the lipid and protein phosphatase, PTEN, has a novel role in the nucleus by functioning as an indispensible regulator with SRF to maintain the differentiated SM phenotype. PTEN interacts with the N-terminal domain of SRF and PTEN-SRF interaction promotes SRF binding to essential promoter elements in SM-specific genes. Factors inducing phenotypic switching promote loss of nuclear PTEN through nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation resulting in reduced myogenically active SRF, but enhanced SRF activity on target genes involved in proliferation. Overall decreased expression of PTEN was observed in intimal SMCs of human atherosclerotic lesions underlying the potential clinical importance of these findings.

The MAP kinase pathway is involved in odontoblast stimulation via p38 phosphorylation.

PubMed

Simon, Stephane; Smith, Anthony J; Berdal, Ariane; Lumley, Philip J; Cooper, Paul R

2010-02-01

We have previously shown that the p38 gene is highly expressed in odontoblasts during active primary dentinogenesis, but is drastically down-regulated as cells become quiescent in secondary dentinogenesis. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that p38 expression might be upregulated, and the protein activated by phosphorylation, when odontoblasts are stimulated such as during tertiary reactionary dentinogenesis. We stimulated immortalized, odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells, alone or in combination, with heat-inactivated Streptococcus mutans, EDTA-extracted dentine matrix proteins (DMPs), or growth factors, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adrenomedullin (ADM). We used ELISA to measure the resulting phosphorylation of the p38 protein, as well as its degree of nuclear translocation. Our results suggest that the p38-MAPKinase pathway is activated during odontoblast stimulation in tertiary dentinogenesis by both p38 phosphorylation and enhanced nuclear translocation. Data indicate that odontoblast behaviour therefore potentially recapitulates that during active primary dentinogenesis. Copyright 2010 American Association of Endodontists. All rights reserved.

Stress, food, and inflammation: psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition at the cutting edge.

PubMed

Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K

2010-05-01

Inflammation is the common link among the leading causes of death. Mechanistic studies have shown how various dietary components can modulate key pathways to inflammation, including sympathetic activity, oxidative stress, transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB activation, and proinflammatory cytokine production. Behavioral studies have demonstrated that stressful events and depression can also influence inflammation through these same processes. If the joint contributions of diet and behavior to inflammation were simply additive, they would be important. However, several far more intriguing interactive possibilities are discussed: stress influences food choices; stress can enhance maladaptive metabolic responses to unhealthy meals; and diet can affect mood as well as proinflammatory responses to stressors. Furthermore, because the vagus nerve innervates tissues involved in the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients, vagal activation can directly and profoundly influence metabolic responses to food, as well as inflammation; in turn, both depression and stress have well-documented negative effects on vagal activation, contributing to the lively interplay between the brain and the gut. As one example, omega-3 fatty acid intake can boost mood and vagal tone, dampen nuclear factor-kappaB activation and responses to endotoxin, and modulate the magnitude of inflammatory responses to stressors. A better understanding of how stressors, negative emotions, and unhealthy meals work together to enhance inflammation will benefit behavioral and nutritional research, as well as the broader biomedical community.

Intrinsic-mediated caspase activation is essential for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

PubMed Central

Putinski, Charis; Abdul-Ghani, Mohammad; Stiles, Rebecca; Brunette, Steve; Dick, Sarah A.; Fernando, Pasan; Megeney, Lynn A.

2013-01-01

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is the cellular response that mediates pathologic enlargement of the heart. This maladaptation is also characterized by cell behaviors that are typically associated with apoptosis, including cytoskeletal reorganization and disassembly, altered nuclear morphology, and enhanced protein synthesis/translation. Here, we investigated the requirement of apoptotic caspase pathways in mediating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Cardiomyocytes treated with hypertrophy agonists displayed rapid and transient activation of the intrinsic-mediated cell death pathway, characterized by elevated levels of caspase 9, followed by caspase 3 protease activity. Disruption of the intrinsic cell death pathway at multiple junctures led to a significant inhibition of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy during agonist stimulation, with a corresponding reduction in the expression of known hypertrophic markers (atrial natriuretic peptide) and transcription factor activity [myocyte enhancer factor-2, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)]. Similarly, in vivo attenuation of caspase activity via adenoviral expression of the biologic effector caspase inhibitor p35 blunted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in response to agonist stimulation. Treatment of cardiomyocytes with procaspase 3 activating compound 1, a small-molecule activator of caspase 3, resulted in a robust induction of the hypertrophy response in the absence of any agonist stimulation. These results suggest that caspase-dependent signaling is necessary and sufficient to promote cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These results also confirm that cell death signal pathways behave as active remodeling agents in cardiomyocytes, independent of inducing an apoptosis response. PMID:24101493

Enhancement of CD8+ T-cell memory by removal of a vaccinia virus nuclear factor-κB inhibitor

PubMed Central

Ren, Hongwei; Ferguson, Brian J; de Motes, Carlos Maluquer; Sumner, Rebecca P; Harman, Laura E R; Smith, Geoffrey L

2015-01-01

Factors influencing T-cell responses are important for vaccine development but are incompletely understood. Here, vaccinia virus (VACV) protein N1 is shown to impair the development of both effector and memory CD8+ T cells and this correlates with its inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Infection with VACVs that either have the N1L gene deleted (vΔN1) or contain a I6E mutation (vN1.I6E) that abrogates its inhibition of NF-κB resulted in increased central and memory CD8+ T-cell populations, increased CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity and lower virus titres after challenge. Furthermore, CD8+ memory T-cell function was increased following infection with vN1.I6E, with more interferon-γ production and greater protection against VACV infection following passive transfer to naive mice, compared with CD8+ T cells from mice infected with wild-type virus (vN1.WT). This demonstrates the importance of NF-κB activation within infected cells for long-term CD8+ T-cell memory and vaccine efficacy. Further, it provides a rationale for deleting N1 from VACV vectors to enhance CD8+ T-cell immunogenicity, while simultaneously reducing virulence to improve vaccine safety. PMID:25382035

Inhibition of CRM1-mediated nuclear export of transcription factors by leukemogenic NUP98 fusion proteins.

PubMed

Takeda, Akiko; Sarma, Nayan J; Abdul-Nabi, Anmaar M; Yaseen, Nabeel R

2010-05-21

NUP98 is a nucleoporin that plays complex roles in the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of macromolecules. Rearrangements of the NUP98 gene in human leukemia result in the expression of numerous fusion oncoproteins whose effect on nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of leukemogenic NUP98 fusion proteins on CRM1-mediated nuclear export. NUP98-HOXA9, a prototypic NUP98 fusion, inhibited the nuclear export of two known CRM1 substrates: mutated cytoplasmic nucleophosmin and HIV-1 Rev. In vitro binding assays revealed that NUP98-HOXA9 binds CRM1 through the FG repeat motif in a Ran-GTP-dependent manner similar to but stronger than the interaction between CRM1 and its export substrates. Two NUP98 fusions, NUP98-HOXA9 and NUP98-DDX10, whose fusion partners are structurally and functionally unrelated, interacted with endogenous CRM1 in myeloid cells as shown by co-immunoprecipitation. These leukemogenic NUP98 fusion proteins interacted with CRM1, Ran, and the nucleoporin NUP214 in a manner fundamentally different from that of wild-type NUP98. NUP98-HOXA9 and NUP98-DDX10 formed characteristic aggregates within the nuclei of a myeloid cell line and primary human CD34+ cells and caused aberrant localization of CRM1 to these aggregates. These NUP98 fusions caused nuclear accumulation of two transcription factors, NFAT and NFkappaB, that are regulated by CRM1-mediated export. The nuclear entrapment of NFAT and NFkappaB correlated with enhanced transcription from promoters responsive to these transcription factors. Taken together, the results suggest a new mechanism by which NUP98 fusions dysregulate transcription and cause leukemia, namely, inhibition of CRM1-mediated nuclear export with aberrant nuclear retention of transcriptional regulators.

Influence of collective nonideal shielding on fusion reaction in partially ionized classical nonideal plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Myoung-Jae; Jung, Young-Dae

2017-04-01

The collective nonideal effects on the nuclear fusion reaction process are investigated in partially ionized classical nonideal hydrogen plasmas. The effective pseudopotential model taking into account the collective and plasma shielding effects is applied to describe the interaction potential in nonideal plasmas. The analytic expressions of the Sommerfeld parameter, the fusion penetration factor, and the cross section for the nuclear fusion reaction in nonideal plasmas are obtained as functions of the nonideality parameter, Debye length, and relative kinetic energy. It is found that the Sommerfeld parameter is suppressed due to the influence of collective nonideal shielding. However, the collective nonideal shielding is found to enhance the fusion penetration factor in partially ionized classical nonideal plasmas. It is also found that the fusion penetration factors in nonideal plasmas represented by the pseudopotential model are always greater than those in ideal plasmas represented by the Debye-Hückel model. In addition, it is shown that the collective nonideal shielding effect on the fusion penetration factor decreases with an increase of the kinetic energy.

α-Naphthoflavone Increases Lipid Accumulation in Mature Adipocytes and Enhances Adipocyte-Stimulated Endothelial Tube Formation.

PubMed

Wang, Mei-Lin; Lin, Shyh-Hsiang; Hou, Yuan-Yu; Chen, Yue-Hwa

2015-04-30

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated factor that regulates biological effects associated with obesity. The AhR agonists, such as environmental contaminants 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and β-naphthoflavone (BNF), inhibit preadipocyte differentiation and interfere with the functions of adipose tissue, whereas the antagonist may have opposite or protective effects in obesity. This study investigated the effects of α-naphthoflavone (α-NF), an AhR antagonist, on adipogenesis- and angiogenesis-associated factors in mature adipocytes and on cross-talk of mature adipocytes with endothelial cells (ECs). Besides, the roles of the AhR on lipid accumulation and on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor were also determined by introducing siRNA of AhR. Differentiated 3T3-L1 cells were treated with α-naphthoflavone (α-NF) (1-5 μM) for 16 h. Lipid accumulation and the expressions of AhR-associated factors in the cells were determined. The interaction between adipocytes and ECs was investigated by cultivating ECs with conditioned medium (CM) from α-NF-treated mature adipocytes, followed by the determination of endothelial tube formation. The results showed that α-NF significantly increased triglyceride (TG) accumulation in mature adipocytes, which was associated with increased expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), estrogen receptor (ER), as well as decreased expression of AhR, AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT), cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1), and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (NRF-2) proteins. In addition, CM stimulated formation of tube-like structures in ECs, and α-NF further enhanced such stimulation in association with modulated the secretions of various angiogenic mediators by mature adipocytes. Similarly, increased TG accumulation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion were observed in AhR-knockout cells. In conclusion, α-NF increased TG accumulation in mature adipocytes and enhanced mature adipocyte-stimulated tube formation in ECs, suggesting that the AhR may suppress obesity-induced adverse effects, and α-NF abolished the protective effects of the AhR.

The Fn14 cytoplasmic tail binds tumour-necrosis-factor-receptor-associated factors 1, 2, 3 and 5 and mediates nuclear factor-kappaB activation.

PubMed Central

Brown, Sharron A N; Richards, Christine M; Hanscom, Heather N; Feng, Sheau-Line Y; Winkles, Jeffrey A

2003-01-01

Fn14 is a growth-factor-inducible immediate-early-response gene encoding a 102-amino-acid type I transmembrane protein. The human Fn14 protein was recently identified as a cell-surface receptor for the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member named TWEAK (TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis). In the present paper, we report that the human TWEAK extracellular domain can also bind the murine Fn14 protein. Furthermore, site-specific mutagenesis and directed yeast two-hybrid interaction assays revealed that the TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) 1, 2, 3 and 5 adaptor molecules bind the murine Fn14 cytoplasmic tail at an overlapping, but non-identical, amino acid sequence motif. We also found that TWEAK treatment of quiescent NIH 3T3 cells stimulates inhibitory kappaBalpha phosphorylation and transcriptional activation of a nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) enhancer/luciferase reporter construct. Fn14 overexpression in transiently transfected NIH 3T3 cells also promotes NF-kappaB activation, and this cellular response requires an intact TRAF binding site. These results indicate that Fn14 is a functional TWEAK receptor that can associate with four distinct TRAF family members and stimulate the NF-kappaB transcription factor signalling pathway. PMID:12529173

The CGTCA sequence motif is essential for biological activity of the vasoactive intestinal peptide gene cAMP-regulated enhancer.

PubMed Central

Fink, J S; Verhave, M; Kasper, S; Tsukada, T; Mandel, G; Goodman, R H

1988-01-01

cAMP-regulated transcription of the human vasoactive intestinal peptide gene is dependent upon a 17-base-pair DNA element located 70 base pairs upstream from the transcriptional initiation site. This element is similar to sequences in other genes known to be regulated by cAMP and to sequences in several viral enhancers. We have demonstrated that the vasoactive intestinal peptide regulatory element is an enhancer that depends upon the integrity of two CGTCA sequence motifs for biological activity. Mutations in either of the CGTCA motifs diminish the ability of the element to respond to cAMP. Enhancers containing the CGTCA motif from the somatostatin and adenovirus genes compete for binding of nuclear proteins from C6 glioma and PC12 cells to the vasoactive intestinal peptide enhancer, suggesting that CGTCA-containing enhancers interact with similar transacting factors. Images PMID:2842787

Charged-particle nuclear modification factors in PbPb and pPb collisions at √{s_{NN}}=5.02 TeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khachatryan, V.; Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.; Asilar, E.; Bergauer, T.; Brandstetter, J.; Brondolin, E.; Dragicevic, M.; Erö, J.; Flechl, M.; Friedl, M.; Frühwirth, R.; Ghete, V. M.; Hartl, C.; Hörmann, N.; Hrubec, J.; Jeitler, M.; König, A.; Krätschmer, I.; Liko, D.; Matsushita, T.; Mikulec, I.; Rabady, D.; Rad, N.; Rahbaran, B.; Rohringer, H.; Schieck, J.; Strauss, J.; Waltenberger, W.; Wulz, C.-E.; Dvornikov, O.; Makarenko, V.; Zykunov, V.; Mossolov, V.; Shumeiko, N.; Gonzalez, J. Suarez; Alderweireldt, S.; De Wolf, E. A.; Janssen, X.; Lauwers, J.; Van De Klundert, M.; Van Haevermaet, H.; Van Mechelen, P.; Van Remortel, N.; Van Spilbeeck, A.; Zeid, S. Abu; Blekman, F.; D'Hondt, J.; Daci, N.; De Bruyn, I.; Deroover, K.; Lowette, S.; Moortgat, S.; Moreels, L.; Olbrechts, A.; Python, Q.; Tavernier, S.; Van Doninck, W.; Van Mulders, P.; Van Parijs, I.; Brun, H.; Clerbaux, B.; De Lentdecker, G.; Delannoy, H.; Fasanella, G.; Favart, L.; Goldouzian, R.; Grebenyuk, A.; Karapostoli, G.; Lenzi, T.; Léonard, A.; Luetic, J.; Maerschalk, T.; Marinov, A.; Randle-conde, A.; Seva, T.; Velde, C. Vander; Vanlaer, P.; Vannerom, D.; Yonamine, R.; Zenoni, F.; Zhang, F.; Cimmino, A.; Cornelis, T.; Dobur, D.; Fagot, A.; Garcia, G.; Gul, M.; Khvastunov, I.; Poyraz, D.; Salva, S.; Schöfbeck, R.; Tytgat, M.; Van Driessche, W.; Yazgan, E.; Zaganidis, N.; Bakhshiansohi, H.; Beluffi, C.; Bondu, O.; Brochet, S.; Bruno, G.; Caudron, A.; De Visscher, S.; Delaere, C.; Delcourt, M.; Francois, B.; Giammanco, A.; Jafari, A.; Jez, P.; Komm, M.; Krintiras, G.; Lemaitre, V.; Magitteri, A.; Mertens, A.; Musich, M.; Nuttens, C.; Piotrzkowski, K.; Quertenmont, L.; Selvaggi, M.; Marono, M. Vidal; Wertz, S.; Beliy, N.; Júnior, W. L. Aldá; Alves, F. L.; Alves, G. A.; Brito, L.; Hensel, C.; Moraes, A.; Pol, M. E.; Teles, P. Rebello; Chagas, E. Belchior Batista Das; Carvalho, W.; Chinellato, J.; Custódio, A.; Da Costa, E. M.; Da Silveira, G. G.; De Jesus Damiao, D.; De Oliveira Martins, C.; De Souza, S. Fonseca; Guativa, L. M. Huertas; Malbouisson, H.; Figueiredo, D. Matos; Herrera, C. Mora; Mundim, L.; Nogima, H.; Da Silva, W. L. Prado; Santoro, A.; Sznajder, A.; Manganote, E. J. Tonelli; Pereira, A. Vilela; Ahuja, S.; Bernardes, C. A.; Dogra, S.; Tomei, T. R. Fernandez Perez; Gregores, E. M.; Mercadante, P. G.; Moon, C. S.; Novaes, S. F.; Padula, Sandra S.; Abad, D. Romero; Vargas, J. C. Ruiz; Aleksandrov, A.; Hadjiiska, R.; Iaydjiev, P.; Rodozov, M.; Stoykova, S.; Sultanov, G.; Vutova, M.; Dimitrov, A.; Glushkov, I.; Litov, L.; Pavlov, B.; Petkov, P.; Fang, W.; Ahmad, M.; Bian, J. G.; Chen, G. M.; Chen, H. S.; Chen, M.; Chen, Y.; Cheng, T.; Jiang, C. H.; Leggat, D.; Liu, Z.; Romeo, F.; Shaheen, S. M.; Spiezia, A.; Tao, J.; Wang, C.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, H.; Zhao, J.; Ban, Y.; Chen, G.; Li, Q.; Liu, S.; Mao, Y.; Qian, S. J.; Wang, D.; Xu, Z.; Avila, C.; Cabrera, A.; Sierra, L. F. Chaparro; Florez, C.; Gomez, J. P.; Hernández, C. F. González; Alvarez, J. D. Ruiz; Sanabria, J. C.; Godinovic, N.; Lelas, D.; Puljak, I.; Cipriano, P. M. Ribeiro; Sculac, T.; Antunovic, Z.; Kovac, M.; Brigljevic, V.; Ferencek, D.; Kadija, K.; Mesic, B.; Micanovic, S.; Sudic, L.; Susa, T.; Attikis, A.; Mavromanolakis, G.; Mousa, J.; Nicolaou, C.; Ptochos, F.; Razis, P. A.; Rykaczewski, H.; Tsiakkouri, D.; Finger, M.; Finger, M.; Jarrin, E. Carrera; Abdelalim, A. A.; Mohammed, Y.; Salama, E.; Kadastik, M.; Perrini, L.; Raidal, M.; Tiko, A.; Veelken, C.; Eerola, P.; Pekkanen, J.; Voutilainen, M.; Härkönen, J.; Järvinen, T.; Karimäki, V.; Kinnunen, R.; Lampén, T.; Lassila-Perini, K.; Lehti, S.; Lindén, T.; Luukka, P.; Tuominiemi, J.; Tuovinen, E.; Wendland, L.; Talvitie, J.; Tuuva, T.; Besancon, M.; Couderc, F.; Dejardin, M.; Denegri, D.; Fabbro, B.; Faure, J. L.; Favaro, C.; Ferri, F.; Ganjour, S.; Ghosh, S.; Givernaud, A.; Gras, P.; de Monchenault, G. Hamel; Jarry, P.; Kucher, I.; Locci, E.; Machet, M.; Malcles, J.; Rander, J.; Rosowsky, A.; Titov, M.; Zghiche, A.; Abdulsalam, A.; Antropov, I.; Baffioni, S.; Beaudette, F.; Busson, P.; Cadamuro, L.; Chapon, E.; Charlot, C.; Davignon, O.; de Cassagnac, R. Granier; Jo, M.; Lisniak, S.; Miné, P.; Nguyen, M.; Ochando, C.; Ortona, G.; Paganini, P.; Pigard, P.; Regnard, S.; Salerno, R.; Sirois, Y.; Strebler, T.; Yilmaz, Y.; Zabi, A.; Agram, J.-L.; Andrea, J.; Aubin, A.; Bloch, D.; Brom, J.-M.; Buttignol, M.; Chabert, E. C.; Chanon, N.; Collard, C.; Conte, E.; Coubez, X.; Fontaine, J.-C.; Gelé, D.; Goerlach, U.; Le Bihan, A.-C.; Skovpen, K.; Van Hove, P.; Gadrat, S.; Beauceron, S.; Bernet, C.; Boudoul, G.; Montoya, C. A. Carrillo; Chierici, R.; Contardo, D.; Courbon, B.; Depasse, P.; El Mamouni, H.; Fan, J.; Fay, J.; Gascon, S.; Gouzevitch, M.; Grenier, G.; Ille, B.; Lagarde, F.; Laktineh, I. B.; Lethuillier, M.; Mirabito, L.; Pequegnot, A. L.; Perries, S.; Popov, A.; Sabes, D.; Sordini, V.; Donckt, M. Vander; Verdier, P.; Viret, S.; Toriashvili, T.; Tsamalaidze, Z.; Autermann, C.; Beranek, S.; Feld, L.; Heister, A.; Kiesel, M. K.; Klein, K.; Lipinski, M.; Ostapchuk, A.; Preuten, M.; Raupach, F.; Schael, S.; Schomakers, C.; Schulz, J.; Verlage, T.; Weber, H.; Zhukov, V.; Albert, A.; Brodski, M.; Dietz-Laursonn, E.; Duchardt, D.; Endres, M.; Erdmann, M.; Erdweg, S.; Esch, T.; Fischer, R.; Güth, A.; Hamer, M.; Hebbeker, T.; Heidemann, C.; Hoepfner, K.; Knutzen, S.; Merschmeyer, M.; Meyer, A.; Millet, P.; Mukherjee, S.; Olschewski, M.; Padeken, K.; Pook, T.; Radziej, M.; Reithler, H.; Rieger, M.; Scheuch, F.; Sonnenschein, L.; Teyssier, D.; Thüer, S.; Cherepanov, V.; Flügge, G.; Kargoll, B.; Kress, T.; Künsken, A.; Lingemann, J.; Müller, T.; Nehrkorn, A.; Nowack, A.; Pistone, C.; Pooth, O.; Stahl, A.; Martin, M. Aldaya; Arndt, T.; Asawatangtrakuldee, C.; Beernaert, K.; Behnke, O.; Behrens, U.; Anuar, A. A. Bin; Borras, K.; Campbell, A.; Connor, P.; Contreras-Campana, C.; Costanza, F.; Pardos, C. Diez; Dolinska, G.; Eckerlin, G.; Eckstein, D.; Eichhorn, T.; Eren, E.; Gallo, E.; Garcia, J. Garay; Geiser, A.; Gizhko, A.; Luyando, J. M. Grados; Gunnellini, P.; Harb, A.; Hauk, J.; Hempel, M.; Jung, H.; Kalogeropoulos, A.; Karacheban, O.; Kasemann, M.; Keaveney, J.; Kleinwort, C.; Korol, I.; Krücker, D.; Lange, W.; Lelek, A.; Leonard, J.; Lipka, K.; Lobanov, A.; Lohmann, W.; Mankel, R.; Melzer-Pellmann, I.-A.; Meyer, A. B.; Mittag, G.; Mnich, J.; Mussgiller, A.; Ntomari, E.; Pitzl, D.; Placakyte, R.; Raspereza, A.; Roland, B.; Sahin, M. Ö.; Saxena, P.; Schoerner-Sadenius, T.; Seitz, C.; Spannagel, S.; Stefaniuk, N.; Van Onsem, G. P.; Walsh, R.; Wissing, C.; Blobel, V.; Vignali, M. Centis; Draeger, A. R.; Dreyer, T.; Garutti, E.; Gonzalez, D.; Haller, J.; Hoffmann, M.; Junkes, A.; Klanner, R.; Kogler, R.; Kovalchuk, N.; Lapsien, T.; Lenz, T.; Marchesini, I.; Marconi, D.; Meyer, M.; Niedziela, M.; Nowatschin, D.; Pantaleo, F.; Peiffer, T.; Perieanu, A.; Poehlsen, J.; Sander, C.; Scharf, C.; Schleper, P.; Schmidt, A.; Schumann, S.; Schwandt, J.; Stadie, H.; Steinbrück, G.; Stober, F. M.; Stöver, M.; Tholen, H.; Troendle, D.; Usai, E.; Vanelderen, L.; Vanhoefer, A.; Vormwald, B.; Akbiyik, M.; Barth, C.; Baur, S.; Baus, C.; Berger, J.; Butz, E.; Caspart, R.; Chwalek, T.; Colombo, F.; De Boer, W.; Dierlamm, A.; Fink, S.; Freund, B.; Friese, R.; Giffels, M.; Gilbert, A.; Goldenzweig, P.; Haitz, D.; Hartmann, F.; Heindl, S. M.; Husemann, U.; Katkov, I.; Kudella, S.; Mildner, H.; Mozer, M. U.; Müller, Th.; Plagge, M.; Quast, G.; Rabbertz, K.; Röcker, S.; Roscher, F.; Schröder, M.; Shvetsov, I.; Sieber, G.; Simonis, H. J.; Ulrich, R.; Wayand, S.; Weber, M.; Weiler, T.; Williamson, S.; Wöhrmann, C.; Wolf, R.; Anagnostou, G.; Daskalakis, G.; Geralis, T.; Giakoumopoulou, V. A.; Kyriakis, A.; Loukas, D.; Topsis-Giotis, I.; Kesisoglou, S.; Panagiotou, A.; Saoulidou, N.; Tziaferi, E.; Evangelou, I.; Flouris, G.; Foudas, C.; Kokkas, P.; Loukas, N.; Manthos, N.; Papadopoulos, I.; Paradas, E.; Filipovic, N.; Bencze, G.; Hajdu, C.; Horvath, D.; Sikler, F.; Veszpremi, V.; Vesztergombi, G.; Zsigmond, A. J.; Beni, N.; Czellar, S.; Karancsi, J.; Makovec, A.; Molnar, J.; Szillasi, Z.; Bartók, M.; Raics, P.; Trocsanyi, Z. L.; Ujvari, B.; Bahinipati, S.; Choudhury, S.; Mal, P.; Mandal, K.; Nayak, A.; Sahoo, D. K.; Sahoo, N.; Swain, S. K.; Bansal, S.; Beri, S. B.; Bhatnagar, V.; Chawla, R.; Bhawandeep, U.; Kalsi, A. K.; Kaur, A.; Kaur, M.; Kumar, R.; Kumari, P.; Mehta, A.; Mittal, M.; Singh, J. B.; Walia, G.; Kumar, Ashok; Bhardwaj, A.; Choudhary, B. C.; Garg, R. B.; Keshri, S.; Malhotra, S.; Naimuddin, M.; Nishu, N.; Ranjan, K.; Sharma, R.; Sharma, V.; Bhattacharya, R.; Bhattacharya, S.; Chatterjee, K.; Dey, S.; Dutt, S.; Dutta, S.; Ghosh, S.; Majumdar, N.; Modak, A.; Mondal, K.; Mukhopadhyay, S.; Nandan, S.; Purohit, A.; Roy, A.; Roy, D.; Chowdhury, S. Roy; Sarkar, S.; Sharan, M.; Thakur, S.; Behera, P. K.; Chudasama, R.; Dutta, D.; Jha, V.; Kumar, V.; Mohanty, A. K.; Netrakanti, P. K.; Pant, L. M.; Shukla, P.; Topkar, A.; Aziz, T.; Dugad, S.; Kole, G.; Mahakud, B.; Mitra, S.; Mohanty, G. B.; Parida, B.; Sur, N.; Sutar, B.; Banerjee, S.; Bhowmik, S.; Dewanjee, R. K.; Ganguly, S.; Guchait, M.; Jain, Sa.; Kumar, S.; Maity, M.; Majumder, G.; Mazumdar, K.; Sarkar, T.; Wickramage, N.; Chauhan, S.; Dube, S.; Hegde, V.; Kapoor, A.; Kothekar, K.; Pandey, S.; Rane, A.; Sharma, S.; Chenarani, S.; Tadavani, E. Eskandari; Etesami, S. M.; Fahim, A.; Khakzad, M.; Najafabadi, M. Mohammadi; Naseri, M.; Mehdiabadi, S. Paktinat; Hosseinabadi, F. 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Lopes; Lykken, J.; Maeshima, K.; Magini, N.; Marraffino, J. M.; Maruyama, S.; Mason, D.; McBride, P.; Merkel, P.; Mrenna, S.; Nahn, S.; O'Dell, V.; Pedro, K.; Prokofyev, O.; Rakness, G.; Ristori, L.; Sexton-Kennedy, E.; Soha, A.; Spalding, W. J.; Spiegel, L.; Stoynev, S.; Strait, J.; Strobbe, N.; Taylor, L.; Tkaczyk, S.; Tran, N. V.; Uplegger, L.; Vaandering, E. W.; Vernieri, C.; Verzocchi, M.; Vidal, R.; Wang, M.; Weber, H. A.; Whitbeck, A.; Wu, Y.; Acosta, D.; Avery, P.; Bortignon, P.; Bourilkov, D.; Brinkerhoff, A.; Carnes, A.; Carver, M.; Curry, D.; Das, S.; Field, R. D.; Furic, I. K.; Konigsberg, J.; Korytov, A.; Low, J. F.; Ma, P.; Matchev, K.; Mei, H.; Mitselmakher, G.; Rank, D.; Shchutska, L.; Sperka, D.; Thomas, L.; Wang, J.; Wang, S.; Yelton, J.; Linn, S.; Markowitz, P.; Martinez, G.; Rodriguez, J. L.; Ackert, A.; Adams, J. R.; Adams, T.; Askew, A.; Bein, S.; Diamond, B.; Hagopian, S.; Hagopian, V.; Johnson, K. F.; Prosper, H.; Santra, A.; Yohay, R.; Baarmand, M. M.; Bhopatkar, V.; Colafranceschi, S.; Hohlmann, M.; Noonan, D.; Roy, T.; Yumiceva, F.; Adams, M. R.; Apanasevich, L.; Berry, D.; Betts, R. R.; Bucinskaite, I.; Cavanaugh, R.; Evdokimov, O.; Gauthier, L.; Gerber, C. E.; Hofman, D. J.; Jung, K.; Kurt, P.; O'Brien, C.; Gonzalez, I. D. Sandoval; Turner, P.; Varelas, N.; Wang, H.; Wu, Z.; Zakaria, M.; Zhang, J.; Bilki, B.; Clarida, W.; Dilsiz, K.; Durgut, S.; Gandrajula, R. P.; Haytmyradov, M.; Khristenko, V.; Merlo, J.-P.; Mermerkaya, H.; Mestvirishvili, A.; Moeller, A.; Nachtman, J.; Ogul, H.; Onel, Y.; Ozok, F.; Penzo, A.; Snyder, C.; Tiras, E.; Wetzel, J.; Yi, K.; Anderson, I.; Blumenfeld, B.; Cocoros, A.; Eminizer, N.; Fehling, D.; Feng, L.; Gritsan, A. V.; Maksimovic, P.; Martin, C.; Osherson, M.; Roskes, J.; Sarica, U.; Swartz, M.; Xiao, M.; Xin, Y.; You, C.; Al-bataineh, A.; Baringer, P.; Bean, A.; Boren, S.; Bowen, J.; Bruner, C.; Castle, J.; Forthomme, L.; Kenny, R. P.; Khalil, S.; Kropivnitskaya, A.; Majumder, D.; Mcbrayer, W.; Murray, M.; Sanders, S.; Stringer, R.; Takaki, J. D. Tapia; Wang, Q.; Ivanov, A.; Kaadze, K.; Maravin, Y.; Mohammadi, A.; Saini, L. K.; Skhirtladze, N.; Toda, S.; Rebassoo, F.; Wright, D.; Anelli, C.; Baden, A.; Baron, O.; Belloni, A.; Calvert, B.; Eno, S. C.; Ferraioli, C.; Gomez, J. A.; Hadley, N. J.; Jabeen, S.; Kellogg, R. G.; Kolberg, T.; Kunkle, J.; Lu, Y.; Mignerey, A. C.; Ricci-Tam, F.; Shin, Y. H.; Skuja, A.; Tonjes, M. B.; Tonwar, S. C.; Abercrombie, D.; Allen, B.; Apyan, A.; Azzolini, V.; Barbieri, R.; Baty, A.; Bi, R.; Bierwagen, K.; Brandt, S.; Busza, W.; Cali, I. A.; Demiragli, Z.; Di Matteo, L.; Ceballos, G. Gomez; Goncharov, M.; Hsu, D.; Iiyama, Y.; Innocenti, G. M.; Klute, M.; Kovalskyi, D.; Krajczar, K.; Lai, Y. S.; Lee, Y.-J.; Levin, A.; Luckey, P. D.; Maier, B.; Marini, A. C.; Mcginn, C.; Mironov, C.; Narayanan, S.; Niu, X.; Paus, C.; Roland, C.; Roland, G.; Salfeld-Nebgen, J.; Stephans, G. S. F.; Sumorok, K.; Tatar, K.; Varma, M.; Velicanu, D.; Veverka, J.; Wang, J.; Wang, T. W.; Wyslouch, B.; Yang, M.; Zhukova, V.; Benvenuti, A. C.; Chatterjee, R. M.; Evans, A.; Finkel, A.; Gude, A.; Hansen, P.; Kalafut, S.; Kao, S. C.; Kubota, Y.; Lesko, Z.; Mans, J.; Nourbakhsh, S.; Ruckstuhl, N.; Rusack, R.; Tambe, N.; Turkewitz, J.; Acosta, J. G.; Oliveros, S.; Avdeeva, E.; Bartek, R.; Bloom, K.; Claes, D. R.; Dominguez, A.; Fangmeier, C.; Suarez, R. Gonzalez; Kamalieddin, R.; Kravchenko, I.; Rodrigues, A. Malta; Meier, F.; Monroy, J.; Siado, J. E.; Snow, G. R.; Stieger, B.; Alyari, M.; Dolen, J.; George, J.; Godshalk, A.; Harrington, C.; Iashvili, I.; Kaisen, J.; Kharchilava, A.; Kumar, A.; Parker, A.; Rappoccio, S.; Roozbahani, B.; Alverson, G.; Barberis, E.; Hortiangtham, A.; Massironi, A.; Morse, D. M.; Nash, D.; Orimoto, T.; De Lima, R. Teixeira; Trocino, D.; Wang, R.-J.; Wood, D.; Bhattacharya, S.; Charaf, O.; Hahn, K. A.; Kubik, A.; Kumar, A.; Mucia, N.; Odell, N.; Pollack, B.; Schmitt, M. H.; Sung, K.; Trovato, M.; Velasco, M.; Dev, N.; Hildreth, M.; Anampa, K. Hurtado; Jessop, C.; Karmgard, D. J.; Kellams, N.; Lannon, K.; Marinelli, N.; Meng, F.; Mueller, C.; Musienko, Y.; Planer, M.; Reinsvold, A.; Ruchti, R.; Smith, G.; Taroni, S.; Wayne, M.; Wolf, M.; Woodard, A.; Alimena, J.; Antonelli, L.; Bylsma, B.; Durkin, L. S.; Flowers, S.; Francis, B.; Hart, A.; Hill, C.; Hughes, R.; Ji, W.; Liu, B.; Luo, W.; Puigh, D.; Winer, B. L.; Wulsin, H. W.; Cooperstein, S.; Driga, O.; Elmer, P.; Hardenbrook, J.; Hebda, P.; Lange, D.; Luo, J.; Marlow, D.; Medvedeva, T.; Mei, K.; Mooney, M.; Olsen, J.; Palmer, C.; Piroué, P.; Stickland, D.; Svyatkovskiy, A.; Tully, C.; Zuranski, A.; Malik, S.; Barker, A.; Barnes, V. E.; Folgueras, S.; Gutay, L.; Jha, M. K.; Jones, M.; Jung, A. W.; Khatiwada, A.; Miller, D. H.; Neumeister, N.; Schulte, J. F.; Shi, X.; Sun, J.; Wang, F.; Xie, W.; Parashar, N.; Stupak, J.; Adair, A.; Akgun, B.; Chen, Z.; Ecklund, K. M.; Geurts, F. J. M.; Guilbaud, M.; Li, W.; Michlin, B.; Northup, M.; Padley, B. P.; Redjimi, R.; Roberts, J.; Rorie, J.; Tu, Z.; Zabel, J.; Betchart, B.; Bodek, A.; de Barbaro, P.; Demina, R.; Duh, Y. t.; Ferbel, T.; Galanti, M.; Garcia-Bellido, A.; Han, J.; Hindrichs, O.; Khukhunaishvili, A.; Lo, K. H.; Tan, P.; Verzetti, M.; Agapitos, A.; Chou, J. P.; Contreras-Campana, E.; Gershtein, Y.; Espinosa, T. A. Gómez; Halkiadakis, E.; Heindl, M.; Hidas, D.; Hughes, E.; Kaplan, S.; Elayavalli, R. Kunnawalkam; Kyriacou, S.; Lath, A.; Nash, K.; Saka, H.; Salur, S.; Schnetzer, S.; Sheffield, D.; Somalwar, S.; Stone, R.; Thomas, S.; Thomassen, P.; Walker, M.; Delannoy, A. G.; Foerster, M.; Heideman, J.; Riley, G.; Rose, K.; Spanier, S.; Thapa, K.; Bouhali, O.; Celik, A.; Dalchenko, M.; De Mattia, M.; Delgado, A.; Dildick, S.; Eusebi, R.; Gilmore, J.; Huang, T.; Juska, E.; Kamon, T.; Mueller, R.; Pakhotin, Y.; Patel, R.; Perloff, A.; Perniè, L.; Rathjens, D.; Rose, A.; Safonov, A.; Tatarinov, A.; Ulmer, K. A.; Akchurin, N.; Cowden, C.; Damgov, J.; De Guio, F.; Dragoiu, C.; Dudero, P. R.; Faulkner, J.; Gurpinar, E.; Kunori, S.; Lamichhane, K.; Lee, S. W.; Libeiro, T.; Peltola, T.; Undleeb, S.; Volobouev, I.; Wang, Z.; Greene, S.; Gurrola, A.; Janjam, R.; Johns, W.; Maguire, C.; Melo, A.; Ni, H.; Sheldon, P.; Tuo, S.; Velkovska, J.; Xu, Q.; Arenton, M. W.; Barria, P.; Cox, B.; Goodell, J.; Hirosky, R.; Ledovskoy, A.; Li, H.; Neu, C.; Sinthuprasith, T.; Sun, X.; Wang, Y.; Wolfe, E.; Xia, F.; Clarke, C.; Harr, R.; Karchin, P. E.; Sturdy, J.; Belknap, D. A.; Buchanan, J.; Caillol, C.; Dasu, S.; Dodd, L.; Duric, S.; Gomber, B.; Grothe, M.; Herndon, M.; Hervé, A.; Klabbers, P.; Lanaro, A.; Levine, A.; Long, K.; Loveless, R.; Ojalvo, I.; Perry, T.; Pierro, G. A.; Polese, G.; Ruggles, T.; Savin, A.; Smith, N.; Smith, W. H.; Taylor, D.; Woods, N.

2017-04-01

The spectra of charged particles produced within the pseudorapidity window | η| < 1 at √{s_{NN}}=5.02 TeV are measured using 404 μb-1 of PbPb and 27.4 pb-1 of pp data collected by the CMS detector at the LHC in 2015. The spectra are presented over the transverse momentum ranges spanning 0 .5 < p T < 400 GeV in pp and 0 .7 < p T < 400 GeV in PbPb collisions. The corresponding nuclear modification factor, R AA, is measured in bins of collision centrality. The R AA in the 5% most central collisions shows a maximal suppression by a factor of 7-8 in the p T region of 6-9 GeV. This dip is followed by an increase, which continues up to the highest p T measured, and approaches unity in the vicinity of p T = 200 GeV. The R AA is compared to theoretical predictions and earlier experimental results at lower collision energies. The newly measured pp spectrum is combined with the pPb spectrum previously published by the CMS collaboration to construct the pPb nuclear modification factor, R pA, up to 120 GeV. For p T > 20 GeV, R pA exhibits weak momentum dependence and shows a moderate enhancement above unity. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

The Serum Response Factor and a Putative Novel Transcription Factor Regulate Expression of the Immediate-Early Gene Arc/Arg3.1 in Cultured Cortical Neurons

PubMed Central

Pintchovski, Sean A.; Peebles, Carol L.; Kim, Hong Joo; Verdin, Eric; Finkbeiner, Steven

2010-01-01

The immediate-early effector gene Arc/Arg3.1 is robustly upregulated by synaptic activity associated with learning and memory. Here we show in primary cortical neuron culture that diverse stimuli induce Arc expression through new transcription. Searching for regulatory regions important for Arc transcription, we found nine DNaseI-sensitive nucleosome-depleted sites at this genomic locus. A reporter gene encompassing these sites responded to synaptic activity in an NMDA receptor–dependent manner, consistent with endogenous Arc mRNA. Responsiveness mapped to two enhancer regions ∼6.5 kb and ∼1.4 kb upstream of Arc. We dissected these regions further and found that the proximal enhancer contains a functional and conserved “Zeste-like” response element that binds a putative novel nuclear protein in neurons. Therefore, activity regulates Arc transcription partly by a novel signaling pathway. We also found that the distal enhancer has a functional and highly conserved serum response element. This element binds serum response factor, which is recruited by synaptic activity to regulate Arc. Thus, Arc is the first target of serum response factor that functions at synapses to mediate plasticity. PMID:19193899

Opposite Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

PubMed Central

Wang, Yi; Liu, Guijun; Wang, Renxi; Xiao, He; Li, Xinying; Hou, Chunmei; Shen, Beifen; Guo, Renfeng; Li, Yan; Shi, Yanchun; Chen, Guojiang

2012-01-01

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key factor for the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), whose function is known to be mediated by TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) or 2. However, the precise role of the two receptors in IBD remains poorly understood. Herein, acute colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) instillation in TNFR1 or 2−/− mice. TNFR1 ablation led to exacerbation of signs of colitis, including more weight loss, increased mortality, colon shortening and oedema, severe intestinal damage, and higher levels of myeloperoxidase compared to wild-type counterparts. While, TNFR2 deficiency had opposite effects. This discrepancy was reflected by alteration of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in the colons. Importantly, TNFR1 ablation rendered enhanced apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells and TNFR2 deficiency conferred pro-apoptotic effects of lamina propria (LP)-immune cells, as shown by the decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and enhanced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity. PMID:23285227

Nuclear receptor TLX inhibits TGF-β signaling in glioblastoma

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

Johansson, Erik; Zhai, Qiwei; Zeng, Zhao-jun

TLX (also called NR2E1) is an orphan nuclear receptor that maintains stemness of neuronal stem cells. TLX is highly expressed in the most malignant form of glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and is important for the proliferation and maintenance of the stem/progenitor cells of the tumor. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine regulating many different cellular processes such as differentiation, migration, adhesion, cell death and proliferation. TGF-β has an important function in cancer where it can work as either a tumor suppressor or oncogene, depending on the cancer type and stage of tumor development. Since glioblastoma often have dysfunctional TGF-βmore » signaling we wanted to find out if there is any interaction between TLX and TGF-β in glioblastoma cells. We demonstrate that knockdown of TLX enhances the canonical TGF-β signaling response in glioblastoma cell lines. TLX physically interacts with and stabilizes Smurf1, which can ubiquitinate and target TGF-β receptor II for degradation, whereas knockdown of TLX leads to stabilization of TGF-β receptor II, increased nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and enhanced expression of TGF-β target genes. The interaction between TLX and TGF-β may play an important role in the regulation of proliferation and tumor-initiating properties of glioblastoma cells. - Highlights: • TLX knockdown enhances TGF-β dependent Smad signaling in glioblastoma cells • TLX knockdown increases the protein level of TGF-β receptor II. • TLX stabilizes and retains Smurf1 in the cytoplasm. • TLX enhances Smurf1-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of TGF-β receptor II.« less

TAF11 assembles RISC loading complex to enhance RNAi efficiency

PubMed Central

Liang, Chunyang; Wang, Yibing; Murota, Yukiko; Liu, Xiang; Smith, Dean; Siomi, Mikiko C.; Liu, Qinghua

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Assembly of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) requires formation of the RISC loading complex (RLC), which contains Dicer-2(Dcr-2)-R2D2 complex and recruits duplex siRNA to Ago2 in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the precise composition and action mechanism of Drosophila RLC remain unclear. Here, we identified the missing factor of RLC as TATA-binding protein associated factor 11 (TAF11) by genetic screen. Although an annotated nuclear transcription factor, we found that TAF11 also associated with Dcr-2/R2D2 and localized to cytoplasmic D2 bodies. Consistent with defective RLC assembly in taf11−/− ovary extract, we reconstituted the RLC in vitro using recombinant Dcr-2-R2D2 complex, TAF11, and duplex siRNA. Furthermore, we showed that TAF11 tetramer facilitates Dcr-2-R2D2 tetramerization to enhance siRNA binding and RISC loading activities. Together, our genetic and biochemical studies define the molecular nature of Drosophila RLC and elucidate a novel cytoplasmic function of TAF11 in organizing RLC assembly to enhance RNAi efficiency. PMID:26257286

Room-temperature in situ nuclear spin hyperpolarization from optically pumped nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond

DOE PAGES

King, Jonathan P.; Jeong, Keunhong; Vassiliou, Christophoros C.; ...

2015-12-07

Low detection sensitivity stemming from the weak polarization of nuclear spins is a primary limitation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging. Methods have been developed to enhance nuclear spin polarization but they typically require high magnetic fields, cryogenic temperatures or sample transfer between magnets. Here we report bulk, room-temperature hyperpolarization of 13C nuclear spins observed via high-field magnetic resonance. The technique harnesses the high optically induced spin polarization of diamond nitrogen vacancy centres at room temperature in combination with dynamic nuclear polarization. We observe bulk nuclear spin polarization of 6%, an enhancement of ~170,000 over thermal equilibrium. The signal ofmore » the hyperpolarized spins was detected in situ with a standard nuclear magnetic resonance probe without the need for sample shuttling or precise crystal orientation. In conclusion, hyperpolarization via optical pumping/dynamic nuclear polarization should function at arbitrary magnetic fields enabling orders of magnitude sensitivity enhancement for nuclear magnetic resonance of solids and liquids under ambient conditions.« less

Curcumin-enhanced chemosensitivity of FDA-approved platinum (II)-based anti-cancer drugs involves downregulation of nuclear endonuclease G and NF-κB as well as induction of apoptosis and G2/M arrest.

PubMed

Wang, Ying-Ti; Liu, Hsiao-Sheng; Su, Chun-Li

2014-05-01

Curcumin, an active natural compound in turmeric and curry, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effect. Cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are used to treat various types of cancers. However, acquired resistance and toxicities are observed. Here, the addition of curcumin significantly increased cytotoxicity of the anti-cancer drugs on human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells, producing synergistic (cisplatin and carboplatin) and additivity (oxaliplatin) effects. Treatments in combination with curcumin resulted in a significantly increased induction of apoptosis and occurrence of G2/M arrest. Nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), EndoG and NF-κB were elevated by anti-cancer drugs, suggesting the involvement of AIF and EndoG. The addition of curcumin suppressed nuclear AIF and EndoG and reversed anti-cancer drugs-induced NF-κB expression, suggesting the association of EndoG and NF-κB in curcumin-enhanced chemosensitivity. Therefore, the intake of foods rich in curcumin or curcumin-containing supplements should be taken into consideration for patients receiving chemotherapy to optimize the outcome of treatments.

α-Catenin is an inhibitor of transcription

PubMed Central

Daugherty, Rebecca L.; Serebryannyy, Leonid; Yemelyanov, Alex; Flozak, Annette S.; Yu, Hui-Jun; Kosak, Steven T.; deLanerolle, Primal; Gottardi, Cara J.

2014-01-01

α-Catenin (α-cat) is an actin-binding protein required for cell–cell cohesion. Although this adhesive function for α-cat is well appreciated, cells contain a substantial amount of nonjunctional α-cat that may be used for other functions. We show that α-cat is a nuclear protein that can interact with β-catenin (β-cat) and T-cell factor (TCF) and that the nuclear accumulation of α-cat depends on β-cat. Using overexpression, knockdown, and chromatin immunoprecipitation approaches, we show that α-cat attenuates Wnt/β-cat–responsive genes in a manner that is downstream of β-cat/TCF loading on promoters. Both β-cat– and actin-binding domains of α-cat are required to inhibit Wnt signaling. A nuclear-targeted form of α-cat induces the formation of nuclear filamentous actin, whereas cells lacking α-cat show altered nuclear actin properties. Formation of nuclear actin filaments correlates with reduced RNA synthesis and altered chromatin organization. Conversely, nuclear extracts made from cells lacking α-cat show enhanced general transcription in vitro, an activity that can be partially rescued by restoring the C-terminal actin-binding region of α-cat. These data demonstrate that α-cat may limit gene expression by affecting nuclear actin organization. PMID:24706864

C3G dynamically associates with nuclear speckles and regulates mRNA splicing.

PubMed

Shakyawar, Dhruv Kumar; Muralikrishna, Bhattiprolu; Radha, Vegesna

2018-05-01

C3G (Crk SH3 domain binding guanine nucleotide releasing factor) (Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1), essential for mammalian embryonic development, is ubiquitously expressed and undergoes regulated nucleocytoplasmic exchange. Here we show that C3G localizes to SC35-positive nuclear speckles and regulates splicing activity. Reversible association of C3G with speckles was seen on inhibition of transcription and splicing. C3G shows partial colocalization with SC35 and is recruited to a chromatin and RNase-sensitive fraction of speckles. Its presence in speckles is dependent on intact cellular actin cytoskeleton and is lost on expression of the kinase Clk1. Rap1, a substrate of C3G, is also present in nuclear speckles, and inactivation of Rap signaling by expression of GFP-Rap1GAP alters speckle morphology and number. Enhanced association of C3G with speckles is seen on glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibition or differentiation of C2C12 cells to myotubes. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown of C3G resulted in altered splicing activity of an artificial gene as well as endogenous CD44. C3G knockout clones of C2C12 as well as MDA-MB-231 cells showed reduced protein levels of several splicing factors compared with control cells. Our results identify C3G and Rap1 as novel components of nuclear speckles and a role for C3G in regulating cellular RNA splicing activity.

On the Efficiency of Particle Injection into the Damping Ring of the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakin, V. V.; Vorobev, N. S.; Berkaev, D. V.; Glukhov, S. A.; Gornostaev, P. B.; Dorokhov, V. L.; Chao, Ma Xiao; Meshkov, O. I.; Nikiforov, D. A.; Shashkov, E. V.; Emanov, F. A.; Astrelina, K. V.; Blinov, M. F.; Borin, V. M.

2018-03-01

The efficiency of injection from a linear accelerator into the damping ring of the BINP injection complex has been experimentally studied. The estimations of the injection efficiency are in good agreement with the experimental results. Our method of increasing the capture efficiency can enhance the productivity of the injection complex by a factor of 1.5-2.

Dynamical Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Micron-scale Liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sixta, Aimee; Choate, Alexandra; Maeker, Jake; Bogat, Sophia; Tennant, Daniel; Mozaffari, Shirin; Markert, John

We report our efforts in the development of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (NMRFM) for dynamical imaging of liquid media at the micron scale. Our probe contains microfluidic samples sealed in thin-walled (µm) quartz tubes, with a micro-oscillator sensor nearby in vacuum to maintain its high mechanical resonance quality factor. Using 10 µm spherical permalloy magnets at the oscillator tips, a 3D T1-resolved image of spin density can be obtained by reconstruction from our magnetostatics-modelled resonance slices; as part of this effort, we are exploring single-shot T1 measurements for faster dynamical imaging. We aim to further enhance imaging by using a 2 ω technique to eliminate artifact signals during the cyclic inversion of nuclear spins. The ultimate intent of these efforts is to perform magnetic resonance imaging of individual biological cells.

Abscisic Acid Deficiency Antagonizes High-Temperature Inhibition of Disease Resistance through Enhancing Nuclear Accumulation of Resistance Proteins SNC1 and RPS4 in Arabidopsis[C][W

PubMed Central

Mang, Hyung-Gon; Qian, Weiqiang; Zhu, Ying; Qian, Jun; Kang, Hong-Gu; Klessig, Daniel F.; Hua, Jian

2012-01-01

Plant defense responses to pathogens are influenced by abiotic factors, including temperature. Elevated temperatures often inhibit the activities of disease resistance proteins and the defense responses they mediate. A mutant screen with an Arabidopsis thaliana temperature-sensitive autoimmune mutant bonzai1 revealed that the abscisic acid (ABA)–deficient mutant aba2 enhances resistance mediated by the resistance (R) gene SUPPRESSOR OF npr1-1 CONSTITUTIVE1 (SNC1) at high temperature. ABA deficiency promoted nuclear accumulation of SNC1, which was essential for it to function at low and high temperatures. Furthermore, the effect of ABA deficiency on SNC1 protein accumulation is independent of salicylic acid, whose effects are often antagonized by ABA. ABA deficiency also promotes the activity and nuclear localization of R protein RESISTANCE TO PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE4 at higher temperature, suggesting that the effect of ABA on R protein localization and nuclear activity is rather broad. By contrast, mutations that confer ABA insensitivity did not promote defense responses at high temperature, suggesting either tissue specificity of ABA signaling or a role of ABA in defense regulation independent of the core ABA signaling machinery. Taken together, this study reveals a new intersection between ABA and disease resistance through R protein localization and provides further evidence of antagonism between abiotic and biotic responses. PMID:22454454

3 CFR - Certifications Pursuant to Section 104 of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act Regarding the Safeguards Agreement Between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency Presidential Documents Other Presidential... of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act...

Early interleukin-6 enhances hepatic ketogenesis in APPSWE/PSEN1dE9 mice via 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary-CoA synthase 2 signaling activation by p38/nuclear factor κB p65.

PubMed

Shi, Le; Zhao, Daina; Hou, Chen; Peng, Yunhua; Liu, Jing; Zhang, Shuangxi; Liu, Jiankang; Long, Jiangang

2017-08-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered a multifactorial disease that affects the central nervous system and periphery. A decline in brain glucose metabolism is an early feature of AD and is accompanied by a phenotypic shift from aerobic glycolysis to ketogenesis. The liver is responsible for the generation of the ketone body. However, the mechanism that underlies hepatic ketogenesis in AD remains unclear. Here, we investigated hepatic ketogenesis during the early stage of AD pathogenesis in amyloid precursor protein (APP SWE ) and presenilin (PSEN1dE9) (APP/PS1) mice. We observed that β-hydroxybutyric acid was increased in the brain of the postmortem mild cognitive impairment and AD subjects and in 3-month-old APP/PS1 AD mice. A rise in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), a key enzyme for catalyzing β-hydroxybutyric acid production, was observed in early AD mice. We further showed that proinflammatory cytokines were activated in the liver prior to their activation in the brain of 3-month-old APP/PS1 mice. Among the cytokines, interleukin-6 significantly activated HMGCS2 through the binding of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 to the HMGCS2 promoter. Additionally, interleukin-6 stimulated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinases, an upstream molecule for NF-κB p65 signaling. We have demonstrated that a hepatic inflammatory factor enhances ketogenesis through HMGCS2 signaling activation by p38/NF-κB p65. These results provide a novel peripheral metabolic mechanism for enhanced ketone production and suggest a plausible early AD phenotype to diagnose AD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Finite amplitude method applied to the giant dipole resonance in heavy rare-earth nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oishi, Tomohiro; Kortelainen, Markus; Hinohara, Nobuo

2016-03-01

Background: The quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA), within the framework of nuclear density functional theory (DFT), has been a standard tool to access the collective excitations of atomic nuclei. Recently, the finite amplitude method (FAM) was developed in order to perform the QRPA calculations efficiently without any truncation on the two-quasiparticle model space. Purpose: We discuss the nuclear giant dipole resonance (GDR) in heavy rare-earth isotopes, for which the conventional matrix diagonalization of the QRPA is numerically demanding. A role of the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn (TRK) sum rule enhancement factor, connected to the isovector effective mass, is also investigated. Methods: The electric dipole photoabsorption cross section was calculated within a parallelized FAM-QRPA scheme. We employed the Skyrme energy density functional self-consistently in the DFT calculation for the ground states and FAM-QRPA calculation for the excitations. Results: The mean GDR frequency and width are mostly reproduced with the FAM-QRPA, when compared to experimental data, although some deficiency is observed with isotopes heavier than erbium. A role of the TRK enhancement factor in actual GDR strength is clearly shown: its increment leads to a shift of the GDR strength to higher-energy region, without a significant change in the transition amplitudes. Conclusions: The newly developed FAM-QRPA scheme shows remarkable efficiency, which enables one to perform systematic analysis of GDR for heavy rare-earth nuclei. The theoretical deficiency of the photoabsorption cross section could not be improved by only adjusting the TRK enhancement factor, suggesting the necessity of an approach beyond self-consistent QRPA and/or a more systematic optimization of the energy density functional (EDF) parameters.

Effects of Nuclear Factor-E2-related factor 2/Heme Oxygenase 1 on splanchnic hemodynamics in experimental cirrhosis with portal hypertension.

PubMed

Qin, Jun; He, Yue; Duan, Ming; Luo, Meng

2017-05-01

We explored the effects of Nuclear Factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) on splanchnic hemodynamics in portal hypertensive rats. Experimental cirrhosis with portal hypertension was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. The expression of proteins was examined by immunoblotting. Hemodynamic studies were performed by radioactive microspheres. The vascular perfusion system was used to measure the contractile response of mesentery arterioles in rats. Nrf2 expression in the nucleus and HO-1 expression in cytoplasm was significantly enhanced in portal hypertensive rats. Portal pressure, as well as regional blood flow, increased significantly in portal hypertension and can be blocked by tin protoporphyrin IX. The expression of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factors increased significantly compared to normal rats, while HO-1 inhibition decreased the expression of these proteins significantly. The contractile response of mesenteric arteries decreased in portal hypertension, but can be partially recovered through tin protoporphyrin IX treatment. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1 increased in mesenteric arteries of portal hypertensive rats, which was related to oxidative stress. HO-1was involved in increased portal pressure and anomaly splanchnic hemodynamics in portal hypertensive rats. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Repression of enhancer II activity by a negative regulatory element in the hepatitis B virus genome.

PubMed Central

Lo, W Y; Ting, L P

1994-01-01

Enhancer II of human hepatitis B virus has dual functions in vivo. Located at nucleotides (nt) 1646 to 1741, it can stimulate the surface and X promoters from a downstream position. Moreover, the same sequence can also function as upstream regulatory element that activates the core promoter in a position- and orientation-dependent manner. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a negative regulatory element (NRE) upstream of enhancer II (nt 1613 to 1636) which can repress both the enhancer and upstream stimulatory function of the enhancer II sequence in differentiated liver cells. This NRE has marginal inhibitory effect by itself but a strong repressive function in the presence of a functional enhancer II. Mutational analysis reveals that sequence from nt 1616 to 1621 is required for repression of enhancer activity by the NRE. Gel shift analysis reveals that this negative regulatory region can be recognized by a specific protein factor(s) present at the 0.4 M NaCl fraction of HepG2 nuclear extracts. The discovery of the NRE indicates that HBV gene transcription is controlled by combined effects of both positive and negative regulation. It also provides a unique system with which to study the mechanism of negative regulation of gene expression. Images PMID:8107237

Serine 192 in the tiny RS repeat of the adenoviral L4-33K splicing enhancer protein is essential for function and reorganization of the protein to the periphery of viral replication centers

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

Oestberg, Sara, E-mail: sara.ostberg@imbim.uu.se; Toermaenen Persson, Heidi, E-mail: heidi.tormanen.persson@imbim.uu.se; Akusjaervi, Goeran, E-mail: goran.akusjarvi@imbim.uu.se

2012-11-25

The adenovirus L4-33K protein is a key regulator involved in the temporal shift from early to late pattern of mRNA expression from the adenovirus major late transcription unit. L4-33K is a virus-encoded alternative splicing factor, which enhances processing of 3 Prime splice sites with a weak sequence context. Here we show that L4-33K expressed from a plasmid is localized at the nuclear margin of uninfected cells. During an infection L4-33K is relocalized to the periphery of E2A-72K containing viral replication centers. We also show that serine 192 in the tiny RS repeat of the conserved carboxy-terminus of L4-33K, which ismore » critical for the splicing enhancer function of L4-33K, is necessary for the nuclear localization and redistribution of the protein to viral replication sites. Collectively, our results show a good correlation between the activity of L4-33K as a splicing enhancer protein and its localization to the periphery of viral replication centers.« less

Characterization of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in human cancer cells: the importance of enhanced BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1) degradation.

PubMed

Wang, Shuai; Hannafon, Bethany N; Wolf, Roman F; Zhou, Jundong; Avery, Jori E; Wu, Jinchang; Lind, Stuart E; Ding, Wei-Qun

2014-05-01

The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in cancer cells has never been characterized. This study examines DHA-induced HO-1 expression in human cancer cell model systems. DHA enhanced HO-1 gene expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with maximal induction at 21 h of treatment. This induction of HO-1 expression was confirmed in vivo using a xenograft nude mouse model fed a fish-oil-enriched diet. The increase in HO-1 gene transcription induced by DHA was significantly attenuated by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress. This was supported by direct measurement of lipid peroxide levels after DHA treatment. Using a human HO-1 gene promoter reporter construct, we identified two antioxidant response elements (AREs) that mediate the DHA-induced increase in HO-1 gene transcription. Knockdown of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) expression compromised the DHA-induced increase in HO-1 gene transcription, indicating the importance of the Nrf2 pathway in this event. However, the nuclear protein levels of Nrf2 remained unchanged upon DHA treatment. Further studies demonstrated that DHA reduces nuclear Bach1 protein expression by promoting its degradation and attenuates Bach1 binding to the AREs in the HO-1 gene promoter. In contrast, DHA enhanced Nrf2 binding to the AREs without affecting nuclear Nrf2 expression levels, indicating a new cellular mechanism that mediates DHA's induction of HO-1 gene transcription. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of DHA-induced HO-1 expression in human malignant cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evidence of an enhanced nuclear radius of the α -halo state via α +12C inelastic scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Makoto

2018-04-01

Evidence of the enhanced nuclear radius in the Hoyle rotational state, 22+, is derived from the differential cross sections in α +12C inelastic scattering. The prominent shrinkage is observed in the differential cross section of the 22+ state in comparison to the yrast 21+ state, and this shrinkage is the first evidence of the enhanced nuclear radius which originates from the 3 α structure in the 22+ state. A diffraction formula, that is, Blair's phase rule, is applied to the differential cross sections, and the present analysis predicts an enhancement of 0.6 to 1.0 fm in the nuclear radius of the 22+ state in comparison to the radius of the yrast 21+, which is considered to have a normal nuclear radius. Constraint on the recent ab initio calculation for 3 α states in 12C is also discussed.

Immune-Enhancing Effects of a High Molecular Weight Fraction of Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley in Macrophages and Immunosuppressed Mice

PubMed Central

Jang, Mi; Lim, Tae-Gyu; Ahn, Sungeun; Hong, Hee-Do; Rhee, Young Kyoung; Kim, Kyung-Tack; Lee, Eunjung; Lee, Jeong Hoon; Lee, Yun Ji; Jung, Chan Sik; Lee, Dae Young; Cho, Chang-Won

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the immune-enhancing activity of a high molecular weight fraction (HMF) of Cynanchum wilfordii in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. To identify the bioactive substances of HMF, a crude polysaccharide (HMFO) was obtained and treated with sodium periodate (an oxidation agent) or digested with protease. In macrophages, HMF treatment enhanced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β)), as well as phagocytic ability. In CYC-immunosuppressed mice, HMF improved relative spleen and thymus weights, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and splenic lymphocyte proliferation. These increases in NO and cytokines were mediated by up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Periodate treatment, but not protease treatment, decreased the immune-enhancing activity of HMFO, suggesting that polysaccharides are the active ingredients in C. wilfordii extract. PMID:27690089

Immune-Enhancing Effects of a High Molecular Weight Fraction of Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley in Macrophages and Immunosuppressed Mice.

PubMed

Jang, Mi; Lim, Tae-Gyu; Ahn, Sungeun; Hong, Hee-Do; Rhee, Young Kyoung; Kim, Kyung-Tack; Lee, Eunjung; Lee, Jeong Hoon; Lee, Yun Ji; Jung, Chan Sik; Lee, Dae Young; Cho, Chang-Won

2016-09-27

The objective of this study was to investigate the immune-enhancing activity of a high molecular weight fraction (HMF) of Cynanchum wilfordii in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. To identify the bioactive substances of HMF, a crude polysaccharide (HMFO) was obtained and treated with sodium periodate (an oxidation agent) or digested with protease. In macrophages, HMF treatment enhanced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β)), as well as phagocytic ability. In CYC-immunosuppressed mice, HMF improved relative spleen and thymus weights, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and splenic lymphocyte proliferation. These increases in NO and cytokines were mediated by up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Periodate treatment, but not protease treatment, decreased the immune-enhancing activity of HMFO, suggesting that polysaccharides are the active ingredients in C. wilfordii extract.

Keap1 silencing boosts lipopolysaccharide-induced transcription of interleukin 6 via activation of nuclear factor κB in macrophages

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

Lv, Peng; Institute for Chemical Safety Sciences, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, 6 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; Xue, Peng

2013-11-01

Interleukin-6 (IL6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates immune and inflammatory responses. Multiple transcription factors, including nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), regulate IL6 transcription. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a substrate adaptor protein for the Cullin 3-dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which regulates the degradation of many proteins, including Nrf2 and IκB kinase β (IKKβ). Here, we found that stable knockdown of Keap1 (Keap1-KD) in RAW 264.7 (RAW) mouse macrophages and human monocyte THP-1 cells significantly increased expression of Il6, and Nrf2-target genes, under basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.001–0.1 μg/ml)-challenged conditions. However, Nrf2more » activation alone, by tert-butylhydroquinone treatment of RAW cells, did not increase expression of Il6. Compared to cells transduced with scrambled non-target negative control shRNA, Keap1-KD RAW cells showed enhanced protein levels of IKKβ and increased expression and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 under non-stressed and LPS-treated conditions. Because the expression of Il6 in Keap1-KD RAW cells was significantly attenuated by silencing of Ikkβ, but not Nrf2, it appears that stabilized IKKβ is responsible for the enhanced transactivation of Il6 in Keap1-KD cells. This study demonstrated that silencing of Keap1 in macrophages boosts LPS-induced transcription of Il6 via NF-κB activation. Given the importance of IL6 in the inflammatory response, the Keap1–IKKβ–NF-κB pathway may be a novel target for treatment and prevention of inflammation and associated disorders. - Highlights: • Knockdown of Keap1 increases expression of Il6 in macrophages. • Silencing of Keap1 results in protein accumulation of IKKβ and NF-κB p65. • Induction of Il6 resulting from Keap1 silencing is attributed to NF-κB activation.« less

Histone-Targeted Nucleic Acid Delivery for Tissue Regenerative Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munsell, Erik V.

Nucleic acid delivery has garnered significant attention as an innovative therapeutic approach for treating a wide variety of diseases. However, the design of non-viral delivery systems that negotiate efficient intracellular trafficking and nuclear entry represents a significant challenge. Overcoming these hurdles requires a combination of well-controlled materials approaches with techniques to understand and direct cellular delivery. Recent investigations have highlighted the roles histone tail sequences play in directing nuclear delivery and retention, as well as activating DNA transcription. We established the ability to recapitulate these natural histone tail activities within non-viral gene nanocarriers, driving gene transfer/expression by enabling effective navigation to the nucleus via retrograde vesicular trafficking. A unique finding of this histone-targeted approach was that nanocarriers gained enhanced access to the nucleus during mitosis. The work described in this dissertation builds off of these fundamental insights to facilitate the translation of this histone-targeted delivery approach toward regenerative medicine applications. During native tissue repair, actively proliferating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) respond to a complex series of growth factor signals that direct their differentiation. Accordingly, the investigations in this work focused on utilizing the histone-targeted nanocarriers to enhance osteogenic growth factor gene transfer in dividing MSCs leading to augmented MSC chondrogenic differentiation, an essential first step in skeletal tissue repair. Concurrently, additional studies focused on optimizing the histone-targeted nanocarrier design strategy to enable improved plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding stability and tunable harnessing of native cellular processing pathways for enhanced gene transfer. Overall, the work presented herein demonstrated substantial increases in growth factor expression following histone-targeted gene transfer. This enhanced expression enabled more robust levels of chondrogenesis in MSCs than treatments with equivalent amounts of recombinant growth factor protein. Additionally, nanocarrier design optimization provided effective pDNA condensation and controllable interactions with native histone effectors. Importantly, these optimized nanocarriers conferred stable nanoplex formation and maintained transfection efficiency under physiologically relevant conditions. Taken together, these advances may help drive the clinical translation of histone-targeted nucleic acid delivery strategies for the regeneration of damaged tissue following traumatic injury.

Study of the in-medium nucleon electromagnetic form factors using a light-front nucleon wave function combined with the quark-meson coupling model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Araújo, W. R. B.; de Melo, J. P. B. C.; Tsushima, K.

2018-02-01

We study the nucleon electromagnetic (EM) form factors in symmetric nuclear matter as well as in vacuum within a light-front approach using the in-medium inputs calculated by the quark-meson coupling model. The same in-medium quark properties are used as those used for the study of in-medium pion properties. The zero of the proton EM form factor ratio in vacuum, the electric to magnetic form factor ratio μpGEp (Q2) /GMp (Q2) (Q2 = -q2 > 0 with q being the four-momentum transfer), is determined including the latest experimental data by implementing a hard constituent quark component in the nucleon wave function. A reasonable fit is achieved for the ratio μpGEp (Q2) /GMp (Q2) in vacuum, and we predict that the Q02 value to cross the zero of the ratio to be about 15 GeV2. In addition the double ratio data of the proton EM form factors in 4He and H nuclei, [GEp4He (Q2) /G4HeMp (Q2) ] / [GEp1H (Q2) /GMp1H (Q2) ], extracted by the polarized (e → ,e‧ p →) scattering experiment on 4He at JLab, are well described. We also predict that the Q02 value satisfying μpGEp (Q02) /GMp (Q0 2) = 0 in symmetric nuclear matter, shifts to a smaller value as increasing nuclear matter density, which reflects the facts that the faster falloff of GEp (Q2) as increasing Q2 and the increase of the proton mean-square charge radius. Furthermore, we calculate the neutron EM form factor double ratio in symmetric nuclear matter for 0.1

3 CFR - Delegation of Authority Relating To Certain Functions Under Section 201 (B) of the United States...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Functions Under Section 201 (B) of the United States-india Nuclear Cooperation Approval And Nonproliferation...-india Nuclear Cooperation Approval And Nonproliferation Enhancement Act (Public Law 110-369) Memorandum...) of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act (Public...

Early Minocycline and Late FK506 Treatment Improves Survival and Alleviates Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration, and Behavioral Deficits in Prion-Infected Hamsters.

PubMed

Shah, Syed Zahid Ali; Zhao, Deming; Taglialatela, Giulio; Khan, Sher Hayat; Hussain, Tariq; Dong, Haodi; Lai, Mengyu; Zhou, Xiangmei; Yang, Lifeng

2017-04-01

Prion infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are characterized by initial reactive gliosis followed by overt neuronal death. Gliosis is likely to be caused initially by the deposition of misfolded, proteinase K-resistant, isoforms (termed PrP Sc ) of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP c ) in the brain. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines released by PrP Sc -activated glia and stressed neurons may also contribute directly or indirectly to the disease development by enhancing gliosis and inducing neurotoxicity. Recent studies have illustrated that early neuroinflammation activates nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) in the calcineurin signaling cascade, resulting in nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) to promote apoptosis. Hence, useful therapeutic approaches to slow down the course of prion disease development should control early inflammatory responses to suppress NFAT signaling. Here we used a hamster model of prion diseases to test, for the first time, the neuroprotective and NFAT-suppressive effect of a second-generation semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, minocycline, versus a calcineurin inhibitor, FK506, with known NFAT suppressive activity. Our results indicate that prolonged treatment with minocycline, starting from the presymptomatic stage of prion disease was more effective than FK506 given either during the presymptomatic or symptomatic stage of prion disease. Specifically, minocycline treatment reduced the expression of the astrocyte activation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein and of the microglial activation marker ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1, subsequently reducing the level of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. We further found that minocycline and FK506 treatment inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear translocation in a caspase-dependent manner, and enhanced phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein and phosphorylated Bcl2-associated death promoter levels to reduce cognitive impairment and apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicate that minocycline is a better choice for prolonged use in prion diseases and encourage its further clinical development as a possible treatment for this disease.

Nuclear Function of Subclass I Actin-Depolymerizing Factor Contributes to Susceptibility in Arabidopsis to an Adapted Powdery Mildew Fungus1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Inada, Noriko; Higaki, Takumi; Hasezawa, Seiichiro

2016-01-01

Actin-depolymerizing factors (ADFs) are conserved proteins that function in regulating the structure and dynamics of actin microfilaments in eukaryotes. In this study, we present evidence that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) subclass I ADFs, particularly ADF4, functions as a susceptibility factor for an adapted powdery mildew fungus. The null mutant of ADF4 significantly increased resistance against the adapted powdery mildew fungus Golovinomyces orontii. The degree of resistance was further enhanced in transgenic plants in which the expression of all subclass I ADFs (i.e. ADF1–ADF4) was suppressed. Microscopic observations revealed that the enhanced resistance of adf4 and ADF1-4 knockdown plants (ADF1-4Ri) was associated with the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and cell death specific to G. orontii-infected cells. The increased resistance and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in ADF1-4Ri were suppressed by the introduction of mutations in the salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-signaling pathways but not by a mutation in the ethylene-signaling pathway. Quantification by microscopic images detected an increase in the level of actin microfilament bundling in ADF1-4Ri but not in adf4 at early G. orontii infection time points. Interestingly, complementation analysis revealed that nuclear localization of ADF4 was crucial for susceptibility to G. orontii. Based on its G. orontii-infected-cell-specific phenotype, we suggest that subclass I ADFs are susceptibility factors that function in a direct interaction between the host plant and the powdery mildew fungus. PMID:26747284

Combination of IL-6 and sIL-6R differentially regulate varying levels of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through NF-κB, ERK and JNK signaling pathways.

PubMed

Feng, Wei; Liu, Hongrui; Luo, Tingting; Liu, Di; Du, Juan; Sun, Jing; Wang, Wei; Han, Xiuchun; Yang, Kaiyun; Guo, Jie; Amizuka, Norio; Li, Minqi

2017-01-27

Interleukin (IL)-6 is known to indirectly enhance osteoclast formation by promoting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) production by osteoblastic/stromal cells. However, little is known about the direct effect of IL-6 on osteoclastogenesis. Here, we determined the direct effects of IL-6 and its soluble receptor (sIL-6R) on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation by osteoclast precursors in vitro. We found IL-6/sIL-6R significantly promoted and suppressed osteoclast differentiation induced by low- (10 ng/ml) and high-level (50 ng/ml) RANKL, respectively. Using a bone resorption pit formation assay, expression of osteoclastic marker genes and transcription factors confirmed differential regulation of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by IL-6/sIL-6R. Intracellular signaling transduction analysis revealed IL-6/sIL-6R specifically upregulated and downregulated the phosphorylation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) induced by low- and high level RANKL, respectively. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that IL-6/sIL-6R differentially regulate RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and activity through modulation of NF-κB, ERK and JNK signaling pathways. Thus, IL-6 likely plays a dual role in osteoclastogenesis either as a pro-resorption factor or as a protector of bone, depending on the level of RANKL within the local microenvironment.

Degraded λ-carrageenan activates NF-κB and AP-1 pathways in macrophages and enhances LPS-induced TNF-α secretion through AP-1.

PubMed

Chen, Haimin; Wang, Feng; Mao, Haihua; Yan, Xiaojun

2014-07-01

Carrageenan (CGN), a high molecular weight sulfated polysaccharide, is a traditional ingredient used in food industry. Its degraded forms have been identified as potential carcinogens, although the mechanism remains unclear. The effects of degraded λ-carrageenan (λ-dCGN) on murine RAW264.7 cells and human THP-1-derived macrophage cells were investigated by studying its actions on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, and activation of nuclear factor-κb (NF-κB) and activation protein-1 (AP-1) pathways. We found that λ-dCGN was much stronger than native λ-CGN in the activation of macrophages to secrete TNF-α. Treatment of RAW264.7 cells with λ-dCGN resulted in the upregulation of TLR4, CD14 and MD-2 expressions, but it did not increase the binding of lipopolysacchride (LPS) with macrophages. Meanwhile, λ-dCGN treatment activated NF-κB via B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 10 (Bcl10) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) phosphorylation. In addition, λ-dCGN induced extracellular signal-regulated kinases/1/2/mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK1/2/MAPK) and AP-1 activation. Interestingly, pretreatment of RAW264.7 cells with λ-dCGN markedly enhanced LPS-stimulated TNF-α secretion. This pretreatment resulted in the enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and intensified activation of AP-1. λ-dCGN induced an inflammatory reaction via both NF-κB and AP-1, and enhanced the inflammatory effect of LPS through AP-1 activation. The study demonstrated the role of λ-dCGN to induce the inflammatory reaction and to aggravate the effect of LPS on macrophages, suggesting that λ-dCGN produced during food processing and gastric digestion may be a safety concern. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Procarcinogenic effects of cyclosporine A are mediated through the activation of TAK1/TAB1 signaling pathway

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

Xu, Jianmin; Walsh, Stephanie B.; Verney, Zoe M.

Research highlights: {yields} Organ transplant recipients are highly susceptible to early skin cancer development. {yields} CsA-mediated TGFB1-dependent TAK1/TAB1 signaling augments invasive tumor growth. {yields} CsA enhances accumulation of upstream kinases, ZMP, AMPK and IRAK to activate TAK1. {yields} TAK1 mediates enhanced proliferation and reduced apoptosis via CsA-dependent NF{kappa}B. -- Abstract: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive drug commonly used for maintaining chronic immune suppression in organ transplant recipients. It is known that patients receiving CsA manifest increased growth of aggressive non-melanoma skin cancers. However, the underlying mechanism by which CsA augments tumor growth is not fully understood. Here, we showmore » that CsA augments the growth of A431 epidermoid carcinoma xenograft tumors by activating tumor growth factor {beta}-activated kinase1 (TAK1). The activation of TAK1 by CsA occurs at multiple levels by kinases ZMP, AMPK and IRAK. TAK1 forms heterodimeric complexes with TAK binding protein 1 and 2 (TAB1/TAB2) which in term activate nuclear factor {kappa}B (NF{kappa}B) and p38 MAP kinase. Transcriptional activation of NF{kappa}B is evidenced by IKK{beta}-mediated phosphorylation-dependent degradation of I{kappa}B and consequent nuclear translocation of p65. This also leads to enhancement in the expression of its transcriptional target genes cyclin D1, Bcl2 and COX-2. Similarly, activation of p38 leads to enhanced inflammation-related signaling shown by increased phosphorylation of MAPKAPK2 and which in turn phosphorylates its substrate HSP27. Activation of both NF{kappa}B and p38 MAP kinase provide mitogenic stimuli to augment the growth of SCCs.« less

Nrf2 Activation Induced by Sirt1 Ameliorates Acute Lung Injury After Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Through NOX4-Mediated Gene Regulation.

PubMed

Chai, DongDong; Zhang, Lei; Xi, SiWei; Cheng, YanYong; Jiang, Hong; Hu, Rong

2018-01-01

Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a major stress-response transcription factor that has been implicated in regulating ischemic angiogenesis. We investigated the effects of Nrf2 in regulating revascularization and modulating acute lung injury. The expression of Nrf2 and sirtuin1 (Sirt1) was assessed in lung tissue by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IIR) in Nrf2-/- and wild-type (WT) mice. The involvement of Nrf2 in angiogenesis, cell viability, and migration was investigated in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). Additionally, the influence of Nrf2 expression on NOX pathway activation was measured in PMVECs after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. We found activation and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 in lung tissue after IIR. Compared to IIR in WT mice, IIR in Nrf2-/- mice significantly enhanced leukocyte infiltration and collagen deposit, and inhibited endothelial cell marker CD31 expression. Nrf2 upregulation and translocation into the nucleus stimulated by Sirt1 overexpression exhibited remission of histopathologic changes and enhanced CD31 expression. Nrf2 knockdown repressed non-phagocytic cell oxidase 4 (NOX4), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression after IIR. Nrf2 upregulation by Sirt1 enhances NOX4, HIF-1α and VEGF expression after IIR in WT mice. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockdown suppressed cell viability, capillary tube formation and cell migration in PMVECs after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and also inhibited NOX4, HIF-1 and VEGF expression. Moreover, NOX4 knockdown in PMVECs decreased the levels of VEGF, HIF-1α and angiogenesis. Nrf2 stimulation by Sirt1 plays an important role in sustaining angiogenic potential through NOX4-mediated gene regulation. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Glucocorticoid suppresses the canonical Wnt signal in cultured human osteoblasts

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

Ohnaka, Keizo; Tanabe, Mizuho; Kawate, Hisaya

2005-04-01

To explore the mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, we investigated the effect of glucocorticoid on canonical Wnt signaling that emerged as a novel key pathway for promoting bone formation. Wnt3a increased the T-cell factor (Tcf)/lymphoid enhancer factor (Lef)-dependent transcriptional activity in primary cultured human osteoblasts. Dexamethasone suppressed this transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner, while 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 increased this transcriptional activity. LiCl, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3{beta}, also enhanced the Tcf/Lef-dependent transcriptional activity, which was, however, not inhibited by dexamethasone. The addition of anti-dickkopf-1 antibody partially restored the transcriptional activity suppressed by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone decreased the cytosolic amount of {beta}-cateninmore » accumulated by Wnt3a and also inhibited the nuclear translocation of {beta}-catenin induced by Wnt3a. These data suggest that glucocorticoid suppresses the canonical Wnt signal in cultured human osteoblasts, partially through the enhancement of the dickkopf-1 production.« less

Immunostimulatory effect of spinach aqueous extract on mouse macrophage-like J774.1 cells and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages.

PubMed

Ishida, Momoko; Ose, Saya; Nishi, Kosuke; Sugahara, Takuya

2016-07-01

We herein report the immunostimulatory effect of spinach aqueous extract (SAE) on mouse macrophage-like J774.1 cells and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. SAE significantly enhanced the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α by both J774.1 cells and peritoneal macrophages by enhancing the expression levels of these cytokine genes. In addition, the phagocytosis activity of J774.1 cells was facilitated by SAE. Immunoblot analysis revealed that SAE activates mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB cascades. It was found that SAE activates macrophages through not only TLR4, but also other receptors. The production of IL-6 was significantly enhanced by peritoneal macrophages from SAE-administered BALB/c mice, suggesting that SAE has a potential to stimulate macrophage activity in vivo. Taken together, these data indicate that SAE would be a beneficial functional food with immunostimulatory effects on macrophages.

Lipoxin A4-Induced Heme Oxygenase-1 Protects Cardiomyocytes against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury via p38 MAPK Activation and Nrf2/ARE Complex

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiao-Qing; Wu, Sheng-Hua; Zhou, Yu; Tang, Yan-Rong

2013-01-01

Objective To investigate whether lipoxin A4 (LXA4) increases expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in cardiomyocytes, whether LXA4-induced HO-1 protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury, and what are the mechanisms involved in the LXA4-induced HO-1 induction. Methods Rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to H/R injury with or without preincubation with LXA4 or HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP-IX or various signal molecule inhibitors. Expressions of HO-1 protein and mRNA were analyzed by using Western blot and RT-PCR respectively. Activity of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) binding to the HO-1 E1 enhancer was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Nrf2 binding to the HO-1 antioxidant responsive element (ARE) were measured by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results Pretreatment of the cells undergoing H/R lesion with LXA4 significantly reduced the lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase productions, increased the cell viability, and increased the expressions of HO-1 protein and mRNA and HO-1 promoter activity. HO-1 inhibition abolished the protective role of LXA4 on the cells undergoing H/R lesion. LXA4 increased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activation, nuclear translocation of Nrf2, Nrf2 binding to the HO-1 ARE and E1 enhancer in cardiomyocytes with or without H/R exposure. Conclusion The protection role of LXA4 against H/R injury of cardiomyocytes is related to upregulation of HO-1, via activation of p38 MAPK pathway and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and Nrf2 binding to the HO-1 ARE and E1 enhancer, but not via activation of phosphatidyinositol-3-kinase or extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. PMID:23826208

Kelch-like ECH-associated Protein 1-dependent Nuclear Factor-E2-related Factor 2 Activation in Relation to Antioxidation Induced by Sevoflurane Preconditioning.

PubMed

Cai, Min; Tong, Li; Dong, Beibei; Hou, Wugang; Shi, Likai; Dong, Hailong

2017-03-01

The authors have reported that antioxidative effects play a crucial role in the volatile anesthetic-induced neuroprotection. Accumulated evidence shows that endogenous antioxidation could be up-regulated by nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 through multiple pathways. However, whether nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation is modulated by sevoflurane preconditioning and, if so, what is the signaling cascade underlying upstream of this activation are still unknown. Sevoflurane preconditioning in mice was performed with sevoflurane (2.5%) 1 h per day for five consecutive days. Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, manganese superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin-1, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinolone oxidoreductase-1 was detected (n = 6). The antioxidant activities and oxidative product expression were also examined. To determine the role of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 inhibition-dependent nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation in sevoflurane preconditioning-induced neuroprotection, the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 signal was modulated by nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 knockout, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 overexpression lentivirus, and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 deficiency small interfering RNA (n = 8). The infarct volume, neurologic scores, and cellular apoptosis were assessed. Sevoflurane preconditioning elicited neuroprotection and increased nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation, which in turn up-regulated endogenous antioxidation and reduced oxidative injury. Sevoflurane preconditioning reduced kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 expression. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 ablation abolished neuroprotection and reversed sevoflurane preconditioning by mediating the up-regulation of antioxidants. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 overexpression reversed nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 up-regulation and abolished the neuroprotection induced by sevoflurane preconditioning. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 small interfering RNA administration improved nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 expression and the outcome of mice subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 down-regulation-dependent nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation underlies the ability of sevoflurane preconditioning to activate the endogenous antioxidant response, which elicits its neuroprotection.

Overexpression of Tet3 in donor cells enhances goat somatic cell nuclear transfer efficiency.

PubMed

Han, Chengquan; Deng, Ruizhi; Mao, Tingchao; Luo, Yan; Wei, Biao; Meng, Peng; Zhao, Lu; Zhang, Qing; Quan, Fusheng; Liu, Jun; Zhang, Yong

2018-05-23

Ten-eleven translocation 3 (TET3) mediates active DNA demethylation of paternal genomes during mouse embryonic development. However, the mechanism of DNA demethylation in goat embryos remains unknown. In addition, aberrant DNA methylation reprogramming prevalently occurs in embryos cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this study, we reported that TET3 is a key factor in DNA demethylation in goat pre-implantation embryos. Knockdown of Tet3 hindered DNA demethylation at the two- to four-cell stage in goat embryos and decreased Nanog expression in blastocysts. Overexpression of Tet3 in somatic cells can initiate DNA demethylation, reduce 5-methylcytosine level, increase 5-hydroxymethylcytosine level and promote the expression of key pluripotency genes. After SCNT, overexpression of Tet3 in donor cells corrected abnormal DNA hypermethylation of cloned embryos and significantly enhanced in vitro and in vivo developmental rate (P < 0.05). We conclude that overexpression of Tet3 in donor cells significantly improves goat SCNT efficiency. © 2018 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Functional and mechanistic diversity of distal transcription enhancers

PubMed Central

Bulger, Michael; Groudine, Mark

2013-01-01

Biological differences among metazoans, and between cell types in a given organism, arise in large part due to differences in gene expression patterns. The sequencing of multiple metazoan genomes, coupled with recent advances in genome-wide analysis of histone modifications and transcription factor binding, has revealed that among regulatory DNA sequences, gene-distal enhancers appear to exhibit the greatest diversity and cell-type specificity. Moreover, such elements are emerging as important targets for mutations that can give rise to disease and to genetic variability that underlies evolutionary change. Studies of long-range interactions between distal genomic sequences in the nucleus indicate that enhancers are often important determinants of nuclear organization, contributing to a general model for enhancer function that involves direct enhancer-promoter contact. In a number of systems, however, mechanisms for enhancer function are emerging that do not fit solely within such a model, suggesting that enhancers as a class of DNA regulatory element may be functionally and mechanistically diverse. PMID:21295696

Dynamic Nuclear Polarization in Samarium Doped Lanthanum Magnesium Nitrate. Ph.D. Thesis - Va. Polytechnic Inst.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byvik, C. E.

1971-01-01

The dynamic nuclear polarization of hydrogen nuclei by the solid effect in single crystals of samarium doped lanthanum magnesium nitrate (Sm:LMN) was studied theoretically and experimentally. The equations of evolution governing the dynamic nuclear polarization by the solid effect were derived in detail using the spin temperature theory and the complete expression for the steady state enhancement of the nuclear polarization was calculated. Experimental enhancements of the proton polarization were obtained for eight crystals at 9.2 GHz and liquid helium temperatures. The samarium concentration ranged from 0.1 percent to 1.1 percent as determined by X-ray fluorescence. A peak enhancement of 181 was measured for a 1.1 percent Sm:LMN crystal at 3.0 K. The maximum enhancements extrapolated with the theory using the experimental data for peak enhancement versus microwave power and correcting for leakage, agree with the ideal enhancement (240 in this experiment) within experimental error for three of the crystals.

Apoptosis Induction by Targeting Interferon Gamma Receptor 2 (IFNgammaR2) in Prostate Cancer: Ligand (IFNgamma)-Independent Novel Function of IFNgammaR2 as a Bax Inhibitor

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

promoter that responds to nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), which is known to be highly active in prostate cancer... lamina propria T1 - Tumor invades submucosa T2 - Tumor invades muscularis propria T3 - Tumor invades through musclaris propria into subserosa or

Targeting MUC1-Mediated Tumor-Stromal Metabolic Interaction in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

to MUC1 interaction with hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF1α), a key regulator of glycolysis . We previously observed that ectopic overexpression of...nuclear localization and transcriptional activation of the cytoplasmic tail of MUC1. Additionally, MUC1 enhanced glutamine uptake that was increased...rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), indicative of cells utilizing glycolysis and/or oxidative phosphorylation to meet energy

Inactivation of p27kip1 Promoted Nonspecific Inflammation by Enhancing Macrophage Proliferation in Islet Transplantation.

PubMed

Li, Yang; Ding, Xiaoming; Fan, Ping; Guo, Jian; Tian, Xiaohui; Feng, Xinshun; Zheng, Jin; Tian, Puxun; Ding, Chenguang; Xue, Wujun

2016-11-01

Islet transplantation suffers from low efficiency caused by nonspecific inflammation-induced graft loss after transplantation. This study reports increased islet loss and enhanced inflammatory response in p27-deficient mice (p27-/-) and proposes a possible mechanism. Compared with wild type, p27-/- mice showed more severe functional injury of islet, with increased serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α, inducing macrophage proliferation. Furthermore, the increased number, proapoptotic proteins, and nuclear factor-kappa b (NF-κB) phosphorylation status of the infiltrating macrophages were accompanied by increased TNF-α mRNA level of islet graft site in p27-/- mice. Moreover, in vitro, we found that macrophages were still activated and cocultured with islet and promoted islet loss even blocking the direct effect of TNF-α on islets. Malondialdehyde (MDA, an end product of lipid peroxidation) in islet and media were increased after cocultured with macrophages. p27 deficiency also increased macrophage proliferation and islet injury. Therefore, p27 inactivation promotes injury islet graft loss via the elevation of proliferation and inflammatory cytokines secretion in infiltrating macrophages which induced nonspecific inflammation independent of TNF-α/nuclear factor-kappa b pathway. This potentially represents a promising therapeutic target in improving islet graft survival.

Systems biology of lupus: mapping the impact of genomic and environmental factors on gene expression signatures, cellular signaling, metabolic pathways, hormonal and cytokine imbalance, and selecting targets for treatment.

PubMed

Perl, Andras

2010-02-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the dysfunction of T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells, the release of pro-inflammatory nuclear materials from necrotic cells, and the formation of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and immune complexes of ANA with DNA, RNA, and nuclear proteins. Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has recently emerged as a key factor in abnormal activation of T and B cells in SLE. In T cells, increased production of nitric oxide and mitochondrial hyperpolarization (MHP) were identified as metabolic checkpoints upstream of mTOR activation. mTOR controls the expression T-cell receptor-associated signaling proteins CD4 and CD3zeta through increased expression of the endosome recycling regulator Rab5 and HRES-1/Rab4 genes, enhances Ca2+ fluxing and skews the expression of tyrosine kinases both in T and B cells, and blocks the expression of Foxp3 and the generation of regulatory T cells. MHP, increased activity of mTOR, Rab GTPases, and Syk kinases, and enhanced Ca2+ flux have emerged as common T and B cell biomarkers and targets for treatment in SLE.

Social Capital Enhanced Disaster Preparedness and Health Consultations after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Power Station Accident

PubMed Central

Hasegawa, Makoto; Murakami, Michio; Suzuki, Satoshi; Ohto, Hitoshi

2018-01-01

After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident in 2011, there was a strong demand to promote disaster preparedness approaches and health checkups for the prevention of lifestyle diseases. This study examined the yearly change in the percentage of those who prepared for disasters and who utilized health checkups in Fukushima Prefecture, and identified the factors governing disaster preparedness and utilization of health checkups. We used the public opinion survey from 2011 to 2015 (n = 677–779 each year) on prefectural policies that is conducted every year by the Fukushima Prefecture government Public Consultation Unit. We found that the percentage of those who prepare for disasters decreased, while that for health checkups did not significantly change. With regard to disaster preparedness, experiences of disaster enhance disaster preparedness, while bonds with other local people help to maintain preparedness. For health checkups, familiarity with the welfare service was the most important factor governing such consultations. The findings suggest that social capital should be promoted in order to improve disaster preparedness. The findings also suggest that residents’ accessibility to medical and welfare services is also important in promoting the utilization of health checkups. PMID:29538320

Repression of HNF1α-mediated transcription by amino-terminal enhancer of split (AES).

PubMed

Han, Eun Hee; Gorman, Amanda A; Singh, Puja; Chi, Young-In

HNF1α (Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1α) is one of the master regulators in pancreatic beta-cell development and function, and the mutations in Hnf1α are the most common monogenic causes of diabetes mellitus. As a member of the POU transcription factor family, HNF1α exerts its gene regulatory function through various molecular interactions; however, there is a paucity of knowledge in their functional complex formation. In this study, we identified the Groucho protein AES (Amino-terminal Enhancer of Split) as a HNF1α-specific physical binding partner and functional repressor of HNF1α-mediated transcription, which has a direct link to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in beta-cells that is impaired in the HNF1α mutation-driven diabetes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biodegradation of PuEDTA and Impacts on Pu Mobility

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

Xun, Luying; Bolton, Jr., Harvey

Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) and nitrilotriacetate (NTA) are synthetic chelating agents, which can form strong water-soluble complexes with radionuclides and metals and has been used to decontaminate and process nuclear materials. Synthetic chelating agents were co-disposed with radionuclides (e.g., 60Co, Pu) and heavy metals enhancing their transport in the subsurface. An understanding of EDTA biodegradation is essential to help mitigate enhanced radionuclide transport by EDTA. The objective of this research is to develop fundamental data on factors that govern the biodegradation of radionuclide-EDTA. These factors include the dominant EDTA aqueous species, the biodegradation of various metal-EDTA complexes, the uptake of various metal-EDTAmore » complexes into the cell, the distribution and mobility of the radionuclide during and after EDTA biodegradation, and the enzymology and genetics of EDTA biodegradation.« less

Tissue factor transcription driven by Egr-1 is a critical mechanism of murine pulmonary fibrin deposition in hypoxia

PubMed Central

Yan, Shi-Fang; Zou, Yu Shan; Gao, Yun; Zhai, Chao; Mackman, Nigel; Lee, Stephen L.; Milbrandt, Jeffrey; Pinsky, David; Kisiel, Walter; Stern, David

1998-01-01

Local hypoxemia and stasis trigger thrombosis. We have demonstrated previously that in a murine model of normobaric hypoxia pulmonary fibrin deposition is a result of expression of tissue factor, especially in oxygen-deprived mononuclear phagocytes (MPs). We now show that transcription factor early-growth-response gene product (Egr-1) is rapidly activated in hypoxia, both in vitro and in vivo, and is responsible for transcription and expression of tissue factor in hypoxic lung. MPs and HeLa cells subjected to hypoxia (pO2 ≈13 torr) had increased levels of tissue factor transcripts (≈18-fold) and an increased rate of transcription (≈15-fold), based on nuclear run-on analysis. Gel-shift analysis of nuclear extracts from hypoxic MPs and HeLa cells demonstrated increased DNA-binding activity at the serum response region (SRR; −111/+14 bp) of the tissue factor promoter at Egr-1 motifs. Using 32P-labeled Egr consensus oligonucleotide, we observed induction of DNA-binding activity in nuclear extracts from hypoxic lung and HeLa cells because of activation of Egr-1, by means of supershift analysis. Transient transfection of HeLa cells with chimeric plasmids containing wild-type or mutant SRR from the tissue factor promoter showed that intact Sp1 sites are necessary for basal promoter activity, whereas the integrity of Egr-1 sites was required for hypoxia-enhanced expression. A central role for Egr-1 in hypoxia-mediated tissue factor expression was confirmed by experiments with homozygous Egr-1 null mice; wild-type mice subjected to oxygen deprivation expressed tissue factor and showed fibrin deposition, but hypoxic homozygous Egr-1 null mice displayed neither tissue factor nor fibrin. These data delineate a novel biology for hypoxia-induced fibrin deposition, in which oxygen deprivation-induced activation of Egr-1, resulting in expression of tissue factor, has an unexpected and central role. PMID:9653181

A Pilot Study Investigating the Effects of Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Technologies: Methods and Qualitative Results

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

BLanc, Katya Le; Powers, David; Joe, Jeffrey

2015-08-01

Control room modernization is an important part of life extension for the existing light water reactor fleet. None of the 99 currently operating commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S. has completed a full-scale control room modernization to date. Nuclear power plant main control rooms for the existing commercial reactor fleet remain significantly analog, with only limited digital modernizations. Upgrades in the U.S. do not achieve the full potential of newer technologies that might otherwise enhance plant and operator performance. The goal of the control room upgrade benefits research is to identify previously overlooked benefits of modernization, identify candidate technologiesmore » that may facilitate such benefits, and demonstrate these technologies through human factors research. This report describes a pilot study to test upgrades to the Human Systems Simulation Laboratory at INL.« less

p100, a precursor of NF-κB2, inhibits c-Rel and reduces the expression of IL-23 in dendritic cells

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

Mise-Omata, Setsuko, E-mail: smise@brc.riken.jp; Obata, Yuichi; Doi, Takahiro S.

2014-10-24

Highlights: • The deficiency of p100 enhances c-Rel-, not RelA-, dependent cytokine expression. • p100 associates with c-Rel in the steady state but dissociates after LPS stimulation. • The deficiency of p100 enhances the nuclear translocation of c-Rel. • p100 negatively regulates the c-Rel function. - Abstract: Nuclear factor κB regulates various genes involved in the immune response, inflammation, cell survival, and development. NF-κB activation is controlled by proteins possessing ankyrin repeats, such as IκBs. A precursor of the NF-κB2 (p52) subunit, p100, contains ankyrin repeats in its C-terminal portion and has been found to act as a cytoplasmic inhibitormore » of RelA in the canonical pathway of NF-κB activation. Here, we demonstrate that p100 also suppresses c-Rel function in dendritic cells. Expression of the p19 and p40 subunits of IL-23, a c-Rel-dependent cytokine, was enhanced in p100-deficient cells, although expression of a RelA-dependent cytokine, TNF-α, was reduced. Nuclear translocation of c-Rel was enhanced in p100-deficient cells. p100, and not the processed p52 form, associated with c-Rel in the steady state and dissociated immediately after lipopolysaccharide stimulation in wild-type dendritic cells. Four hours after the stimulation, p100 was newly synthesized and associated with c-Rel again. In cells expressing both c-Rel and RelA, c-Rel is preferentially suppressed by p100.« less

The immunomodulatory activities of pullulan and its derivatives in human pDC-like CAL-1 cell line.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Qiao, Linan; Chen, Liwei; Zhang, Cong; Wang, Yan; Wang, Yinsong; Liu, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Ning

2016-05-01

In this study, acidic and alkaline pullulan derivates were synthesized and their immunomodulatory activities compared to pullulan were investigated in human pDC-like CAL-1 cell line. Pullulan was reacted respectively with succinic anhydride and N-(-2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine/N,N-carbonyl diimidazole to form acidic pullulan monosuccinate (SUPL) and alkaline pullulan-g-N-(-2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine (AMPL). In CAL-1 cells, pullulan, SUPL and AMPL up-regulated the mRNA expressions of type I interferons (IFN), including IFN-α and IFN-β1, and some other proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-23 (IL-23), and also significantly enhanced the protein expressions of IFN-α and TNF-α. The activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the nuclear translocations of interferon regulation factors (IRFs), including IRF-3 and IRF-5, exhibited pivotal roles in the immune responses induced by pullulan, SUPL and AMPL. By comparison, pullulan and SUPL displayed weak effects on the activation of CAL-1 cells, but AMPL showed remarkably enhanced immunomodulatory activities, which were comparable to that induced by R848, an agonist for Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8. Our results suggested that AMPL, as an alkaline pullulan derivative, could be used as a potent immunomodulatory agent in the food and pharmacological fields. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The ginger component 6-shogaol prevents TNF-α-induced barrier loss via inhibition of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling.

PubMed

Luettig, Julia; Rosenthal, Rita; Lee, In-Fah M; Krug, Susanne M; Schulzke, Jörg D

2016-12-01

Anti-inflammatory properties of the ginger-derived pungent component 6-shogaol (6-SG) have been studied intensively in recent years. Purpose of this study was to characterize the influence of 6-SG on inflammation-related intestinal barrier dysfunction, especially its paracellular component. The effect of 6-SG was studied in the human intestinal cell models HT-29/B6 and Caco-2 either under control conditions or challenged by the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Electrophysiological measurements, freeze-fracture electron microscopy, and protein analyses were performed. 6-SG partially prevented both, the TNF-α-induced decrease in transepithelial resistance and the rise in fluorescein permeability. By inhibiting phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt signaling 6-SG prevented the TNF-α-induced increase in protein expression of claudin-2, a channel-forming tight junction protein. In addition, the TNF-α-induced disassembly of the sealing tight junction protein claudin-1 was attenuated, the latter of which was due to TNF-α-triggered phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). 6-SG has barrier-protective effects by affecting TNF-α-induced claudin-2 upregulation and claudin-1 disassembly via inhibition of phoshatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B-cell signaling. Therefore, 6-SG-containing food might be beneficial for barrier preservation during intestinal inflammation. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis and Quantitation of NF-[kappa]B Nuclear Translocation in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-[alpha]) Activated Vascular Endothelial Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuseler, John W.; Merrill, Dana M.; Rogers, Jennifer A.; Grisham, Matthew B.; Wolf, Robert E.

2006-07-01

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-[kappa]B) is a heterodimeric transcription factor typically composed of p50 and p65 subunits and is a pleiotropic regulator of various inflammatory and immune responses. In quiescent cells, p50/p65 dimers are sequestered in the cytoplasm bound to its inhibitors, the I-[kappa]Bs, which prevent entry into the nucleus. Following cellular stimulation, the I-[kappa]Bs are rapidly degraded, activating NF-[kappa]B. The active form of NF-[kappa]B rapidly translocates into the nucleus, binding to consensus sequences in the promoter/enhancer region of various genes, promoting their transcription. In human vascular endothelial cells activated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, the activation and translocation of NF-[kappa]B is rapid, reaching maximal nuclear localization by 30 min. In this study, the appearance of NF-[kappa]B (p65 subunit, p65-NF-[kappa]B) in the nucleus visualized by immunofluorescence and quantified by morphometric image analysis (integrated optical density, IOD) is compared to the appearance of activated p65-NF-[kappa]B protein in the nucleus determined biochemically. The appearance of p65-NF-[kappa]B in the nucleus measured by fluorescence image analysis and biochemically express a linear correlation (R2 = 0.9477). These data suggest that localization and relative protein concentrations of NF-[kappa]B can be reliably determined from IOD measurements of the immunofluorescent labeled protein.

Protective Effect of Flavonoids from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Jinsixiaozao against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mice.

PubMed

Huang, Weizhen; Wang, Yongjie; Jiang, Xiaoyan; Sun, Yueyue; Zhao, Zhongxi; Li, Siying

2017-10-20

This study was aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effect of flavonoids from Ziziphus jujub a cv. Jinsixiaozao (ZJF). The composition of ZJF was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and antioxidant properties were investigated by biological assays in vitro. The hepatoprotective activity of ZJF was evaluated in acetaminophen (APAP)-treated BALB/c mice. Results indicate that ZJF displayed significant antioxidant capacity. Pretreatment with ZJF significantly decreased APAP-elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (TB). Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were enhanced with ZJF administration, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level and glutathione (GSH) depletion were reduced. Meanwhile, ZJF reversed the suppression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, and up-regulated the protein expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) in liver damage mice. Furthermore, ZJF attenuated APAP-induced inflammatory mediator production, such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Expression of p65 showed that ZJF dampened nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. The results strongly indicate that the hepatoprotective role of ZJF in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity might result from its induction of antioxidant defense via activation of Nrf2 and reduction of inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB.

Charged-particle nuclear modification factors in PbPb and pPb collisions at $$ \\sqrt{s_{\\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02 $$ TeV

DOE PAGES

Khachatryan, V.; Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; ...

2016-04-07

The spectra of charged particles produced within the pseudorapidity windowmore » $$| \\eta | < $$ 1 at $$\\sqrt{s_{\\mathrm{NN}}}= $$ 5.02 TeV are measured using 404 $$ \\mu $$b$$^{-1}$$ of PbPb and 27.4 pb$$^{-1}$$ of pp data collected by the CMS detector at the LHC in 2015. The spectra are presented over the transverse momentum ranges spanning 0.5 $$ < p_{\\mathrm{T}} < $$ 400 GeV in pp and 0.7 $$ < p_{\\mathrm{T}} < $$ 400 GeV in PbPb collisions. The corresponding nuclear modification factor, $${R_\\mathrm{AA}} $$, is measured in bins of collision centrality. The $${R_\\mathrm{AA}} $$ in the 5% most central collisions shows a maximal suppression by a factor of 7-8 in the $$p_{\\mathrm{T}}$$ region of 6-9 GeV. This dip is followed by an increase, which continues up to the highest $$ p_{\\mathrm{T}}$$ measured, and approaches unity in the vicinity of $$p_{\\mathrm{T}}= $$ 200 GeV. The $${R_\\mathrm{AA}} $$ is compared to theoretical predictions and earlier experimental results at lower collision energies. Here, the newly measured pp spectrum is combined with the pPb spectrum previously published by the CMS Collaboration to construct the pPb nuclear modification factor, $${R_{\\mathrm{ p }\\mathrm{A}}} $$, up to 120 GeV. For $$ p_{\\mathrm{T}} > $$ 20 GeV, $${R_{\\mathrm{ p }\\mathrm{A}}} $$ exhibits weak momentum dependence and shows a moderate enhancement above unity.« less

Laterally confined growth of cells induces nuclear reprogramming in the absence of exogenous biochemical factors.

PubMed

Roy, Bibhas; Venkatachalapathy, Saradha; Ratna, Prasuna; Wang, Yejun; Jokhun, Doorgesh Sharma; Nagarajan, Mallika; Shivashankar, G V

2018-05-22

Cells in tissues undergo transdifferentiation programs when stimulated by specific mechanical and biochemical signals. While seminal studies have demonstrated that exogenous biochemical factors can reprogram somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells, the critical roles played by mechanical signals in such reprogramming process have not been well documented. In this paper, we show that laterally confined growth of fibroblasts on micropatterned substrates induces nuclear reprogramming with high efficiency in the absence of any exogenous reprogramming factors. We provide compelling evidence on the induction of stem cell-like properties using alkaline phosphatase assays and expression of pluripotent markers. Early onset of reprogramming was accompanied with enhanced nuclear dynamics and changes in chromosome intermingling degrees, potentially facilitating rewiring of the genome. Time-lapse analysis of promoter occupancy by immunoprecipitation of H3K9Ac chromatin fragments revealed that epithelial, proliferative, and reprogramming gene promoters were progressively acetylated, while mesenchymal promoters were deacetylated by 10 days. Consistently, RNA sequencing analysis showed a systematic progression from mesenchymal to stem cell transcriptome, highlighting pathways involving mechanisms underlying nuclear reprogramming. We then demonstrated that these mechanically reprogrammed cells could be maintained as stem cells and can be redifferentiated into multiple lineages with high efficiency. Importantly, we also demonstrate the induction of cancer stemness properties in MCF7 cells grown in such laterally confined conditions. Collectively, our results highlight an important generic property of somatic cells that, when grown in laterally confined conditions, acquire stemness. Such mechanical reprogramming of somatic cells demonstrated here has important implications in tissue regeneration and disease models. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Target fragmentation in radiobiology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Cucinotta, Francis A.; Shinn, Judy L.; Townsend, Lawrence W.

1993-01-01

Nuclear reactions in biological systems produce low-energy fragments of the target nuclei seen as local high events of linear energy transfer (LET). A nuclear-reaction formalism is used to evaluate the nuclear-induced fields within biosystems and their effects within several biological models. On the basis of direct ionization interaction, one anticipates high-energy protons to have a quality factor and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of unity. Target fragmentation contributions raise the effective quality factor of 10 GeV protons to 3.3 in reasonable agreement with RBE values for induced micronuclei in bean sprouts. Application of the Katz model indicates that the relative increase in RBE with decreasing exposure observed in cell survival experiments with 160 MeV protons is related solely to target fragmentation events. Target fragment contributions to lens opacity given an RBE of 1.4 for 2 GeV protons in agreement with the work of Lett and Cox. Predictions are made for the effective RBE for Harderian gland tumors induced by high-energy protons. An exposure model for lifetime cancer risk is derived from NCRP 98 risk tables, and protraction effects are examined for proton and helium ion exposures. The implications of dose rate enhancement effects on space radiation protection are considered.

Enhanced production of ψ (2 S ) mesons in heavy ion collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Sungtae

2015-05-01

I study the production of a ψ (2 S ) meson in heavy ion collisions. I evaluate Wigner functions for the ψ (2 S ) meson using both Gaussian and Coulomb wave functions, and investigate the wave function dependence in the ψ (2 S ) meson production by recombination of charm and anticharm quarks. The enhanced transverse momentum distribution of ψ (2 S ) mesons compared to that of J /ψ mesons, originated from wave function distributions of the ψ (2 S ) and J /ψ meson in momentum space, provides a plausible explanation for the recent measurement of the nuclear modification factor ratio between the ψ (2 S ) and J /ψ meson.

Role of platelet-released growth factors in detoxification of reactive oxygen species in osteoblasts.

PubMed

Tohidnezhad, Mersedeh; Wruck, Christoph-Jan; Slowik, Alexander; Kweider, Nisreen; Beckmann, Rainer; Bayer, Andreas; Houben, Astrid; Brandenburg, Lars-Ove; Varoga, Deike; Sönmez, Tolga-Taha; Stoffel, Marcus; Jahr, Holger; Lippross, Sebastian; Pufe, Thomas

2014-08-01

Oxidative stress can impair fracture healing. To protect against oxidative damage, a system of detoxifying and antioxidative enzymes works to reduce the cellular stress. The transcription of these enzymes is regulated by antioxidant response element (ARE). The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like2 (Nrf2) plays a major role in transcriptional activation of ARE-driven genes. Recently it has been shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) prevents oxidative damage via activation of the Nrf2 pathway in vitro. Platelet-released growth factor (PRGF) is a mixture of autologous proteins and growth factors, prepared from a determined volume of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It has already used to enhance fracture healing in vitro. The aim of the present study was to elucidate if platelets can lead to upregulation of VEGF and if platelets can regulate the activity of Nrf2-ARE system in primary human osteoblast (hOB) and in osteoblast-like cell line (SAOS-2). Platelets and PRGF were obtained from healthy human donors. HOB and SAOS-2 osteosarcoma cell line were used. The ARE activity was analysed using a dual luciferase reporter assay system. We used Western blot to detect the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and the amount of cytosolic antioxidant Thioredoxin Reductase-1 (TXNRD-1), Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1). Gene expression analysis was performed by real-time RT PCR. ELISA was used for the quantification of growth factors. The activity of ARE was increased in the presence of PRGF up to 50%. Western blotting demonstrated enhanced nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. This was followed by an increase in the protein expression of the aforementioned downstream targets of Nrf2. Real-time RT PCR data showed an upregulation in the gene expression of the VEGF after PRGF treatment. This was confirmed by ELISA, where the treatment with PRGF induced the protein level of VEGF in both cells. These results provide a new insight into PRGF's mode of action in osteoblasts. PRGF not only leads to increase the endogenous VEGF, but also it may be involved in preventing oxidative damage through the Nrf2-ARE signalling. Nrf2 activation via PRGF may have great potential as an effective therapeutic drug target in fracture healing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

TAF11 Assembles the RISC Loading Complex to Enhance RNAi Efficiency.

PubMed

Liang, Chunyang; Wang, Yibing; Murota, Yukiko; Liu, Xiang; Smith, Dean; Siomi, Mikiko C; Liu, Qinghua

2015-09-03

Assembly of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) requires formation of the RISC loading complex (RLC), which contains the Dicer-2 (Dcr-2)-R2D2 complex and recruits duplex siRNA to Ago2 in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the precise composition and action mechanism of Drosophila RLC remain unclear. Here we identified the missing factor of RLC as TATA-binding protein-associated factor 11 (TAF11) by genetic screen. Although it is an annotated nuclear transcription factor, we found that TAF11 also associated with Dcr-2/R2D2 and localized to cytoplasmic D2 bodies. Consistent with defective RLC assembly in taf11(-/-) ovary extract, we reconstituted the RLC in vitro using the recombinant Dcr-2-R2D2 complex, TAF11, and duplex siRNA. Furthermore, we showed that TAF11 tetramer facilitates Dcr-2-R2D2 tetramerization to enhance siRNA binding and RISC loading activities. Together, our genetic and biochemical studies define the molecular nature of the Drosophila RLC and elucidate a cytoplasmic function of TAF11 in organizing RLC assembly to enhance RNAi efficiency. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MRTF-A mediated FN and ICAM-1 expression in AGEs-induced rat glomerular mesangial cells via activating STAT5.

PubMed

Chen, Qiuhong; Huang, Junying; Gong, Wenyan; Chen, Zhiquan; Huang, Jiani; Liu, Peiqing; Huang, Heqing

2018-01-15

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), formed at an accelerated rate under diabetes, play a role in inflammation and fibrosis in mesangial areas in diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the transcriptional modulator that mediates the cellular response to AGEs remains largely obscure. Our goal was to determine whether myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A, a key protein involved in the transcriptional regulation of smooth muscle cell phenotype, was responsible for the glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) injury by AGEs, and, if so, how MRTF-A promoted mesangial dysfunction initiated by AGEs. In this study, MRTF-A was activated by AGEs in terms of protein expression and nuclear translocation in rat GMCs. MRTF-A overexpression synergistically enhanced the induction of FN and ICAM-1 by AGEs. In contract, depletion of MRTF-A abrogated the pathogenic program triggered by AGEs. Then, by interfering with MRTF-A, STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 nuclear translocation were observed and we screened out STAT5, which was decreased obviously when MRTF-A depleted. Further investigation showed that MRTF-A interacted with STAT5 and promoted its nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity. Therefore, our present findings suggested a role of MRTF-A in AGEs-induced GMCs injury, and further revealed that the underlying molecular mechanism was related to activating the nuclear factor STAT5. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nuclear receptor TLX inhibits TGF-β signaling in glioblastoma.

PubMed

Johansson, Erik; Zhai, Qiwei; Zeng, Zhao-Jun; Yoshida, Takeshi; Funa, Keiko

2016-05-01

TLX (also called NR2E1) is an orphan nuclear receptor that maintains stemness of neuronal stem cells. TLX is highly expressed in the most malignant form of glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and is important for the proliferation and maintenance of the stem/progenitor cells of the tumor. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine regulating many different cellular processes such as differentiation, migration, adhesion, cell death and proliferation. TGF-β has an important function in cancer where it can work as either a tumor suppressor or oncogene, depending on the cancer type and stage of tumor development. Since glioblastoma often have dysfunctional TGF-β signaling we wanted to find out if there is any interaction between TLX and TGF-β in glioblastoma cells. We demonstrate that knockdown of TLX enhances the canonical TGF-β signaling response in glioblastoma cell lines. TLX physically interacts with and stabilizes Smurf1, which can ubiquitinate and target TGF-β receptor II for degradation, whereas knockdown of TLX leads to stabilization of TGF-β receptor II, increased nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and enhanced expression of TGF-β target genes. The interaction between TLX and TGF-β may play an important role in the regulation of proliferation and tumor-initiating properties of glioblastoma cells. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Influenza A Virus Polymerase Recruits the RNA Helicase DDX19 to Promote the Nuclear Export of Viral mRNAs

PubMed Central

Diot, Cédric; Fournier, Guillaume; Dos Santos, Mélanie; Magnus, Julie; Komarova, Anastasia; van der Werf, Sylvie; Munier, Sandie; Naffakh, Nadia

2016-01-01

Enhancing the knowledge of host factors that are required for efficient influenza A virus (IAV) replication is essential to address questions related to pathogenicity and to identify targets for antiviral drug development. Here we focused on the interplay between IAV and DExD-box RNA helicases (DDX), which play a key role in cellular RNA metabolism by remodeling RNA-RNA or RNA-protein complexes. We performed a targeted RNAi screen on 35 human DDX proteins to identify those involved in IAV life cycle. DDX19 was a major hit. In DDX19-depleted cells the accumulation of viral RNAs and proteins was delayed, and the production of infectious IAV particles was strongly reduced. We show that DDX19 associates with intronless, unspliced and spliced IAV mRNAs and promotes their nuclear export. In addition, we demonstrate an RNA-independent association between DDX19 and the viral polymerase, that is modulated by the ATPase activity of DDX19. Our results provide a model in which DDX19 is recruited to viral mRNAs in the nucleus of infected cells to enhance their nuclear export. Information gained from this virus-host interaction improves the understanding of both the IAV replication cycle and the cellular function of DDX19. PMID:27653209

Synthesis and evaluation of nitroxide-based oligoradicals for low-temperature dynamic nuclear polarization in solid state NMR

PubMed Central

Yau, Wai-Ming; Thurber, Kent R.; Tycko, Robert

2014-01-01

We describe the synthesis of new nitroxide-based biradical, triradical, and tetraradical compounds and the evaluation of their performance as paramagnetic dopants in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments in solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with magic-angle spinning (MAS). Under our experimental conditions, which include temperatures in the 25–30 K range, a 9.4 T magnetic field, MAS frequencies of 6.2–6.8 kHz, and microwave irradiation at 264.0 GHz from a 800 mW extended interaction oscillator source, the most effective compounds are triradicals that are related to the previously-described compound DOTOPA-TEMPO (see Thurber et al., 2010), but have improved solubility in glycerol/water solvent near neutral pH. Using these compounds at 30 mM total nitroxide concentration, we observe DNP enhancement factors of 92–128 for cross-polarized 13C NMR signals from 15N,13C-labeled melittin in partially protonated glycerol/water, and build-up times of 2.6–3.8 s for 1H spin polarizations. Net sensitivity enhancements with biradical and tetraradical dopants, taking into account absolute 13C NMR signal amplitudes and build-up times, are approximately 2–4 times lower than with the best triradicals. PMID:24887201

Synthesis and evaluation of nitroxide-based oligoradicals for low-temperature dynamic nuclear polarization in solid state NMR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yau, Wai-Ming; Thurber, Kent R.; Tycko, Robert

2014-07-01

We describe the synthesis of new nitroxide-based biradical, triradical, and tetraradical compounds and the evaluation of their performance as paramagnetic dopants in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments in solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with magic-angle spinning (MAS). Under our experimental conditions, which include temperatures in the 25-30 K range, a 9.4 T magnetic field, MAS frequencies of 6.2-6.8 kHz, and microwave irradiation at 264.0 GHz from a 800 mW extended interaction oscillator source, the most effective compounds are triradicals that are related to the previously-described compound DOTOPA-TEMPO (see Thurber et al., 2010), but have improved solubility in glycerol/water solvent near neutral pH. Using these compounds at 30 mM total nitroxide concentration, we observe DNP enhancement factors of 92-128 for cross-polarized 13C NMR signals from 15N,13C-labeled melittin in partially protonated glycerol/water, and build-up times of 2.6-3.8 s for 1H spin polarizations. Net sensitivity enhancements with biradical and tetraradical dopants, taking into account absolute 13C NMR signal amplitudes and build-up times, are approximately 2-4 times lower than with the best triradicals.

Synthesis and evaluation of nitroxide-based oligoradicals for low-temperature dynamic nuclear polarization in solid state NMR.

PubMed

Yau, Wai-Ming; Thurber, Kent R; Tycko, Robert

2014-07-01

We describe the synthesis of new nitroxide-based biradical, triradical, and tetraradical compounds and the evaluation of their performance as paramagnetic dopants in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments in solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with magic-angle spinning (MAS). Under our experimental conditions, which include temperatures in the 25-30 K range, a 9.4 T magnetic field, MAS frequencies of 6.2-6.8 kHz, and microwave irradiation at 264.0 GHz from a 800 mW extended interaction oscillator source, the most effective compounds are triradicals that are related to the previously-described compound DOTOPA-TEMPO (see Thurber et al., 2010), but have improved solubility in glycerol/water solvent near neutral pH. Using these compounds at 30 mM total nitroxide concentration, we observe DNP enhancement factors of 92-128 for cross-polarized (13)C NMR signals from (15)N,(13)C-labeled melittin in partially protonated glycerol/water, and build-up times of 2.6-3.8s for (1)H spin polarizations. Net sensitivity enhancements with biradical and tetraradical dopants, taking into account absolute (13)C NMR signal amplitudes and build-up times, are approximately 2-4 times lower than with the best triradicals. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Yes-Associated Protein Promotes Angiogenesis via Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 in Endothelial Cells.

PubMed

He, Jinlong; Bao, Qiankun; Zhang, Yan; Liu, Mingming; Lv, Huizhen; Liu, Yajin; Yao, Liu; Li, Bochuan; Zhang, Chenghu; He, Shuang; Zhai, Guijin; Zhu, Yan; Liu, Xin; Zhang, Kai; Wang, Xiu-Jie; Zou, Ming-Hui; Zhu, Yi; Ai, Ding

2018-02-16

Angiogenesis is a complex process regulating endothelial cell (EC) functions. Emerging lines of evidence support that YAP (Yes-associated protein) plays an important role in regulating the angiogenic activity of ECs. The objective of this study was to specify the effect of EC YAP on angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. In ECs, vascular endothelial growth factor reduced YAP phosphorylation time and dose dependently and increased its nuclear accumulation. Using Tie2Cre-mediated YAP transgenic mice, we found that YAP promoted angiogenesis in the postnatal retina and tumor tissues. Mass spectrometry revealed signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as a potential binding partner of YAP in ECs. Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays indicated that binding with YAP prolonged interleukin 6-induced STAT3 nuclear accumulation by blocking chromosomal maintenance 1-mediated STAT3 nuclear export without affecting its phosphorylation. Moreover, angiopoietin-2 expression induced by STAT3 was enhanced by YAP overexpression in ECs. Finally, a selective STAT3 inhibitor or angiopoietin-2 blockage partly attenuated retinal angiogenesis in Tie2Cre-mediated YAP transgenic mice. YAP binding sustained STAT3 in the nucleus to enhance the latter's transcriptional activity and promote angiogenesis via regulation of angiopoietin-2. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

ASME Nuclear Crane Standards for Enhanced Crane Safety and Increased Profit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parkhurst, Stephen N.

2000-01-01

The ASME NOG-1 standard, 'Rules for Construction of Overhead and Gantry Cranes', covers top running cranes for nuclear facilities; with the ASME NUM-1 standard, 'Rules for Construction of Cranes, Monorails, and Hoists', covering the single girder, underhung, wall and jib cranes, as well as the monorails and hoists. These two ASME nuclear crane standards provide criteria for designing, inspecting and testing overhead handling equipment with enhanced safety to meet the 'defense-in-depth' approach of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) documents NUREG 0554 and NUREG 0612. In addition to providing designs for enhanced safety, the ASME nuclear crane standards provide a basis for purchasing overhead handling equipment with standard safety features, based upon accepted engineering principles, and including performance and environmental parameters specific to nuclear facilities. The ASME NOG-1 and ASME NUM-1 standards not only provide enhanced safety for handling a critical load, but also increase profit by minimizing the possibility of load drops, by reducing cumbersome operating restrictions, and by providing the foundation for a sound licensing position. The ASME nuclear crane standards can also increase profit by providing the designs and information to help ensure that the right standard equipment is purchased. Additionally, the ASME nuclear crane standards can increase profit by providing designs and information to help address current issues, such as the qualification of nuclear plant cranes for making 'planned engineered lifts' for steam generator replacement and decommissioning.

Is it necessary to raise awareness about technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials?

PubMed

Michalik, Bogusław

2009-10-01

Since radiation risks are usually considered to be related to nuclear energy, the majority of research on radiation protection has focused on artificial radionuclides in radioactive wastes, spent nuclear fuel or global fallout caused by A-bomb tests and nuclear power plant failures. Far less attention has been paid to the radiation risk caused by exposure to ionizing radiation originating from natural radioactivity enhanced due to human activity, despite the fact that technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials are common in many branches of the non-nuclear industry. They differ significantly from "classical" nuclear materials and usually look like other industrial waste. The derived radiation risk is usually associated with risk caused by other pollutants and can not be controlled by applying rules designed for pure radioactive waste. Existing data have pointed out a strong need to take into account the non-nuclear industry where materials containing enhanced natural radioactivity occur as a special case of radiation risk and enclose them in the frame of the formal control. But up to now there are no reasonable and clear regulations in this matter. As a result, the non-nuclear industries of concern are not aware of problems connected with natural radioactivity or they would expect negative consequences in the case of implementing radiation protection measures. The modification of widely comprehended environmental legislation with requirements taken from radiation protection seems to be the first step to solve this problem and raise awareness about enhanced natural radioactivity for all stakeholders of concern.

Productive and Penicillin-Stressed Chlamydia pecorum Infection Induces Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation and Interleukin-6 Secretion In Vitro.

PubMed

Leonard, Cory A; Schoborg, Robert V; Borel, Nicole

2017-01-01

Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) is an inflammatory transcription factor that plays an important role in the host immune response to infection. The potential for chlamydiae to activate NFκB has been an area of interest, however most work has focused on chlamydiae impacting human health. Given that inflammation characteristic of chlamydial infection may be associated with severe disease outcomes or contribute to poor overall fitness in farmed animals, we evaluated the ability of porcine chlamydiae to induce NFκB activation in vitro . C. pecorum infection induced both NFκB nuclear translocation and activation at 2 hours post infection (hpi), an effect strongly enhanced by suppression of host de novo protein synthesis. C. suis and C. trachomatis showed less capacity for NFκB activation compared to C. pecorum , suggesting a species-specific variation in NFκB activation. At 24 hpi, C. pecorum induced significant NFκB activation, an effect not abolished by penicillin (beta lactam)-induced chlamydial stress. C. pecorum -dependent secretion of interleukin 6 was also detected in the culture supernatant of infected cells at 24 hpi, and this effect, too, was unchanged by penicillin-induced chlamydial stress. Taken together, these results suggest that NFκB participates in the early inflammatory response to C. pecorum and that stressed chlamydiae can promote inflammation.

Productive and Penicillin-Stressed Chlamydia pecorum Infection Induces Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation and Interleukin-6 Secretion In Vitro

PubMed Central

Leonard, Cory A.; Schoborg, Robert V.; Borel, Nicole

2017-01-01

Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) is an inflammatory transcription factor that plays an important role in the host immune response to infection. The potential for chlamydiae to activate NFκB has been an area of interest, however most work has focused on chlamydiae impacting human health. Given that inflammation characteristic of chlamydial infection may be associated with severe disease outcomes or contribute to poor overall fitness in farmed animals, we evaluated the ability of porcine chlamydiae to induce NFκB activation in vitro. C. pecorum infection induced both NFκB nuclear translocation and activation at 2 hours post infection (hpi), an effect strongly enhanced by suppression of host de novo protein synthesis. C. suis and C. trachomatis showed less capacity for NFκB activation compared to C. pecorum, suggesting a species-specific variation in NFκB activation. At 24 hpi, C. pecorum induced significant NFκB activation, an effect not abolished by penicillin (beta lactam)-induced chlamydial stress. C. pecorum-dependent secretion of interleukin 6 was also detected in the culture supernatant of infected cells at 24 hpi, and this effect, too, was unchanged by penicillin-induced chlamydial stress. Taken together, these results suggest that NFκB participates in the early inflammatory response to C. pecorum and that stressed chlamydiae can promote inflammation. PMID:28553623

Mechanistic study on the nuclear modifier gene MSS1 mutation suppressing neomycin sensitivity of the mitochondrial 15S rRNA C1477G mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Zhou, Qiyin; Wang, Wei; He, Xiangyu; Zhu, Xiaoyu; Shen, Yaoyao; Yu, Zhe; Wang, Xuexiang; Qi, Xuchen; Zhang, Xuan; Fan, Mingjie; Dai, Yu; Yang, Shuxu; Yan, Qingfeng

2014-01-01

The phenotypic manifestation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations can be modulated by nuclear genes and environmental factors. However, neither the interaction among these factors nor their underlying mechanisms are well understood. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae mtDNA 15S rRNA C1477G mutation (PR) corresponds to the human 12S rRNA A1555G mutation. Here we report that a nuclear modifier gene mss1 mutation suppresses the neomycin-sensitivity phenotype of a yeast C1477G mutant in fermentable YPD medium. Functional assays show that the mitochondrial function of the yeast C1477G mutant was impaired severely in YPD medium with neomycin. Moreover, the mss1 mutation led to a significant increase in the steady-state level of HAP5 (heme activated protein), which greatly up-regulated the expression of glycolytic transcription factors RAP1, GCR1, and GCR2 and thus stimulated glycolysis. Furthermore, the high expression of the key glycolytic enzyme genes HXK2, PFK1 and PYK1 indicated that enhanced glycolysis not only compensated for the ATP reduction from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mitochondria, but also ensured the growth of the mss1(PR) mutant in YPD medium with neomycin. This study advances our understanding of the phenotypic manifestation of mtDNA mutations.

β-Catenin—A Linchpin in Colorectal Carcinogenesis?

PubMed Central

Wong, Newton Alexander Chiang Shuek; Pignatelli, Massimo

2002-01-01

An important role for β-catenin pathways in colorectal carcinogenesis was first suggested by the protein’s association with adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein, and by evidence of dysregulation of β-catenin protein expression at all stages of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Recent studies have, however, shown that yet more components of colorectal carcinogenesis are linked to β-catenin pathways. Pro-oncogenic factors that also release β-catenin from the adherens complex and/or encourage translocation to the nucleus include ras, epidermal growth factor (EGF), c-erbB-2, PKC-βΙΙ, MUC1, and PPAR-γ, whereas anti-oncogenic factors that also inhibit nuclear β-catenin signaling include transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, retinoic acid, and vitamin D. Association of nuclear β-catenin with the T cell factor (TCF)/lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) family of transcription factors promotes the expression of several compounds that have important roles in the development and progression of colorectal carcinoma, namely: c-myc, cyclin D1, gastrin, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (aPAR), CD44 proteins, and P-glycoprotein. Finally, genetic aberrations of several components of the β-catenin pathways, eg, Frizzled (Frz), AXIN, and TCF-4, may potentially contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis. In discussing the above interactions, this review demonstrates that β-catenin represents a key molecule in the development of colorectal carcinoma. PMID:11839557

Crystal structure of importin-α3 bound to the nuclear localization signal of Ran-binding protein 3.

PubMed

Koyama, Masako; Matsuura, Yoshiyuki

2017-09-23

Ran-binding protein 3 (RanBP3) is a primarily nuclear Ran-binding protein that functions as an accessory factor in the Ran GTPase system. RanBP3 associates with Ran-specific nucleotide exchange factor RCC1 and enhances its catalytic activity towards Ran. RanBP3 also promotes CRM1-mediated nuclear export as well as CRM1-independent nuclear export of β-catenin, Smad2, and Smad3. Nuclear import of RanBP3 is dependent on the nuclear import adaptor protein importin-α and, RanBP3 is imported more efficiently by importin-α3 than by other members of the importin-α family. Protein kinase signaling pathways control nucleocytoplasmic transport through phosphorylation of RanBP3 at Ser58, immediately C-terminal to the nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the N-terminal region of RanBP3. Here we report the crystal structure of human importin-α3 bound to an N-terminal fragment of human RanBP3 containing the NLS sequence that is necessary and sufficient for nuclear import. The structure reveals that RanBP3 binds to importin-α3 residues that are strictly conserved in all seven isoforms of human importin-α at the major NLS-binding site, indicating that the region of importin-α outside the NLS-binding site, possibly the autoinhibotory importin-β1-binding domain, may be the key determinant for the preferential binding of RanBP3 to importin-α3. Computational docking simulation indicates that phosphorylation of RanBP3 at Ser58 could potentially stabilize the association of RanBP3 with importin-α through interactions between the phosphate moiety of phospho-Ser58 of RanBP3 and a cluster of basic residues (Arg96 and Lys97 in importin-α3) on armadillo repeat 1 of importin-α. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Direct URCA process in neutron stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lattimer, James M.; Prakash, Madappa; Pethick, C. J.; Haensel, Pawel

1991-01-01

It is shown that the direct URCA process can occur in neutron stars if the proton concentration exceeds some critical value in the range 11-15 percent. The proton concentration, which is determined by the poorly known symmetry energy of matter above nuclear density, exceeds the critical value in many current calculations. If it occurs, the direct URCA process enhances neutrino emission and neutron star cooling rates by a large factor compared to any process considered previously.

Phosphorylation of a conserved serine in the deoxyribonucleic acid binding domain of nuclear receptors alters intracellular localization.

PubMed

Sun, Kai; Montana, Vedrana; Chellappa, Karthikeyani; Brelivet, Yann; Moras, Dino; Maeda, Yutaka; Parpura, Vladimir; Paschal, Bryce M; Sladek, Frances M

2007-06-01

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors whose genomic functions are known to be activated by lipophilic ligands, but little is known about how to deactivate them or how to turn on their nongenomic functions. One obvious mechanism is to alter the nuclear localization of the receptors. Here, we show that protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylates a highly conserved serine (Ser) between the two zinc fingers of the DNA binding domain of orphan receptor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha). This Ser (S78) is adjacent to several positively charged residues (Arg or Lys), which we show here are involved in nuclear localization of HNF4alpha and are conserved in nearly all other NRs, along with the Ser/threonine (Thr). A phosphomimetic mutant of HNF4alpha (S78D) reduced DNA binding, transactivation ability, and protein stability. It also impaired nuclear localization, an effect that was greatly enhanced in the MODY1 mutant Q268X. Treatment of the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 with PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also resulted in increased cytoplasmic localization of HNF4alpha as well as decreased endogenous HNF4alpha protein levels in a proteasome-dependent fashion. We also show that PKC phosphorylates the DNA binding domain of other NRs (retinoic acid receptor alpha, retinoid X receptor alpha, and thyroid hormone receptor beta) and that phosphomimetic mutants of the same Ser/Thr result in cytoplasmic localization of retinoid X receptor alpha and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. Thus, phosphorylation of this conserved Ser between the two zinc fingers may be a common mechanism for regulating the function of NRs.

Release of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Nuclear Import Block Enhances Host Transcription in Human Lung Cells

PubMed Central

Tilton, Susan C.; Menachery, Vineet D.; Gralinski, Lisa E.; Schäfer, Alexandra; Matzke, Melissa M.; Webb-Robertson, Bobbie-Jo M.; Chang, Jean; Luna, Maria L.; Long, Casey E.; Shukla, Anil K.; Bankhead, Armand R.; Burkett, Susan E.; Zornetzer, Gregory; Tseng, Chien-Te Kent; Metz, Thomas O.; Pickles, Raymond; McWeeney, Shannon; Smith, Richard D.; Katze, Michael G.; Waters, Katrina M.; Baric, Ralph S.

2013-01-01

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus accessory protein ORF6 antagonizes interferon signaling by blocking karyopherin-mediated nuclear import processes. Viral nuclear import antagonists, expressed by several highly pathogenic RNA viruses, likely mediate pleiotropic effects on host gene expression, presumably interfering with transcription factors, cytokines, hormones, and/or signaling cascades that occur in response to infection. By bioinformatic and systems biology approaches, we evaluated the impact of nuclear import antagonism on host expression networks by using human lung epithelial cells infected with either wild-type virus or a mutant that does not express ORF6 protein. Microarray analysis revealed significant changes in differential gene expression, with approximately twice as many upregulated genes in the mutant virus samples by 48 h postinfection, despite identical viral titers. Our data demonstrated that ORF6 protein expression attenuates the activity of numerous karyopherin-dependent host transcription factors (VDR, CREB1, SMAD4, p53, EpasI, and Oct3/4) that are critical for establishing antiviral responses and regulating key host responses during virus infection. Results were confirmed by proteomic and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay analyses and in parallel microarray studies using infected primary human airway epithelial cell cultures. The data strongly support the hypothesis that viral antagonists of nuclear import actively manipulate host responses in specific hierarchical patterns, contributing to the viral pathogenic potential in vivo. Importantly, these studies and modeling approaches not only provide templates for evaluating virus antagonism of nuclear import processes but also can reveal candidate cellular genes and pathways that may significantly influence disease outcomes following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in vivo. PMID:23365422

Nuclear-Physics Aspects of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion: Analysis of Promising Fuels and Gamma-Ray Diagnostics of Hot Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronchev, V. T.; Kukulin, V. I.

2000-12-01

A brief survey of nuclear-physics aspects of the problems of controlled thermonuclear fusion is given. Attention is paid primarily to choosing and analyzing an optimal composition of a nuclear fuel, reliably extrapolating the cross sections for nuclear reactions to the region of low energies, and exploring gamma-ray methods (as a matter of fact, very promising methods indeed) for diagnostics of hot plasmas (three aspects that are often thought to be the most important ones). In particular, a comparative nuclear-physics analysis of hydrogen, DT, and DD thermonuclear fuels and of their alternatives in the form of D3He, D6Li, DT6Li, H6Li, H11B, and H9Be is performed. Their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted; a spin-polarized fuel is considered; and the current status of nuclear data on the processes of interest is analyzed. A procedure for determining cross sections for nuclear reactions in the deep-subbarrier region is discussed. By considering the example of low-energy D+6Li interactions, it is shown that, at ion temperatures below 100 keV, the inclusion of nuclear-structure factors leads to an additional enhancement of the rate parameters <σv> for the ( d, pt) and ( d, nτ) channels by 10-40%. The possibility of using nuclear reactions that lead to photon emission as a means for determining the ion temperature of a thermonuclear plasma is discussed.

Role of enzymatic free radical scavengers in management of oxidative stress in autoimmune disorders.

PubMed

Srivastava, Shikha; Singh, Deependra; Patel, Satish; Singh, Manju R

2017-08-01

Autoimmune disorders are distinct with over production and accumulation of free radicals due to its undisclosed genesis. The cause of numerous disorders as cancer, arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's, respiratory distress syndrome, colitis, crohn's, pulmonary fibrosis, obesity and ageing have been associated with immune dysfunction and oxidative stress. In an oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species generally provoke the series of oxidation at cellular level. The buildup of free radicals in turn triggers various inflammatory cells causing release of various inflammatory interleukins, cytokines, chemokines, and tumor necrosis factors which mediate signal transduction and transcription pathways as nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). The imbalance could only be combat by supplementing natural defensive antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The efficiency of these enzymes is enhanced by use of colloidal carriers which include cellular carriers, vesicular and particulate systems like erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, liposomes, transferosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microspheres, emulsions. Thus this review provides a platform for understanding importance of antioxidant enzymes and its therapeutic applications in treatment of various autoimmune disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cucurbita moschata Duch. and its active component, β-carotene effectively promote the immune responses through the activation of splenocytes and macrophages.

PubMed

Kim, Hee-Yun; Nam, Sun-Young; Yang, Shi-Young; Kim, Hyung-Min; Jeong, Hyun-Ja

2016-10-01

Cucurbita moschata Duch. has long been used for traditional health food in many countries. However, to enhance the immune system of Cucurbita moschata Duch. and its major component, β-carotene is not clear. Here, we determined the immune enhancement effect of Cucurbita moschata Duch. and β-carotene in mouse splenocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. We prepared baked Cucurbita moschata Duch. (Sweetme Sweet Pumpkin(TM), SSP) and steamed Cucurbita moschata Duch. (SC). Splenocytes isolated from the spleen of BALB/c mice were treated with SSP, SC, and β-carotene for 24 h. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with recombinant interferon-γ (rIFN-γ) for 6 h before treatment with SSP, SC, or β-carotene. SSP, SC and β-carotene significantly up-regulated the proliferation of splenocyte and mRNA expression of KI-67. The levels of interleukin-2 and IFN-γ were up-regulated by SSP, SC, or β-carotene in the splenocytes. SC and β-carotene also increased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the splenocytes. In addition, SSP, SC, or β-carotene significantly increased the levels of TNF-α through the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor-κB and phosphorylation of IκBα in the rIFN-γ-primed RAW 264.7 cells. These data indicate that Cucurbita moschata Duch. and β-carotene may have an immune-enhancing effect through the production of Th1 cytokines by activation of splenocytes and macrophages.

IAEA programs in empowering the nuclear medicine profession through online educational resources.

PubMed

Pascual, Thomas Nb; Dondi, Maurizio; Paez, Diana; Kashyap, Ravi; Nunez-Miller, Rodolfo

2013-05-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) programme in human health aims to enhance the capabilities in Member States to address needs related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases through the application of nuclear techniques. It has the specific mission of fostering the application of nuclear medicine techniques as part of the clinical management of certain types of diseases. Attuned to the continuous evolution of this specialty as well as to the advancement and diversity of methods in delivering capacity building efforts in this digital age, the section of nuclear medicine of the IAEA has enhanced its program by incorporating online educational resources for nuclear medicine professionals into its repertoire of projects to further its commitment in addressing the needs of its Member States in the field of nuclear medicine. Through online educational resources such as the Human Health Campus website, e-learning modules, and scheduled interactive webinars, a validation of the commitment by the IAEA in addressing the needs of its Member States in the field of nuclear medicine is strengthened while utilizing the advanced internet and communications technology which is progressively becoming available worldwide. The Human Health Campus (www.humanhealth.iaea.org) is the online educational resources initiative of the Division of Human Health of the IAEA geared toward enhancing professional knowledge of health professionals in radiation medicine (nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, and medical radiation physics), and nutrition. E-learning modules provide an interactive learning environment to its users while providing immediate feedback for each task accomplished. Webinars, unlike webcasts, offer the opportunity of enhanced interaction with the learners facilitated through slide shows where the presenter guides and engages the audience using video and live streaming. This paper explores the IAEA's available online educational resources programs geared toward the enhancement of the nuclear medicine profession as delivered by the section of nuclear medicine of the IAEA. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oxidation enhances calpain-induced turbidity in young rat lenses.

PubMed

Nakamura, Y; Fukiage, C; Azuma, M; Shearer, T R

1999-07-01

To determine if oxidation enhances turbidity after proteolysis of rat lens crystallins by the calcium-activated protease calpain (EC 3.4.22.17). Total soluble proteins from young rat lens were hydrolyzed for 24 hr by endogenous lens calpain, and the proteins were further incubated with the oxidant diamide for up to 7 days. Turbidity was measured daily at 405 nm. To measure proteolysis and turbidity in cultured lenses, rat lenses were cultured for 6 days in low calcium medium and diamide. The lenses were then photographed to assess transmission of light. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting assessed proteolysis of crystallins, alpha-spectrin, and activation of calpain. Appreciable in vitro turbidity occurred in soluble proteins from young rat lenses after proteolysis of crystallins by endogenous calpain. Calpain inhibitor E64, or anti-oxidants DTE and GSH, inhibited this turbidity. On the other hand, the oxidant diamide markedly enhanced calpain-induced turbidity. Cultured rat lenses showed elevated intralenticular calcium and proteolysis of crystallins by calpain, but no nuclear cataract. Addition of diamide to the culture medium caused development of nuclear cataract. Diamide enhanced turbidity only when crystallins were proteolyzed. Oxidation may be one of the factors promoting light scatter and insolubilization after proteolysis. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that proteolysis of crystallins from young rat lens may expose cysteine residues, which are then oxidized, become insoluble and scatter light.

The Fundamentals and Status of Nuclear Power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matzie, Regis A.

2011-11-01

Nuclear power has enormous potential to provide clean, safe base-load electricity to the world's growing population. Harnessing this potential in an economic and responsible manner is not without challenges. Safety remains the principal tenet of our operating fleet, which currently provides ˜20% of U.S. electricity generated. The performance of this fleet from economic and safety standpoints has improved dramatically over the past several decades. This nuclear generation also represents greater than 70% of the emission free electricity with hydroelectric power providing the majority of the remainder. There have been many lessons learned from the more than 50 years of experience with nuclear power and these have been factored into the new designs now being constructed worldwide. These new designs, which have enhanced safety compared to the operating fleet, have been simplified by employing passive safety systems and modular construction. There are applications for licenses of more than 20 new reactors under review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; the first of these licenses will be completed in early 2012, and the first new U.S. reactor will start operating in 2016. Yet there are still more improvements that can be made and these are being pursued to achieve an even greater deployment of nuclear power technology.

A muscle-specific knockout implicates nuclear receptor coactivator MED1 in the regulation of glucose and energy metabolism.

PubMed

Chen, Wei; Zhang, Xiaoting; Birsoy, Kivanc; Roeder, Robert G

2010-06-01

As conventional transcriptional factors that are activated in diverse signaling pathways, nuclear receptors play important roles in many physiological processes that include energy homeostasis. The MED1 subunit of the Mediator coactivator complex plays a broad role in nuclear receptor-mediated transcription by anchoring the Mediator complex to diverse promoter-bound nuclear receptors. Given the significant role of skeletal muscle, in part through the action of nuclear receptors, in glucose and fatty acid metabolism, we generated skeletal muscle-specific Med1 knockout mice. Importantly, these mice show enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved glucose tolerance as well as resistance to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Furthermore, the white muscle of these mice exhibits increased mitochondrial density and expression of genes specific to type I and type IIA fibers, indicating a fast-to-slow fiber switch, as well as markedly increased expression of the brown adipose tissue-specific UCP-1 and Cidea genes that are involved in respiratory uncoupling. These dramatic results implicate MED1 as a powerful suppressor in skeletal muscle of genetic programs implicated in energy expenditure and raise the significant possibility of therapeutical approaches for metabolic syndromes and muscle diseases through modulation of MED1-nuclear receptor interactions.

Nuclear Fusion Within Extremely Dense Plasma Enhanced by Quantum Particle Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Feng; Zheng, Xianjun; Deng, Baiquan

2015-05-01

Quantum effects play an enhancement role in p-p chain reactions occurring within stars. Such an enhancement is quantified by a wave penetration factor that is proportional to the density of the participating fuel particles. This leads to an innovative theory for dense plasma, and its result shows good agreement with independent data derived from the solar energy output. An analysis of the first Z-pinch machine in mankind's history exhibiting neutron emission leads to a derived deuterium plasma beam density greater than that of water, with plasma velocities exceeding 10000 km/s. Fusion power could be achieved by the intersection of four such pinched plasma beams with powerful head-on collisions in their common focal region due to the beam and target enhanced reaction. supported by the Fund for the Construction of Graduate Degree of China (No. 2014XWD-S0805)

Nuclear Import of β-Dystroglycan Is Facilitated by Ezrin-Mediated Cytoskeleton Reorganization

PubMed Central

Vásquez-Limeta, Alejandra; Wagstaff, Kylie M.; Ortega, Arturo; Crouch, Dorothy H.; Jans, David A.; Cisneros, Bulmaro

2014-01-01

The β-dystroglycan (β-DG) protein has the ability to target to multiple sites in eukaryotic cells, being a member of diverse protein assemblies including the transmembranal dystrophin-associated complex, and a nuclear envelope-localised complex that contains emerin and lamins A/C and B1. We noted that the importin α2/β1-recognised nuclear localization signal (NLS) of β-DG is also a binding site for the cytoskeletal-interacting protein ezrin, and set out to determine whether ezrin binding might modulate β-DG nuclear translocation for the first time. Unexpectedly, we found that ezrin enhances rather than inhibits β-DG nuclear translocation in C2C12 myoblasts. Both overexpression of a phosphomimetic activated ezrin variant (Ez-T567D) and activation of endogenous ezrin through stimulation of the Rho pathway resulted in both formation of actin-rich surface protrusions and significantly increased nuclear translocation of β-DG as shown by quantitative microscopy and subcellular fractionation/Western analysis. In contrast, overexpression of a nonphosphorylatable inactive ezrin variant (Ez-T567A) or inhibition of Rho signaling, decreased nuclear translocation of β-DG concomitant with a lack of cell surface protrusions. Further, a role for the actin cytoskeleton in ezrin enhancement of β-DG nuclear translocation was implicated by the observation that an ezrin variant lacking its actin-binding domain failed to enhance nuclear translocation of β-DG, while disruption of the actin cytoskeleton led to a reduction in β-DG nuclear localization. Finally, we show that ezrin-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization enhances nuclear translocation of the cytoplasmic but not the transmembranal fraction of β-DG. This is the first study showing that cytoskeleton reorganization can modulate nuclear translocation of β-DG, with the implication that β-DG can respond to cytoskeleton-driven changes in cell morphology by translocating from the cytoplasm to the nucleus to orchestrate nuclear processes in response to the functional requirements of the cell. PMID:24599031

Identification of Novel Small Molecule Activators of Nuclear Factor-κB With Neuroprotective Action Via High-Throughput Screening

PubMed Central

Manuvakhova, Marina S.; Johnson, Guyla G.; White, Misti C.; Ananthan, Subramaniam; Sosa, Melinda; Maddox, Clinton; McKellip, Sara; Rasmussen, Lynn; Wennerberg, Krister; Hobrath, Judith V.; White, E. Lucile; Maddry, Joseph A.; Grimaldi, Maurizio

2012-01-01

Neuronal noncytokine-dependent p50/p65 nuclear factor-κB (the primary NF-κB complex in the brain) activation has been shown to exert neuroprotective actions. Thus neuronal activation of NF-κB could represent a viable neuroprotective target. We have developed a cell-based assay able to detect NF-κB expression enhancement, and through its use we have identified small molecules able to up-regulate NF-κB expression and hence trigger its activation in neurons. We have successfully screened approximately 300,000 compounds and identified 1,647 active compounds. Cluster analysis of the structures within the hit population yielded 14 enriched chemical scaffolds. One high-potency and chemically attractive representative of each of these 14 scaffolds and four singleton structures were selected for follow-up. The experiments described here highlighted that seven compounds caused noncanonical long-lasting NF-κB activation in primary astrocytes. Molecular NF-κB docking experiments indicate that compounds could be modulating NF-κB-induced NF-κB expression via enhancement of NF-κB binding to its own promoter. Prototype compounds increased p65 expression in neurons and caused its nuclear translocation without affecting the inhibitor of NF-κB (I-κB). One of the prototypical compounds caused a large reduction of glutamate-induced neuronal death. In conclusion, we have provided evidence that we can use small molecules to activate p65 NF-κB expression in neurons in a cytokine receptor-independent manner, which results in both long-lasting p65 NF-κB translocation/activation and decreased glutamate neurotoxicity. PMID:21046675

Enhancer Analysis Unveils Genetic Interactions between TLX and SOX2 in Neural Stem Cells and In Vivo Reprogramming.

PubMed

Islam, Mohammed M; Smith, Derek K; Niu, Wenze; Fang, Sanhua; Iqbal, Nida; Sun, Guoqiang; Shi, Yanhong; Zhang, Chun-Li

2015-11-10

The orphan nuclear receptor TLX is a master regulator of postnatal neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewal and neurogenesis; however, it remains unclear how TLX expression is precisely regulated in these tissue-specific stem cells. Here, we show that a highly conserved cis-element within the Tlx locus functions to drive gene expression in NSCs. We demonstrate that the transcription factors SOX2 and MYT1 specifically interact with this genomic element to directly regulate Tlx enhancer activity in vivo. Knockdown experiments further reveal that SOX2 dominantly controls endogenous expression of TLX, whereas MYT1 only plays a modulatory role. Importantly, TLX is essential for SOX2-mediated in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes and itself is also sufficient to induce neurogenesis in the adult striatum. Together, these findings unveil functional genetic interactions among transcription factors that are critical to NSCs and in vivo cell reprogramming.

Effects of Al substitution and thermal annealing on magnetoelectric Ba0.5Sr1.5Zn2Fe12O22 investigated by the enhancement factor of 57Fe nuclear magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Kwon, Sangil; Kang, Byeongki; Kim, Changsoo; Jo, Euna; Lee, Soonchil; Chai, Yi Sheng; Chun, Sae Hwan; Kim, Kee Hoon

2014-04-09

The magnetoelectric properties of hexaferrite Ba0.5Sr1.5Zn2Fe12O22 are significantly improved by Al substitution and thermal annealing. Measuring the enhancement factor of 57Fe NMR, we found direct microscopic evidence that the magnetic moments of the L and S blocks are rotated by a magnetic field in such a way as to increase the net magnetic moment of a magnetic unit, even after the field is removed. Al substitution makes magnetoelectric property arise easily by suppressing the easy-plane anisotropy. The effect of thermal annealing is to stabilize the multiferroic state by reducing the number of pinning sites and the electron spin fluctuation. The transverse conic structure gradually changes to the alternating longitudinal conic structure where spins fluctuate more severely.

Identification of transactivation-responsive DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP43; TDP-43) as a novel factor for TNF-α expression upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation in human monocytes.

PubMed

Murata, H; Hattori, T; Maeda, H; Takashiba, S; Takigawa, M; Kido, J; Nagata, T

2015-08-01

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a major cytokine implicated in various inflammatory diseases. The nature of the nuclear factors associated with human TNF-α gene regulation is not well elucidated. We previously identified a novel region located from -550 to -487 in human TNF-α promoter that did not contain the reported binding sites for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) but showed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced transcriptional activity. The purpose of this study is to identify novel factors that bind to the promoter region and regulate TNF-α expression. To identify DNA-binding proteins that bound to the target region of TNF-α promoter, a cDNA library from LPS-stimulated human monocytic cell line THP-1 was screened using a yeast one-hybrid system. Cellular localizations of the DNA-binding protein in the cells were examined by subcellular immunocytochemistry. Nuclear amounts of the protein in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells were identified by western blot analysis. Expression of mRNA of the protein in the cells was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed to confirm the DNA-binding profile. Overexpression of the protein and knockdown of the gene were also performed to investigate the role for TNF-α expression. Several candidates were identified from the cDNA library and transactivation-responsive DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP43; TDP-43) was focused on. Western blot analysis revealed that nuclear TDP-43 protein was increased in the LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. Expression of TDP-43 mRNA was already enhanced before TNF-α induction by LPS. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis showed that nuclear extracts obtained by overexpressing FLAG-tagged TDP-43 bound to the -550 to -487 TNF-α promoter fragments. Overexpression of TDP-43 in THP-1 cells resulted in an increase of TNF-α expression. Knockdown of TDP-43 in THP-1 cells downregulated TNF-α expression. We identified TDP-43 as one of the novel TNF-α factors and found that it bound to the LPS-responsive element in the TNF-α promoter to increase TNF-α expression. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Enhanced HIV-1 replication in ex vivo ectocervical tissues from post-menopausal women correlates with increased inflammatory responses.

PubMed

Rollenhagen, C; Asin, S N

2011-11-01

Knowledge about early innate immune responses at the mucosal surfaces of the female genital tract is important in understanding the pathogenesis of heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). As estradiol decreases inflammatory responses, we postulated that an estradiol-deficient state such as post-menopause could enhance expression of inflammatory factors that stimulate HIV-1 replication. We compare HIV-1 integration, transcription, and viral p24 release levels among ectocervical tissues obtained from pre- and post-menopausal donors. We detected enhanced HIV-1 p24 release levels in post- compared with pre-menopausal tissues (P<0.0001), but saw no difference in HIV-1 integration. Overall, 100% of post-menopausal tissues exhibited levels of HIV-1 transcription above background compared with only 60% of pre-menopausal tissues. Increased HIV-1 transcription was associated with enhanced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, growth-regulated oncogene-α, and interferon-γ-inducible protein-10 expression. Neutralization and nuclear factor-κB-targeting small-interfering RNA experiments both decreased HIV-1 transcription, suggesting that the early inflammatory response may facilitate HIV-1 replication in ex vivo ectocervical tissues from post-menopausal women.

THz Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR

PubMed Central

Nanni, Emilio A.; Barnes, Alexander B.; Griffin, Robert G.; Temkin, Richard J.

2013-01-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) increases the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy by using high frequency microwaves to transfer the polarization of the electrons to the nuclear spins. The enhancement in NMR sensitivity can amount to a factor of well above 100, enabling faster data acquisition and greatly improved NMR measurements. With the increasing magnetic fields (up to 23 T) used in NMR research, the required frequency for DNP falls into the THz band (140–600 GHz). Gyrotrons have been developed to meet the demanding specifications for DNP NMR, including power levels of tens of watts; frequency stability of a few megahertz; and power stability of 1% over runs that last for several days to weeks. Continuous gyrotron frequency tuning of over 1 GHz has also been demonstrated. The complete DNP NMR system must include a low loss transmission line; an optimized antenna; and a holder for efficient coupling of the THz radiation to the sample. This paper describes the DNP NMR process and illustrates the THz systems needed for this demanding spectroscopic application. THz DNP NMR is a rapidly developing, exciting area of THz science and technology. PMID:24639915

Nuclear HER4 mediates acquired resistance to trastuzumab and is associated with poor outcome in HER2 positive breast cancer

PubMed Central

Nafi, Siti Norasikin Mohd; Generali, Daniele; Kramer-Marek, Gabriela; Gijsen, Merel; Strina, Carla; Cappelletti, Mariarosa; Andreis, Daniele; Haider, Syed; Li, Ji-Liang; Bridges, Esther; Capala, Jacek; Ioannis, Roxanis; Harris, Adrian L; Kong, Anthony

2014-01-01

The role of HER4 in breast cancer is controversial and its role in relation to trastuzumab resistance remains unclear. We showed that trastuzumab treatment and its acquired resistance induced HER4 upregulation, cleavage and nuclear translocation. However, knockdown of HER4 by specific siRNAs increased trastuzumab sensitivity and reversed its resistance in HER2 positive breast cancer cells. Preventing HER4 cleavage by a γ-secretase inhibitor and inhibiting HER4 tyrosine kinase activity by neratinib decreased trastuzumab-induced HER4 nuclear translocation and enhanced trastuzumab response. There was also increased nuclear HER4 staining in the tumours from BT474 xenograft mice and human patients treated with trastuzumab. Furthermore, nuclear HER4 predicted poor clinical response to trastuzumab monotherapy in patients undergoing a window study and was shown to be an independent poor prognostic factor in HER2 positive breast cancer. Our data suggest that HER4 plays a key role in relation to trastuzumab resistance in HER2 positive breast cancer. Therefore, our study provides novel findings that HER4 activation, cleavage and nuclear translocation influence trastuzumab sensitivity and resistance in HER2 positive breast cancer. Nuclear HER4 could be a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker and understanding the role of HER4 may provide strategies to overcome trastuzumab resistance in HER2 positive breast cancer. PMID:25153719

Oxidative stress-induced miR-27a targets the redox gene nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in diabetic embryopathy.

PubMed

Zhao, Yang; Dong, Daoyin; Reece, E Albert; Wang, Ashley R; Yang, Peixin

2018-01-01

Maternal diabetes induces neural tube defects, and oxidative stress is a causal factor for maternal diabetes-induced neural tube defects. The redox gene nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant system. In this study, we aimed to determine whether maternal diabetes inhibits nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-controlled antioxidant genes through the redox-sensitive miR-27a. We used a well-established type 1 diabetic embryopathy mouse model induced by streptozotocin for our in vivo studies. Embryos at embryonic day 8.5 were harvested for analysis of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-controlled antioxidant genes, and miR-27a expression. To determine if mitigating oxidative stress inhibits the increase of miR-27a and the decrease of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression, we induced diabetic embryopathy in superoxide dismutase 2 (mitochondrial-associated antioxidant gene)-overexpressing mice. This model exhibits reduced mitochondria reactive oxygen species even in the presence of hyperglycemia. To investigate the causal relationship between miR-27a and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in vitro, we examined C17.2 neural stem cells under normal and high-glucose conditions. We observed that the messenger RNA and protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 were significantly decreased in embryos on embryonic day 8.5 from diabetic dams compared to those from nondiabetic dams. High-glucose also significantly decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in cultured neural stem cells. Our data revealed that miR-27a was up-regulated in embryos on embryonic day 8.5 exposed to diabetes, and that high glucose increased miR-27a levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner in cultured neural stem cells. In addition, we found that a miR-27a inhibitor abrogated the inhibitory effect of high glucose on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression, and a miR-27a mimic suppressed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression in cultured neural stem cells. Furthermore, our data indicated that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-controlled antioxidant enzymes glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, and glutathione S-transferase A1 were down-regulated by maternal diabetes in embryos on embryonic day 8.5 and high glucose in cultured neural stem cells. Inhibiting miR-27a restored expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, and glutathione S-transferase A1. Overexpressing superoxide dismutase 2 reversed the maternal diabetes-induced increase of miR-27a and suppression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-controlled antioxidant enzymes. Our study demonstrates that maternal diabetes-induced oxidative stress increases miR-27a, which, in turn, suppresses nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its responsive antioxidant enzymes, resulting in diabetic embryopathy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of the mRNA export factor Sus1 in oxidative stress tolerance in Candida albicans.

PubMed

Xiao, Chenpeng; Yu, Qilin; Zhang, Bing; Li, Jianrong; Zhang, Dan; Li, Mingchun

2018-02-05

In eukaryotes, the nuclear export of mRNAs is essential for gene expression. However, little is known about the role of mRNA nuclear export in the important fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. In this study, we identified C. albicans Sus1, a nucleus-localized protein that is required for mRNA export. Interestingly, the sus1Δ/Δ displayed hyper-sensitivity to extracellular oxidative stress, enhanced ROS accumulation and severe oxidative stress-related cell death. More strikingly, although the mutant exhibited normal activation of the expression of oxidative stress response (OSR) genes, it had attenuated activity of ROS scavenging system, which may be attributed to the defect in OSR mRNA export in this mutant. In addition, the virulence of the sus1Δ/Δ was seriously attenuated. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that the mRNA export factor Sus1 plays an important role in oxidative stress tolerance and pathogenesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transport Properties of the Nuclear Pasta Phase with Quantum Molecular Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandi, Rana; Schramm, Stefan

2018-01-01

We study the transport properties of nuclear pasta for a wide range of density, temperature, and proton fractions, relevant for different astrophysical scenarios adopting a quantum molecular dynamics model. In particular, we estimate the values of shear viscosity as well as electrical and thermal conductivities by calculating the static structure factor S(q) using simulation data. In the density and temperature range where the pasta phase appears, the static structure factor shows irregular behavior. The presence of a slab phase greatly enhances the peak in S(q). However, the effect of irregularities in S(q) on the transport coefficients is not very dramatic. The values of all three transport coefficients are found to have the same orders of magnitude as found in theoretical calculations for the inner crust matter of neutron stars without the pasta phase; therefore, the values are in contrast to earlier speculations that a pasta layer might be highly resistive, both thermally and electrically.

Nardilysin controls intestinal tumorigenesis through HDAC1/p53-dependent transcriptional regulation.

PubMed

Kanda, Keitaro; Sakamoto, Jiro; Matsumoto, Yoshihide; Ikuta, Kozo; Goto, Norihiro; Morita, Yusuke; Ohno, Mikiko; Nishi, Kiyoto; Eto, Koji; Kimura, Yuto; Nakanishi, Yuki; Ikegami, Kanako; Yoshikawa, Takaaki; Fukuda, Akihisa; Kawada, Kenji; Sakai, Yoshiharu; Ito, Akihiro; Yoshida, Minoru; Kimura, Takeshi; Chiba, Tsutomu; Nishi, Eiichiro; Seno, Hiroshi

2018-04-19

Colon cancer is a complex disease affected by a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors. Here we demonstrate that nardilysin (N-arginine dibasic convertase; NRDC), a metalloendopeptidase of the M16 family, regulates intestinal tumorigenesis via its nuclear functions. NRDC is highly expressed in human colorectal cancers. Deletion of the Nrdc gene in ApcMin mice crucially suppressed intestinal tumor development. In ApcMin mice, epithelial cell-specific deletion of Nrdc recapitulated the tumor suppression observed in Nrdc-null mice. Moreover, epithelial cell-specific overexpression of Nrdc significantly enhanced tumor formation in ApcMin mice. Notably, epithelial NRDC controlled cell apoptosis in a gene dosage-dependent manner. In human colon cancer cells, nuclear NRDC directly associated with HDAC1, and controlled both acetylation and stabilization of p53, with alterations of p53 target apoptotic factors. These findings demonstrate that NRDC is critically involved in intestinal tumorigenesis through its epigenetic regulatory function, and targeting NRDC may lead to a novel prevention or therapeutic strategy against colon cancer.

Evidence for tension-based regulation of Drosophila MAL and SRF during invasive cell migration.

PubMed

Somogyi, Kálmán; Rørth, Pernille

2004-07-01

Cells migrating through a tissue exert force via their cytoskeleton and are themselves subject to tension, but the effects of physical forces on cell behavior in vivo are poorly understood. Border cell migration during Drosophila oogenesis is a useful model for invasive cell movement. We report that this migration requires the activity of the transcriptional factor serum response factor (SRF) and its cofactor MAL-D and present evidence that nuclear accumulation of MAL-D is induced by cell stretching. Border cells that cannot migrate lack nuclear MAL-D but can accumulate it if they are pulled by other migrating cells. Like mammalian MAL, MAL-D also responds to activated Diaphanous, which affects actin dynamics. MAL-D/SRF activity is required to build a robust actin cytoskeleton in the migrating cells; mutant cells break apart when initiating migration. Thus, tension-induced MAL-D activity may provide a feedback mechanism for enhancing cytoskeletal strength during invasive migration.

A peripheral component interconnect express-based scalable and highly integrated pulsed spectrometer for solution state dynamic nuclear polarization.

PubMed

He, Yugui; Feng, Jiwen; Zhang, Zhi; Wang, Chao; Wang, Dong; Chen, Fang; Liu, Maili; Liu, Chaoyang

2015-08-01

High sensitivity, high data rates, fast pulses, and accurate synchronization all represent challenges for modern nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, which make any expansion or adaptation of these devices to new techniques and experiments difficult. Here, we present a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)-based highly integrated distributed digital architecture pulsed spectrometer that is implemented with electron and nucleus double resonances and is scalable specifically for broad dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhancement applications, including DNP-magnetic resonance spectroscopy/imaging (DNP-MRS/MRI). The distributed modularized architecture can implement more transceiver channels flexibly to meet a variety of MRS/MRI instrumentation needs. The proposed PCIe bus with high data rates can significantly improve data transmission efficiency and communication reliability and allow precise control of pulse sequences. An external high speed double data rate memory chip is used to store acquired data and pulse sequence elements, which greatly accelerates the execution of the pulse sequence, reduces the TR (time of repetition) interval, and improves the accuracy of TR in imaging sequences. Using clock phase-shift technology, we can produce digital pulses accurately with high timing resolution of 1 ns and narrow widths of 4 ns to control the microwave pulses required by pulsed DNP and ensure overall system synchronization. The proposed spectrometer is proved to be both feasible and reliable by observation of a maximum signal enhancement factor of approximately -170 for (1)H, and a high quality water image was successfully obtained by DNP-enhanced spin-echo (1)H MRI at 0.35 T.

A peripheral component interconnect express-based scalable and highly integrated pulsed spectrometer for solution state dynamic nuclear polarization

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

He, Yugui; Liu, Chaoyang, E-mail: chyliu@wipm.ac.cn; State Key Laboratory of Magnet Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071

2015-08-15

High sensitivity, high data rates, fast pulses, and accurate synchronization all represent challenges for modern nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, which make any expansion or adaptation of these devices to new techniques and experiments difficult. Here, we present a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)-based highly integrated distributed digital architecture pulsed spectrometer that is implemented with electron and nucleus double resonances and is scalable specifically for broad dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhancement applications, including DNP-magnetic resonance spectroscopy/imaging (DNP-MRS/MRI). The distributed modularized architecture can implement more transceiver channels flexibly to meet a variety of MRS/MRI instrumentation needs. The proposed PCIe bus with highmore » data rates can significantly improve data transmission efficiency and communication reliability and allow precise control of pulse sequences. An external high speed double data rate memory chip is used to store acquired data and pulse sequence elements, which greatly accelerates the execution of the pulse sequence, reduces the TR (time of repetition) interval, and improves the accuracy of TR in imaging sequences. Using clock phase-shift technology, we can produce digital pulses accurately with high timing resolution of 1 ns and narrow widths of 4 ns to control the microwave pulses required by pulsed DNP and ensure overall system synchronization. The proposed spectrometer is proved to be both feasible and reliable by observation of a maximum signal enhancement factor of approximately −170 for {sup 1}H, and a high quality water image was successfully obtained by DNP-enhanced spin-echo {sup 1}H MRI at 0.35 T.« less

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

Chaudhuri, T.K.; Fink, S.

The records of 18 consecutive patients referred to a Veterans Administration Hospital nuclear medicine service for renal scintigraphic tests to rule out renovascular hypertension were reviewed. The men were elderly (mean age, 62 years), and risk factors for untoward reactions, including long-standing hypertension, severe peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, chronic renal failure, and recent diuretic use were present. Despite these risks, there was no test morbidity, and the authors conclude that the renal scintigraphic test with captopril enhancement is well tolerated and deserves continued application and evaluation.

Dose of radiation enhancement, using silver nanoparticles in a human tissue equivalent gel dosimeter.

PubMed

Hassan, Muhammad; Waheed, Muhammad Mohsin; Anjum, Muhammad Naeem

2016-01-01

To quantify the radiation dose enhancement in a human tissue-equivalent polymer gel impregnated with silver nanoparticles. The case-control study was conducted at the Bahawalpur Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, in January 2014. Silver nanoparticles used in this study were prepared by wet chemical method. Polymer gel was prepared by known quantity of gelatine, methacrylic acid, ascorbic acid, copper sulphate pentahydrate, hydroquinone and water. Different concentrations of silver nanoparticles were added to the gel during its cooling process. The gel was cooled in six plastic vials of 50ml each. Two vials were used as a control sample while four vials were impregnated with silver nanoparticles. After 22 hours, the vials were irradiated with gamma rays by aCobalt-60 unit. Radiation enhancement was assessed by taking magnetic resonance images of the vials. The images were analysed using Image J software. The dose enhancement factor was 24.17% and 40.49% for 5Gy and 10Gy dose respectively. The dose enhancement factor for the gel impregnated with 0.10mM silver nanoparticles was 32.88% and 51.98% for 5Gy and 10Gy dose respectively. The impregnation of a tissue-equivalent gel with silver nanoparticles resulted in dose enhancement and this effect was magnified up to a certain level with the increase in concentration of silver nanoparticles.

Nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT3 regulates VEGF-A-induced lymphatic endothelial cell migration and tube formation

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

Okazaki, Hideki; Tokumaru, Sho; Hanakawa, Yasushi

2011-09-02

Highlights: {yields} VEGF-A enhanced lymphatic endothelial cell migration and increased tube formation. {yields} VEGF-A treated lymphatic endothelial cell showed activation of STAT3. {yields} Dominant-negative STAT3 inhibited VEGF-A-induced lymphatic endothelial cell migration and tube formation. -- Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific growth factor that regulates endothelial functions, and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are known to be important during VEGF receptor signaling. The aim of this study was to determine whether STAT3 regulates VEGF-induced lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) migration and tube formation. VEGF-A (33 ng/ml) enhanced LEC migration by 2-fold and increased tube lengthmore » by 25% compared with the control, as analyzed using a Boyden chamber and Matrigel assay, respectively. Western blot analysis and immunostaining revealed that VEGF-A induced the nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT3 in LECs, and this translocation was blocked by the transfection of LECs with an adenovirus vector expressing a dominant-negative mutant of STAT3 (Ax-STAT3F). Transfection with Ax-STAT3F also almost completely inhibited VEGF-A-induced LEC migration and tube formation. These results indicate that STAT3 is essential for VEGF-A-induced LEC migration and tube formation and that STAT3 regulates LEC functions.« less

Phosphorylation and Intramolecular Stabilization of the Ligand Binding Domain in the Nuclear Receptor Steroidogenic Factor 1

PubMed Central

Desclozeaux, Marion; Krylova, Irina N.; Horn, Florence; Fletterick, Robert J.; Ingraham, Holly A.

2002-01-01

Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is an orphan nuclear receptor with no known ligand. We showed previously that phosphorylation at serine 203 located N′-terminal to the ligand binding domain (LBD) enhanced cofactor recruitment, analogous to the ligand-mediated recruitment in ligand-dependent receptors. In this study, results of biochemical analyses and an LBD helix assembly assay suggest that the SF-1 LBD adopts an active conformation, with helices 1 and 12 packed against the predicted alpha-helical bundle, in the apparent absence of ligand. Fine mapping of the previously defined proximal activation function in SF-1 showed that the activation function mapped fully to helix 1 of the LBD. Limited proteolyses demonstrate that phosphorylation of S203 in the hinge region mimics the stabilizing effects of ligand on the LBD. Moreover, similar effects were observed in an SF-1/thyroid hormone LBD chimera receptor, illustrating that the S203 phosphorylation effects are transferable to a heterologous ligand-dependent receptor. Our collective data suggest that the hinge together with helix 1 is an individualized specific motif, which is tightly associated with its cognate LBD. For SF-1, we find that this intramolecular association and hence receptor activity are further enhanced by mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, thus mimicking many of the ligand-induced changes observed for ligand-dependent receptors. PMID:12242296

RAGE-Specific Inhibitor FPS-ZM1 Attenuates AGEs-Induced Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in Rat Primary Microglia.

PubMed

Shen, Chao; Ma, Yingjuan; Zeng, Ziling; Yin, Qingqing; Hong, Yan; Hou, Xunyao; Liu, Xueping

2017-10-01

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) enhance microglial activation and intensify the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the brain. This process may occur due to direct cytotoxicity or interacting with AGEs receptors (RAGE), which are expressed on the surface of microglia. FPS-ZM1 is a high-affinity but nontoxic RAGE-specific inhibitor that has been recently shown to attenuate the Aβ-induced inflammatory response by blocking the ligation of Aβ to RAGE. In this study, we further investigated the effect of FPS-ZM1 on the AGEs/RAGE interaction and downstream elevation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in primary microglia cells. The results suggested that FPS-ZM1 significantly suppressed AGEs-induced RAGE overexpression, RAGE-dependent microglial activation, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappaB p65 (NF-κB p65), and the expression of downstream inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, FPS-ZM1 attenuated AGEs-stimulated NADPH oxidase (NOX) activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression. Finally, FPS-ZM1 elevated the levels of transcription factors nuclear-factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), as well as decreased antioxidant capacity and increased production of oxidative species. Our results suggest that FPS-ZM1 may be neuroprotective through attenuating microglial activation, oxidative stress and inflammation by blocking RAGE.

TFIIIC Bound DNA Elements in Nuclear Organization and Insulation

PubMed Central

Kirkland, Jacob G.; Raab, Jesse R.

2012-01-01

tRNA genes (tDNAs) have been known to have barrier insulator function in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for over a decade. tDNAs also play a role in genome organization by clustering at sites in the nucleus and both of these functions are dependent on the transcription factor TFIIIC. More recently TFIIIC bound sites devoid of pol III, termed Extra-TFIIIC sites (ETC) have been identified in budding yeast and these sites also function as insulators and affect genome organization. Subsequent studies in Schizosaccharomyces pombe showed that TFIIIC bound sites were insulators and also functioned as Chromosome Organization Clamps (COC); tethering the sites to the nuclear periphery. Very recently studies have moved to mammalian systems where pol III genes and their associated factors have been investigated in both mouse and human cells. Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements (SINEs) that bind TFIIIC, function as insulator elements and tDNAs can also function as both enhancer -blocking and barrier insulators in these organisms. It was also recently shown that tDNAs cluster with other tDNAs and with ETCs but not with pol II transcribed genes. Intriguingly, TFIIIC is often found near pol II transcription start sites and it remains unclear what the consequences of TFIIIC based genomic organization are and what influence pol III factors have on pol II transcribed genes and vise versa. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the known data on pol III factors in insulation and genome organization and identify the many open questions that require further investigation. \\ PMID:23000638

Cold shock protein YB-1 is involved in hypoxia-dependent gene transcription

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

Rauen, Thomas; Frye, Bjoern C.; Pneumology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg

Hypoxia-dependent gene regulation is largely orchestrated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which associate with defined nucleotide sequences of hypoxia-responsive elements (HREs). Comparison of the regulatory HRE within the 3′ enhancer of the human erythropoietin (EPO) gene with known binding motifs for cold shock protein Y-box (YB) protein-1 yielded strong similarities within the Y-box element and 3′ adjacent sequences. DNA binding assays confirmed YB-1 binding to both, single- and double-stranded HRE templates. Under hypoxia, we observed nuclear shuttling of YB-1 and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that YB-1 and HIF-1α physically interact with each other. Cellular YB-1 depletion using siRNA significantly induced hypoxia-dependent EPOmore » production at both, promoter and mRNA level. Vice versa, overexpressed YB-1 significantly reduced EPO-HRE-dependent gene transcription, whereas this effect was minor under normoxia. HIF-1α overexpression induced hypoxia-dependent gene transcription through the same element and accordingly, co-expression with YB-1 reduced HIF-1α-mediated EPO induction under hypoxic conditions. Taken together, we identified YB-1 as a novel binding factor for HREs that participates in fine-tuning of the hypoxia transcriptome. - Highlights: • Hypoxia drives nuclear translocation of cold shock protein YB-1. • YB-1 physically interacts with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. • YB-1 binds to the hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) within the erythropoietin (EPO) 3′ enhancer. • YB-1 trans-regulates transcription of hypoxia-dependent genes such as EPO and VEGF.« less

O-Linked β-N-Acetylglucosamine Modification of A20 Enhances the Inhibition of NF-κB (Nuclear Factor-κB) Activation and Elicits Vascular Protection After Acute Endoluminal Arterial Injury.

PubMed

Yao, Dan; Xu, Lijuan; Xu, Oufan; Li, Rujun; Chen, Mingxing; Shen, Hui; Zhu, Huajiang; Zhang, Fengyi; Yao, Deshang; Chen, Yiu-Fai; Oparil, Suzanne; Zhang, Zhengang; Gong, Kaizheng

2018-06-01

Recently, we have demonstrated that acute glucosamine-induced augmentation of protein O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) levels inhibits inflammation in isolated vascular smooth muscle cells and neointimal formation in a rat model of carotid injury by interfering with NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) signaling. However, the specific molecular target for O-GlcNAcylation that is responsible for glucosamine-induced vascular protection remains unclear. In this study, we test the hypothesis that increased A20 (also known as TNFAIP3 [tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 3]) O-GlcNAcylation is required for glucosamine-mediated inhibition of inflammation and vascular protection. In cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells, both glucosamine and the selective O-linked N-acetylglucosaminidase inhibitor thiamet G significantly increased A20 O-GlcNAcylation. Thiamet G treatment did not increase A20 protein expression but did significantly enhance binding to TAX1BP1 (Tax1-binding protein 1), a key regulatory protein for A20 activity. Adenovirus-mediated A20 overexpression further enhanced the effects of thiamet G on prevention of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α)-induced IκB (inhibitor of κB) degradation, p65 phosphorylation, and increases in DNA-binding activity. A20 overexpression enhanced the inhibitory effects of thiamet G on TNF-α-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression and vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, whereas silencing endogenous A20 by transfection of specific A20 shRNA significantly attenuated these inhibitory effects. In balloon-injured rat carotid arteries, glucosamine treatment markedly inhibited neointimal formation and p65 activation compared with vehicle treatment. Adenoviral delivery of A20 shRNA to the injured arteries dramatically reduced balloon injury-induced A20 expression and inflammatory response compared with scramble shRNA and completely abolished the vascular protection of glucosamine. These results suggest that O-GlcNAcylation of A20 plays a key role in the negative regulation of NF-κB signaling cascades in TNF-α-treated vascular smooth muscle cells in culture and in acutely injured arteries, thus protecting against inflammation-induced vascular injury. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Continuous application of compressive force induces fusion of osteoclast-like RAW264.7 cells via upregulation of RANK and downregulation of LGR4.

PubMed

Matsuike, Rieko; Tanaka, Hideki; Nakai, Kumiko; Kanda, Mai; Nagasaki, Maki; Murakami, Fumiko; Shibata, Chika; Mayahara, Kotoe; Nakajima, Akira; Tanabe, Natsuko; Kawato, Takayuki; Maeno, Masao; Shimizu, Noriyoshi

2018-05-15

During orthodontic treatment, facilitating osteoclastic bone resorption in the alveolar bone exposed to the compressive force (CF) is an important factor for tooth movement. The present study investigated the effect of CF stimulation on the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells from precursors to mature osteoclasts. The cells were continuously stimulated with 0.3, 0.6, or 1.1 g/cm 2 CF-which was generated by increasing the volume of culture medium in the wells of a 96-well plate-in the presence or absence of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) for 4 days. In the presence of RANKL, the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells and the mRNA levels of dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) and osteoclast-stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) were increased by application of 0.6 and 1.1 g/cm 2 CF as compared to 0.3 g/cm 2 CF. The mRNA level of RANK was upregulated whereas that of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor (LGR)4-another RANKL receptor was downregulated by 0.6 and 1.1 g/cm 2 CF as compared to 0.3 g/cm 2 CF in the absence of RANKL. The proportion of cells with nuclear translocation of the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)c1 was increased by 0.6 and 1.1 g/cm 2 CF in the presence of RANKL. Continuous application of CF induced the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into TRAP-positive multinuclear cells by enhancing the expression of DC- and OC-STAMP and the nuclear translocation of NFATc1. This may result from the CF-induced increase in RANK and decrease in LGR4 expression. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Compressed Sensing for Resolution Enhancement of Hyperpolarized 13C Flyback 3D-MRSI

PubMed Central

Hu, Simon; Lustig, Michael; Chen, Albert P.; Crane, Jason; Kerr, Adam; Kelley, Douglas A.C.; Hurd, Ralph; Kurhanewicz, John; Nelson, Sarah J.; Pauly, John M.; Vigneron, Daniel B.

2008-01-01

High polarization of nuclear spins in liquid state through dynamic nuclear polarization has enabled the direct monitoring of 13C metabolites in vivo at very high signal to noise, allowing for rapid assessment of tissue metabolism. The abundant SNR afforded by this hyperpolarization technique makes high resolution 13C 3D-MRSI feasible. However, the number of phase encodes that can be fit into the short acquisition time for hyperpolarized imaging limits spatial coverage and resolution. To take advantage of the high SNR available from hyperpolarization, we have applied compressed sensing to achieve a factor of 2 enhancement in spatial resolution without increasing acquisition time or decreasing coverage. In this paper, the design and testing of compressed sensing suited for a flyback 13C 3D-MRSI sequence are presented. The key to this design was the undersampling of spectral k-space using a novel blipped scheme, thus taking advantage of the considerable sparsity in typical hyperpolarized 13C spectra. Phantom tests validated the accuracy of the compressed sensing approach and initial mouse experiments demonstrated in vivo feasibility. PMID:18367420

Overhauser Geomagnetic Sensor Based on the Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Effect for Magnetic Prospecting

PubMed Central

Ge, Jian; Dong, Haobin; Liu, Huan; Yuan, Zhiwen; Dong, He; Zhao, Zhizhuo; Liu, Yonghua; Zhu, Jun; Zhang, Haiyang

2016-01-01

Based on the dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) effect, an alternative design of an Overhauser geomagnetic sensor is presented that enhances the proton polarization and increases the amplitude of the free induction decay (FID) signal. The short-pulse method is adopted to rotate the enhanced proton magnetization into the plane of precession to create an FID signal. To reduce the negative effect of the powerful electromagnetic interference, the design of the anti-interference of the pick-up coil is studied. Furthermore, the radio frequency polarization method based on the capacitive-loaded coaxial cavity is proposed to improve the quality factor of the resonant circuit. In addition, a special test instrument is designed that enables the simultaneous testing of the classical proton precession and the Overhauser sensor. Overall, comparison experiments with and without the free radical of the Overhauser sensors show that the DNP effect does effectively improve the amplitude and quality of the FID signal, and the magnetic sensitivity, resolution and range reach to 10 pT/Hz1/2@1 Hz, 0.0023 nT and 20–100 μT, respectively. PMID:27258283

Novel function of STAT1beta in B cells: induction of cell death by a mechanism different from that of STAT1alpha.

PubMed

Najjar, Imen; Schischmanoff, Pierre Olivier; Baran-Marszak, Fanny; Deglesne, Pierre-Antoine; Youlyouz-Marfak, Ibtissam; Pampin, Mathieu; Feuillard, Jean; Bornkamm, Georg W; Chelbi-Alix, Mounira K; Fagard, Remi

2008-12-01

Alternate splicing of STAT1 produces two isoforms: alpha, known as the active form, and beta, previously shown to act as a dominant-negative factor. Most studies have dealt with STAT1alpha, showing its involvement in cell growth control and cell death. To examine the specific function of either isoform in cell death, a naturally STAT1-deficient human B cell line was transfected to express STAT1alpha or STAT1beta. STAT1alpha, expressed alone, enhanced cell death, potentiated the fludarabine-induced apoptosis, and enhanced the nuclear location, the phosphorylation, and the transcriptional activity of p53. Unexpectedly, STAT1beta, expressed alone, induced cell death through a mechanism that was independent of the nuclear function of p53. Indeed, in STAT1beta-expressing B cells, p53 was strictly cytoplasmic where it formed clusters, and there was no induction of the transcriptional activity of p53. These data reveal a novel role of STAT1beta in programmed cell death, which is independent of p53.

Effects of Irradiation on Albite's Chemical Durability.

PubMed

Hsiao, Yi-Hsuan; La Plante, Erika Callagon; Krishnan, N M Anoop; Le Pape, Yann; Neithalath, Narayanan; Bauchy, Mathieu; Sant, Gaurav

2017-10-19

Albite (NaAlSi 3 O 8 ), a framework silicate of the plagioclase feldspar family and a common constituent of felsic rocks, is often present in the siliceous mineral aggregates that compose concrete. When exposed to radiation (e.g., in the form of neutrons) in nuclear power plants, the crystal structure of albite can undergo significant alterations. These alterations may degrade its chemical durability. Indeed, careful examinations of Ar + -implanted albite carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular dynamics simulations show that albite's crystal structure, upon irradiation, undergoes progressive disordering, resulting in an expansion in its molar volume (i.e., a reduction of density) and a reduction in the connectivity of its atomic network. This loss of network connectivity (i.e., rigidity) results in an enhancement of the aqueous dissolution rate of albite-measured using vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) in alkaline environments-by a factor of 20. This enhancement in the dissolution rate (i.e., reduction in chemical durability) of albite following irradiation has significant impacts on the durability of felsic rocks and of concrete containing them upon their exposure to radiation in nuclear power plant (NPP) environments.

The poly(A)-binding protein nuclear 1 suppresses alternative cleavage and polyadenylation sites.

PubMed

Jenal, Mathias; Elkon, Ran; Loayza-Puch, Fabricio; van Haaften, Gijs; Kühn, Uwe; Menzies, Fiona M; Oude Vrielink, Joachim A F; Bos, Arnold J; Drost, Jarno; Rooijers, Koos; Rubinsztein, David C; Agami, Reuven

2012-04-27

Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) is emerging as an important layer of gene regulation. Factors controlling APA are largely unknown. We developed a reporter-based RNAi screen for APA and identified PABPN1 as a regulator of this process. Genome-wide analysis of APA in human cells showed that loss of PABPN1 resulted in extensive 3' untranslated region shortening. Messenger RNA transcription, stability analyses, and in vitro cleavage assays indicated enhanced usage of proximal cleavage sites (CSs) as the underlying mechanism. Using Cyclin D1 as a test case, we demonstrated that enhanced usage of proximal CSs compromises microRNA-mediated repression. Triplet-repeat expansion in PABPN1 (trePABPN1) causes autosomal-dominant oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). The expression of trePABPN1 in both a mouse model of OPMD and human cells elicited broad induction of proximal CS usage, linked to binding to endogenous PABPN1 and its sequestration in nuclear aggregates. Our results elucidate a novel function for PABPN1 as a suppressor of APA. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glucocorticoid and cytokine crosstalk: Feedback, feedforward, and co-regulatory interactions determine repression or resistance

PubMed Central

Shah, Suharsh; Altonsy, Mohammed O.; Gerber, Antony N.

2017-01-01

Inflammatory signals induce feedback and feedforward systems that provide temporal control. Although glucocorticoids can repress inflammatory gene expression, glucocorticoid receptor recruitment increases expression of negative feedback and feedforward regulators, including the phosphatase, DUSP1, the ubiquitin-modifying enzyme, TNFAIP3, or the mRNA-destabilizing protein, ZFP36. Moreover, glucocorticoid receptor cooperativity with factors, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), may enhance regulator expression to promote repression. Conversely, MAPKs, which are inhibited by glucocorticoids, provide feedforward control to limit expression of the transcription factor IRF1, and the chemokine, CXCL10. We propose that modulation of feedback and feedforward control can determine repression or resistance of inflammatory gene expression toglucocorticoid. PMID:28283576

Apolipoprotein E Enhances microRNA-146a in Monocytes and Macrophages to Suppress Nuclear Factor-κB–Driven Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Li, Kang; Ching, Daniel; Luk, Fu Sang; Raffai, Robert L.

2015-01-01

Rationale Apolipoprotein E (apoE) exerts anti-inflammatory properties that protect against atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. However, mechanisms by which apoE suppresses the cellular activation of leukocytes commonly associated with atherosclerosis remain incompletely understood. Objective To test the hypothesis that apoE suppresses inflammation and atherosclerosis by regulating cellular microRNA levels in these leukocytes. Methods and Results An assessment of apoE expression among such leukocyte subsets in wild-type mice revealed that only macrophages and monocytes express apoE abundantly. An absence of apoE expression in macrophages and monocytes resulted in enhanced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and an exaggerated inflammatory response upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. This correlated with reduced levels of microRNA-146a, a critical negative regulator of NF-κB signaling. Ectopic apoE expression in Apoe−/− macrophages and monocytes raised miR-146a levels, while its silencing in wild-type cells had an opposite effect. Mechanistically, apoE increased the expression of transcription factor PU.1, which raised levels of pri-miR-146 transcripts, demonstrating that apoE exerts transcriptional control over miR-146a. In vivo, even a small amount of apoE expression in macrophages and monocytes of hypomorphic apoE mice led to increased miR-146a levels, and inhibited macrophage pro-inflammatory responses, Ly-6Chigh monocytosis, and atherosclerosis in the settings of hyperlipidemia. Accordingly, cellular enrichment of miR-146a through the systemic delivery of miR-146a mimetics in Apoe−/−Ldlr−/− and Ldlr−/− mice attenuated monocyte/macrophage activation and atherosclerosis in the absence of plasma lipid reduction. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that cellular apoE expression suppresses NF-κB–mediated inflammation and atherosclerosis by enhancing miR-146a levels in monocytes and macrophages. PMID:25904598

The 87-kD A gamma-globin enhancer-binding protein is a product of the HOXB2(HOX2H) locus.

PubMed

Sengupta, P K; Lavelle, D E; DeSimone, J

1994-03-01

Developmental regulation of globin gene expression may be controlled by developmental stage-specific nuclear proteins that influence interactions between the locus control region and local regulatory sequences near individual globin genes. We previously isolated an 87-kD nuclear protein from K562 cells that bound to DNA sequences in the beta-globin locus control region, gamma-globin promoter, and A gamma-globin enhancer. The presence of this protein in fetal globin-expressing cells and its absence in adult globin-expressing cells suggested that it may be a developmental stage-specific factor. A lambda gt11 K562 cDNA clone encoding a portion of the HOXB2 (formerly HOX2H) homeobox gene was isolated on the basis of the ability of its beta-galactosidase fusion protein to bind to the same DNA sequences as the 87-kD K562 protein. Because no other relationship had been established between the 87-kD K562 protein and the HOXB2 protein other than their ability to bind ot the same DNA sequences, we have investigated whether the two proteins are related antigenically. Our data show that antisera produced against the HOXB2-beta-gal fusion protein and a synthetic HOXB2 decapeptide react specifically with an 87-kD protein from K562 nuclear extract, showing that the 87-kD K562 nuclear protein is a product of the HOXB2 locus, and is the first demonstration of cellular HOXB2 protein.

A Novel Cytosolic Isoform of Mitochondrial Trans-2-Enoyl-CoA Reductase Enhances Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Activity.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Gyu; Yoo, Jae Cheal; Kim, Eunju; Lee, Young-Sun; Yarishkin, Oleg V; Lee, Da Yong; Lee, Kun Ho; Hong, Seong-Geun; Hwang, Eun Mi; Park, Jae-Yong

2014-06-01

Mitochondrial trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase (MECR) is involved in mitochondrial synthesis of fatty acids and is highly expressed in mitochondria. MECR is also known as nuclear receptor binding factor-1, which was originally reported with yeast two-hybrid screening as a binding protein of the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). However, MECR and PPARα are localized at different compartment, mitochondria, and the nucleus, respectively. Therefore, the presence of a cytosolic or nuclear isoform of MECR is necessary for functional interaction between MECR and PPARα. To identify the expression pattern of MECR and the cytosolic form of MECR (cMECR), we performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with various tissue samples from Sprague-Dawley rats. To confirm the interaction between cMECR and PPARα, we performed several binding assays such as yeast two-hybrid, coimmunoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation. To observe subcellular localization of these proteins, immunocytochemistry was performed. A luciferase assay was used to measure PPARα activity. We provide evidence of an alternatively spliced variant of the rat MECR gene that yields cMECR. The cMECR lacks the N-terminal 76 amino acids of MECR and shows uniform distribution in the cytoplasm and nucleus of HeLa cells. cMECR directly bound PPARα in the nucleus and increased PPARα-dependent luciferase activity in HeLa cells. We found the cytosolic form of MECR (cMECR) was expressed in the cytosolic and/or nuclear region, directly binds with PPARα, and enhances PPARα activity.

Low-energy enhancement and fluctuations of γ-ray strength functions in 56,57Fe: test of the Brink-Axel hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, A. C.; Guttormsen, M.; Blasi, N.; Bracco, A.; Camera, F.; Crespo Campo, L.; Eriksen, T. K.; Görgen, A.; Hagen, T. W.; Ingeberg, V. W.; Kheswa, B. V.; Leoni, S.; E Midtbø, J.; Million, B.; Nyhus, H. T.; Renstrøm, T.; Rose, S. J.; E Ruud, I.; Siem, S.; Tornyi, T. G.; Tveten, G. M.; Voinov, A. V.; Wiedeking, M.; Zeiser, F.

2017-06-01

Nuclear level densities and γ-ray strength functions of 56,57Fe have been extracted from proton-γ coincidences. A low-energy enhancement in the γ-ray strength functions up to a factor of 30 over common theoretical E1 models is confirmed. Angular distributions of the low-energy enhancement in 57Fe indicate its dipole nature, in agreement with findings for 56Fe. The high statistics and the excellent energy resolution of the large-volume LaBr3(Ce) detectors allowed for a thorough analysis of γ strength as function of excitation energy. Taking into account the presence of strong Porter-Thomas fluctuations, there is no indication of any significant excitation energy dependence in the γ-ray strength function, in support of the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis.

Inhibition of inflammation by astaxanthin alleviates cognition deficits in diabetic mice.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Fang; Hu, Xiaotong; Chen, Jing; Wen, Xiangru; Sun, Ying; Liu, Yonghai; Tang, Renxian; Zheng, Kuiyang; Song, Yuanjian

2015-11-01

Neurons in the hippocampal and cortical functional regions are more susceptible to damage induced by hyperglycemia, which can result in severe spatial learning and memory impairment. Neuroprotection ameliorates cognitive impairment induced by hyperglycemia in diabetic encephalopathy (DE). Astaxanthin has been widely studied in diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications due to its hypoglycemic, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. However, whether astaxanthin can alleviate cognition deficits induced by DE and its precise mechanisms remain undetermined. In this study, DE was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 150 mg/kg) in ICR mice. We observed the effect of astaxanthin on cognition and investigated its potential mechanisms in DE mice. Results showed that astaxanthin treatment significantly decreased the latency and enhanced the distance and time spent in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test. Furthermore, neuronal survival was significantly increased in the hippocampal CA3 region and the frontal cortex following treatment with astaxanthin. Meanwhile, immunoblotting was used to observe the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The results indicated that astaxanthin could inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation and downregulate TNF-α expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Overall, the present study implied that astaxanthin could improve cognition by protecting neurons against inflammation injury potentially through inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and down-regulating TNF-α. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Retinal Astrocytes and GABAergic Wide-Field Amacrine Cells Express PDGFRα: Connection to Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection by PDGF-AA.

PubMed

Takahama, Shokichi; Adetunji, Modupe O; Zhao, Tantai; Chen, Shan; Li, Wei; Tomarev, Stanislav I

2017-09-01

Our previous experiments demonstrated that intravitreal injection of platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA) provides retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neuroprotection in a rodent model of glaucoma. Here we used PDGFRα-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mice to identify retinal cells that may be essential for RGC protection by PDGF-AA. PDGFRα-EGFP mice expressing nuclear-targeted EGFP under the control of the PDGFRα promoter were used. Localization of PDGFRα in the neural retina was investigated by confocal imaging of EGFP fluorescence and immunofluorescent labeling with a panel of antibodies recognizing different retinal cell types. Primary cultures of mouse RGCs were produced by immunopanning. Neurobiotin injection of amacrine cells in a flat-mounted retina was used for the identification of EGFP-positive amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer. In the mouse neural retina, PDGFRα was preferentially localized in the ganglion cell and inner nuclear layers. Immunostaining of the retina demonstrated that astrocytes in the ganglion cell layer and a subpopulation of amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer express PDGFRα, whereas RGCs (in vivo or in vitro) did not. PDGFRα-positive amacrine cells are likely to be Type 45 gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) wide-field amacrine cells. These data indicate that the neuroprotective effect of PDGF-AA in a rodent model of glaucoma could be mediated by astrocytes and/or a subpopulation of amacrine cells. We suggest that after intravitreal injection of PDGF-AA, these cells secrete factors protecting RGCs.

Enhanced sensitivity of A549 cells to the cytotoxic action of anticancer drugs via suppression of Nrf2 by procyanidins from Cinnamomi Cortex extract

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

Ohnuma, Tomokazu; Matsumoto, Takashi; Itoi, Ayano

Highlights: {yields} We found a novel inhibitor of Nrf2 known as a chemoresistance factor. {yields} Overexpressed Nrf2 in lung cancer cells was suppressed by Cinnamomi Cortex extract. {yields} Cytotoxic action of anticancer drugs in cells treated with the extract was enhanced. {yields} Procyanidin tetramers and pentamers were active components in suppressing Nrf2. -- Abstract: Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important cytoprotective transcription factor because Nrf2-regulated enzymes play a key role in antioxidant and detoxification processes. Recent studies have reported that lung cancer cells overexpressing Nrf2 exhibit increased resistance to chemotherapy. Suppression of overexpressed Nrf2 is needed for amore » new therapeutic approach against lung cancers. In the present study, we found that Cinnamomi Cortex extract (CCE) has an ability to suppress Nrf2-regulated enzyme activity and Nrf2 expression in human lung cancer A549 cells with high Nrf2 activity. Moreover, we demonstrated that CCE significantly enhances sensitivity of A549 cells to the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin and etoposide as well as increasing the intracellular accumulation of both drugs. These results suggest that CCE might be an effective concomitant agent to reduce anticancer drug resistance derived from Nrf2 overexpression. Bioactivity-guided fractionation revealed that procyanidin tetramers and pentamers contained in CCE were active components in suppressing Nrf2.« less

Role of resveratrol in regulation of cellular defense systems against oxidative stress.

PubMed

Truong, Van-Long; Jun, Mira; Jeong, Woo-Sik

2018-01-01

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, is found in various kinds of fruits, plants, and their commercial products such as red wine. It has been demonstrated to exhibit a variety of health-promoting effects including prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, diabetes, neurodegeneration, aging, and cancer. Cellular defensive properties of resveratrol can be explained through its ability of either directly neutralizing reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) or indirectly upregulating the expression of cellular defensive genes. As a direct antioxidant agent, resveratrol scavenges diverse ROS/RNS as well as secondary organic radicals with mechanisms of hydrogen atom transfer and sequential proton loss electron transfer, thereby protecting cellular biomolecules from oxidative damage. Resveratrol also enhances the expression of various antioxidant defensive enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase as well as the induction of glutathione level responsible for maintaining the cellular redox balance. Such defenses could be achieved by regulating various signaling pathways including sirtuin 1, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor κB. This review provides current understanding and information on the role of resveratrol in cellular defense system against oxidative stress. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(1):36-49, 2018. © 2017 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Induction of Lung GSH and Glutamate Cysteine Ligase by 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate and its Glutathione Conjugate: Role of Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-Related Factor 2

PubMed Central

Emmert, Sans W.; El-Bayoumy, Karam; Das, Arunangshu; Sun, Yuan-Wan; Amin, Shantu; Desai, Dhimant; Aliaga, Cesar; Richie, John P.

2012-01-01

The synthetic organoselenium agent 1,4- phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) and its glutathione (GSH) conjugate (p-XSeSG), are potent chemopreventive agents in several preclinical models. p-XSC is also an effective inducer of GSH in mouse lung. Our objectives were to test the hypothesis that GSH induction by p-XSC occurs through upregulation of the rate-limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), through activation of antioxidant response elements (ARE) in GCL genes via activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). p-XSC feeding (10 ppm Se) increased GSH (230%) and upregulated the catalytic subunit of GCL (GCLc) (55%), extracellular related kinase (ERK) (220%) and nuclear Nrf2 (610%) in lung but not liver after 14 days in the rat (P<0.05). Similarly, p-XSeSG feeding (10 ppm) induced lung GCLc (88%) and GSH (200%) (P<0.05), while the naturally-occurring selenomethionine had no effect. Both p-XSC and p-XSeSG activated a luciferase reporter in HepG2 ARE reporter cells up to 3-fold for p-XSC and ≥5-fold for p-XSeSG. Luciferase activation by p-XSeSG was associated with enhanced levels of GSH, GCLc and nuclear Nrf2, which were significantly reduced by co-incubation with short interfering RNA targeting Nrf2 (siNrf2). The dependence of GCL induction on Nrf2 was confirmed in Nrf2 deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) where p-XSeSG induced GCL subunits in wildtype, but not Nrf2 deficient cells (p<0.05). These results indicate that p-XSC may act through the Nrf2 pathway in vivo, and that p-XSeSG is the putative metabolite responsible for such activation, thus offering p-XSeSG as a less toxic, yet highly efficacious inducer of GSH. PMID:22542796

Suppression of interferon β gene transcription by inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family members.

PubMed

Malik, Nazma; Vollmer, Stefan; Nanda, Sambit Kumar; Lopez-Pelaez, Marta; Prescott, Alan; Gray, Nathanael; Cohen, Philip

2015-06-15

PLK (Polo-like kinase) inhibitors, such as BI-2536, have been reported to suppress IFNB (encoding IFNβ, interferon β) gene transcription induced by ligands that activate TLR3 (Toll-like receptor 3) and TLR4. In the present study, we found that BI-2536 is likely to exert this effect by preventing the interaction of the transcription factors IRF3 (interferon-regulatory factor 3) and c-Jun with the IFNB promoter, but without affecting the TBK1 {TANK [TRAF (tumour-necrosis-factor-receptor-associated factor)-associated nuclear factor κB activator]-binding kinase 1}-catalysed phosphorylation of IRF3 at Ser³⁹⁶, the dimerization and nuclear translocation of IRF3 or the phosphorylation of c-Jun and ATF2 (activating transcription factor 2). Although BI-2536 inhibits few other kinases tested, it interacts with BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) family members and displaces them from acetylated lysine residues on histones. We found that BET inhibitors that do not inhibit PLKs phenocopied the effect of BI-2536 on IFNB gene transcription. Similarly, BET inhibitors blocked the interaction of IRF5 with the IFNB promoter and the secretion of IFNβ induced by TLR7 or TLR9 ligands in the human plasmacytoid dendritic cell line GEN2.2, but without affecting the nuclear translocation of IRF5. We found that the BET family member BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) was associated with the IFNB promoter and that this interaction was enhanced by TLR3- or TLR4-ligation and prevented by BI-2536 and other BET inhibitors. Our results establish that BET family members are essential for TLR-stimulated IFNB gene transcription by permitting transcription factors to interact with the IFNB promoter. They also show that the interaction of the IFNB promoter with BRD4 is regulated by TLR ligation and that BI-2536 is likely to suppress IFNB gene transcription by targeting BET family members. © 2015 The Author(s).

Nuclear Transcription Factors in the Mitochondria: A New Paradigm in Fine-Tuning Mitochondrial Metabolism.

PubMed

Sepuri, Naresh Babu V; Tammineni, Prasad; Mohammed, Fareed; Paripati, Arunkumar

2017-01-01

Noncanonical functions of several nuclear transcription factors in the mitochondria have been gaining exceptional traction over the years. These transcription factors include nuclear hormone receptors like estrogen, glucocorticoid, and thyroid hormone receptors: p53, IRF3, STAT3, STAT5, CREB, NF-kB, and MEF-2D. Mitochondria-localized nuclear transcription factors regulate mitochondrial processes like apoptosis, respiration and mitochondrial transcription albeit being nuclear in origin and having nuclear functions. Hence, the cell permits these multi-stationed transcription factors to orchestrate and fine-tune cellular metabolism at various levels of operation. Despite their ubiquitous distribution in different subcompartments of mitochondria, their targeting mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we review the current status of mitochondria-localized transcription factors and discuss the possible targeting mechanism besides the functional interplay between these factors.

Protecting solid-state spins from a strongly coupled environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Mo; Calvin Sun, Won Kyu; Saha, Kasturi; Jaskula, Jean-Christophe; Cappellaro, Paola

2018-06-01

Quantum memories are critical for solid-state quantum computing devices and a good quantum memory requires both long storage time and fast read/write operations. A promising system is the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, where the NV electronic spin serves as the computing qubit and a nearby nuclear spin as the memory qubit. Previous works used remote, weakly coupled 13C nuclear spins, trading read/write speed for long storage time. Here we focus instead on the intrinsic strongly coupled 14N nuclear spin. We first quantitatively understand its decoherence mechanism, identifying as its source the electronic spin that acts as a quantum fluctuator. We then propose a scheme to protect the quantum memory from the fluctuating noise by applying dynamical decoupling on the environment itself. We demonstrate a factor of 3 enhancement of the storage time in a proof-of-principle experiment, showing the potential for a quantum memory that combines fast operation with long coherence time.

3,4-Dihydroxybenzalactone Suppresses Human Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells Metastasis via Suppression of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition, ROS-Mediated PI3K/AKT/MAPK/MMP and NFκB Signaling Pathways.

PubMed

Chao, Wei; Deng, Jeng-Shyan; Li, Pei-Ying; Liang, Yu-Chia; Huang, Guan-Jhong

2017-03-28

3,4-Dihydroxybenzalactone (DBL) was isolated from Phellinus linteus (PL), which is a folk medicine possessing various physiological effects. In this study, we used highly metastatic A549 cells to investigate efficacy of DBL inhibition of cancer metastasis and possible mechanisms. The results revealed DBL inhibited migratory and invasive abilities of cancer cells at noncytotoxic concentrations. We found DBL suppressed enzymatic activities, protein expression, and RNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Western blot results showed DBL decreased phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, phosphorylation status of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/paxillin, which correlated with cell migratory ability. DBL also affected epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related biomarkers. In addition, DBL enhanced cytoprotective effects through elevated antioxidant enzymes including heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, DBL influenced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Snail, and Slug in A549 cells. Taken together, these results suggested that treatment with DBL may act as a potential candidate to inhibit lung cancer metastasis by inhibiting MMP-2 and -9 via affecting PI3K/AKT, MAPKs, FAK/paxillin, EMT/Snail and Slug, Nrf2/antioxidant enzymes, and NFκB signaling pathways.

An ethyl acetate fraction derived from Houttuynia cordata extract inhibits the production of inflammatory markers by suppressing NF-кB and MAPK activation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

PubMed

Chun, Jin Mi; Nho, Kyoung Jin; Kim, Hyo Seon; Lee, A Yeong; Moon, Byeong Cheol; Kim, Ho Kyoung

2014-07-10

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of inflammatory diseases. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of an ethyl acetate fraction derived from a Houttuynia cordata extract (HCE-EA) on the production of inflammatory mediators and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. To measure the effects of HCE-EA on pro-inflammatory cytokine and inflammatory mediator's expression in RAW 264.7 cells, we used the following methods: cell viability assay, Griess reagent assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. HCE-EA downregulated nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-6) production in the cells, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Furthermore, HCE-EA suppressed nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit, which correlated with an inhibitory effect on IκBα (nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha) phosphorylation. HCE-EA also attenuated the activation of MAPKs (p38 and JNK). Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of HCE-EA may stem from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators via suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Andrographolide Enhances Nuclear Factor-κB Subunit p65 Ser536 Dephosphorylation through Activation of Protein Phosphatase 2A in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells*

PubMed Central

Hsieh, Cheng Y.; Hsu, Ming J.; Hsiao, George; Wang, Yi H.; Huang, Chi W.; Chen, Shiuan W.; Jayakumar, Thanasekaran; Chiu, Pei T.; Chiu, Yi H.; Sheu, Joen R.

2011-01-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibition may contribute to the protective anti-inflammatory actions of andrographolide, an abundant component of plants of the genus Andrographis. However, the precise mechanism by which andrographolide inhibits NF-κB signaling remains unclear. We thus investigated the mechanism involved in andrographolide suppression of NF-κB signaling in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exposed to proinflammatory stimuli, LPS, and IFN-γ. Andrographolide was shown to suppress LPS/IFN-γ-induced inducible nitric-oxide synthase and matrix metalloprotease 9 expression in rat VSMCs. Andrographolide also inhibited LPS/IFN-γ-induced p65 nuclear translocation, DNA binding activity, p65 Ser536 phosphorylation, and NF-κB reporter activity. However, IKK phosphorylation and downstream inhibitory κBα phosphorylation and degradation were not altered by the presence of andrographolide in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated VSMCs. These andrographolide inhibitory actions could be prevented by selective inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Furthermore, andrographolide was demonstrated to increase ceramide formation and PP2A activity in VSMCs and to inhibit neointimal formation in rat carotid injury models. These results suggest that andrographolide caused neutral sphingomyelinase-mediated ceramide formation and PP2A activation to dephosphorylate p65 Ser536, leading to NF-κB inactivation and subsequent inducible nitric-oxide synthase down-regulation in rat VSMCs stimulated by LPS and IFN-γ. PMID:21169355

Estrogen signaling in colorectal carcinoma microenvironment: expression of ERbeta1, AIB-1, and TIF-2 is upregulated in cancer-associated myofibroblasts and correlates with disease progression.

PubMed

Tzelepi, Vassiliki; Grivas, Petros; Kefalopoulou, Zinovia; Kalofonos, Haralabos; Varakis, John N; Melachrinou, Maria; Sotiropoulou-Bonikou, Georgia

2009-04-01

Epidemiological and molecular data suggest the involvement of estrogen signaling in colorectal tissue, mediated mainly through estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta). Estrogens may mediate their effects in epithelial cells indirectly by acting on stromal cells. Expression of ERalpha, ERbeta1, and the ER coregulators, amplified in breast cancer-1 (AIB-1) and transcriptional intermediary factor 2 (TIF-2), was evaluated in myofibroblasts of 107 colorectal carcinomas, 77 paired samples of normal mucosa, and 29 adenomas by immunohistochemistry. Double immunostaining with a-SMA was used to identify the myofibroblasts of normal tissue, adenomas, and cancer microenvironment. ERalpha was not expressed in stromal cells. Nuclear expression of ERbeta1, AIB-1, and TIF-2 in myofibroblasts gradually increased from normal mucosa, through adenomas, to carcinomas. Cytoplasmic ERbeta1 and TIF-2 expression was enhanced in carcinomas compared to normal mucosa and adenomas. Enhanced nuclear and cytoplasmic ERbeta1 expression and elevated nuclear AIB-1 expression were more frequently noted in myofibroblasts of carcinomas of advanced stage. ERbeta1 expression in cancer-associated myofibroblasts correlated to AIB-1 and TIF-2 expression. None of the markers correlated with patients' prognosis. Our findings imply that ERbeta1-dependent (genomic and non-genomic) and ER-coregulator-dependent (AIB-1, TIF-2) signal transductions in myofibroblasts may be involved in the initiation and progression of colorectal carcinomas.

Effects and Mechanisms by Which Hypercapnic Acidosis Inhibits Sepsis-Induced Canonical Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling in the Lung.

PubMed

Masterson, Claire; O'Toole, Daniel; Leo, Annemarie; McHale, Patricia; Horie, Shahd; Devaney, James; Laffey, John G

2016-04-01

Diverse effects of hypercapnic acidosis are mediated via inhibition of nuclear factor-κB, a pivotal transcription factor, in the setting of injury, inflammation, and repair, but the underlying mechanisms of action of hypercapnic acidosis on this pathway is unclear. We aim to examine the effect of hypercapnic acidosis on the nuclear factor-κB pathway in the setting of Escherichia coli-induced lung injury and characterize the underlying mechanisms in subsequent in vitro studies. In vivo animal study and subsequent in vitro studies. University Research Laboratory. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats and pulmonary epithelial cells. Following pulmonary IκBα-SuperRepressor transgene overexpression or sham and intratracheal E. coli inoculation, rats underwent 4 hours of mechanical ventilation under normocapnia or hypercapnic acidosis, and nuclear factor-κB activation, animal survival, lung injury, and cytokine profile were assessed. Subsequent in vitro studies examined the effect of hypercapnic acidosis on specific nuclear factor-κB canonical pathway kinases via overexpression of these components and in vitro kinase activity assays. The effect of hypercapnic acidosis on the p50/p65 nuclear factor-κB heterodimer was then assessed. Hypercapnic acidosis and IκBα-SuperRepressor transgene overexpression reduced E. coli-induced lung inflammation and injury, decreased nuclear factor-κB activity, and increased animal survival. Hypercapnic acidosis inhibited canonical nuclear factor-κB signaling via reduced phosphorylative activation, reducing IκB kinase-β activation and intrinsic activity, thereby decreasing IκBα degradation, and subsequent nuclear factor-κB translocation. Hypercapnic acidosis also directly reduced DNA binding of the nuclear factor-κB p65 subunit, although this effect was less marked. Hypercapnic acidosis reduced E. coli inflammation and lung injury in vivo and reduced nuclear factor-κB activation predominantly by inhibiting the activation and intrinsic activity of IκB kinase-β.

Lenticular cytoprotection, part 2: link between glycogen synthase kinase-3β, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and mitochondrial depolarization.

PubMed

Neelam, Sudha; Brooks, Morgan M; Cammarata, Patrick R

2014-01-01

The inhibition of GSK-3β blocks mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (mMPT) for HLE-B3 cells in atmospheric oxygen. GSK-3β, as part of a multifactorial complex, also regulates nuclear levels of β-catenin, a known coordinator of cell survival and adhesion. The purpose of these studies was to demonstrate a novel, but likely disadvantageous, link between β-catenin's influence on the expression of the pro-survival protein, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), resulting in enhanced lens epithelial cell mitochondrial protection against depolarization and nuclear β-catenin as an inducer of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Virally transformed human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3) were treated with SB216763, a specific inhibitor of GSK-3β catalytic activity and XAV939, a specific β-catenin inhibitor that bars the translocation of β-catenin from cytoplasm to the nucleus. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the levels of cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin and phospho-β-catenin, pBcl-2 and the EMT proteins, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibronectin. ELISA was used to measure the levels of VEGF in cell culture supernatants. JC-1 analysis was performed to analyze the influence of either SB216763 or XAV939 on mitochondrial depolarization. Cultured lens epithelial cells maintained in hypoxia (1% oxygen) and subsequently reintroduced into atmospheric oxygen and treated with the GSK-3β inhibitor SB216763 illustrated a marked inhibition of phosphorylation of glycogen synthase (downstream substrate of GSK-3β) and significant increase in nuclear translocation of β-catenin. The augmented nuclear β-catenin levels positively correlated with increased expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, both marker proteins indicative of EMT. The enhanced nuclear β-catenin activity also elicited increased VEGF and pBcl-2 expression, resulting in increased resistance to mitochondrial depolarization. Treatment of the cells with the β-catenin inhibitor XAV939 resulted in decreased expression of nuclear β-catenin, VEGF levels, pBcl-2, and EMT proteins, as well as increased mitochondrial depolarization. The data support a model whereby the onset of epithelial to mesenchymal transition may circuitously benefit from the enhanced synthesis of VEGF by setting up a potentially harmful situation whereby the resulting mesenchymal cell population may be more resistant to mitochondrial depolarization than the lens epithelial cell population from which it originated. These findings support the potential therapeutic relevance of developing strategies to undermine the progression of normal cells to mesenchymal transition without subverting cell viability.

L-glutamine supplementations enhance liver glutamine-glutathione axis and heat shock factor-1 expression in endurance-exercise trained rats.

PubMed

Petry, Éder Ricardo; Cruzat, Vinicius Fernandes; Heck, Thiago Gomes; Homem de Bittencourt, Paulo Ivo; Tirapegui, Julio

2015-04-01

Liver L-glutamine is an important vehicle for the transport of ammonia and intermediary metabolism of amino acids between tissues, particularly under catabolic situations, such as high-intensity exercise. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral supplementations with L-glutamine in its free or dipeptide forms (with L-alanine) on liver glutamine-glutathione (GSH) axis, and 70 kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70)/heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) expressions. Adult male Wistar rats were 8-week trained (60 min/day, 5 days/week) on a treadmill. During the last 21 days, the animals were daily supplemented with 1 g of L-glutamine/kg body weight per day in either l-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide (DIP) form or a solution containing L-glutamine and l-alanine in their free forms (GLN+ALA) or water (controls). Exercise training increased cytosolic and nuclear HSF1 and HSP70 expression, as compared with sedentary animals. However, both DIP and GLN+ALA supplements enhanced HSF1 expression (in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions) in relation to exercised controls. Interestingly, HSF1 rises were not followed by enhanced HSP70 expression. DIP and GLN+ALA supplements increased plasma glutamine concentrations (by 62% and 59%, respectively) and glutamine to glutamate plasma ratio in relation to trained controls. This was in parallel with a decrease in plasma ammonium levels. Supplementations increased liver GSH (by 90%), attenuating the glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to GSH ratio, suggesting a redox state protection. In conclusion, oral administration with DIP and GLN+ALA supplements in endurance-trained rats improve liver glutamine-GSH axis and modulate HSF1 pathway.

Astroglial pentose phosphate pathway rates in response to high-glucose environments

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Shinichi; Izawa, Yoshikane; Suzuki, Norihiro

2012-01-01

ROS (reactive oxygen species) play an essential role in the pathophysiology of diabetes, stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. Hyperglycaemia associated with diabetes enhances ROS production and causes oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells, but adverse effects of either acute or chronic high-glucose environments on brain parenchymal cells remain unclear. The PPP (pentose phosphate pathway) and GSH participate in a major defence mechanism against ROS in brain, and we explored the role and regulation of the astroglial PPP in response to acute and chronic high-glucose environments. PPP activity was measured in cultured neurons and astroglia by determining the difference in rate of 14CO2 production from [1-14C]glucose and [6-14C]glucose. ROS production, mainly H2O2, and GSH were also assessed. Acutely elevated glucose concentrations in the culture media increased PPP activity and GSH level in astroglia, decreasing ROS production. Chronically elevated glucose environments also induced PPP activation. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that chronic high-glucose environments induced ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress (presumably through increased hexosamine biosynthetic pathway flux). Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 subunit-related factor 2), which regulates G6PDH (glyceraldehyde-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) by enhancing transcription, was also observed in association with BiP (immunoglobulin heavy-chain-binding protein) expression. Acute and chronic high-glucose environments activated the PPP in astroglia, preventing ROS elevation. Therefore a rapid decrease in glucose level seems to enhance ROS toxicity, perhaps contributing to neural damage when insulin levels given to diabetic patients are not properly calibrated and plasma glucose levels are not adequately maintained. These findings may also explain the lack of evidence for clinical benefits from strict glycaemic control during the acute phase of stroke. PMID:22300409

The contribution of physics to Nuclear Medicine: physicians' perspective on future directions.

PubMed

Mankoff, David A; Pryma, Daniel A

2014-12-01

Advances in Nuclear Medicine physics enabled the specialty of Nuclear Medicine and directed research in other aspects of radiotracer imaging, ultimately leading to Nuclear Medicine's emergence as an important component of current medical practice. Nuclear Medicine's unique ability to characterize in vivo biology without perturbing it will assure its ongoing role in a practice of medicine increasingly driven by molecular biology. However, in the future, it is likely that advances in molecular biology and radiopharmaceutical chemistry will increasingly direct future developments in Nuclear Medicine physics, rather than relying on physics as the primary driver of advances in Nuclear Medicine. Working hand-in-hand with clinicians, chemists, and biologists, Nuclear Medicine physicists can greatly enhance the specialty by creating more sensitive and robust imaging devices, by enabling more facile and sophisticated image analysis to yield quantitative measures of regional in vivo biology, and by combining the strengths of radiotracer imaging with other imaging modalities in hybrid devices, with the overall goal to enhance Nuclear Medicine's ability to characterize regional in vivo biology.

Phytochemicals and botanical extracts regulate NF-κB and Nrf2/ARE reporter activities in DI TNC1 astrocytes

PubMed Central

Ajit, Deepa; Simonyi, Agnes; Li, Runting; Chen, Zihong; Hannink, Mark; Fritsche, Kevin L.; Mossine, Valeri V.; Smith, Robert E.; Dobbs, Thomas K.; Luo, Rensheng; Folk, William R.; Gu, Zezong; Lubahn, Dennis B.; Weisman, Gary A.; Sun, Grace Y.

2016-01-01

The increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses associated with neurodegenerative diseases has drawn considerable attention towards understanding the transcriptional signaling pathways involving NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) and Nrf2 (Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-like 2). Our recent studies with immortalized murine microglial cells (BV-2) demonstrated effects of botanical polyphenols to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and enhance Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses (Sun et al., 2015). In this study, an immortalized rat astrocyte (DI TNC1) cell line expressing a luciferase reporter driven by the NF-κB or the Nrf2/Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) promoter was used to assess regulation of these two pathways by phytochemiscals such as quercetin, rutin, cyanidin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, as well as botanical extracts from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Sutherlandia frutescens (Sutherlandia) and Euterpe oleracea (Açaí). Quercetin effectively inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB reporter activity and stimulated Nrf2/ARE reporter activity in DI TNC1 astrocytes. Cyanidin and the glycosides showed similar effects but only at much higher concentrations. All three botanical extracts effectively inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB reporter activity. These extracts were capable of enhancing ARE activity by themselves and further enhanced ARE activity in the presence of LPS. Quercetin and botanical extracts induced Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Interestingly, Ashwagandha extract was more active in inducing Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in DI TNC1 astrocytes as compared to Sutherlandia and Açaí extracts. In summary, this study demonstrated NF-kB and Nrf2/ARE promotor activities in DI TNC1 astrocytes, and further showed differences in ability for specific botanical polyphenols and extracts to down-regulate LPS-induced NF-kB and up-regulate the NRF2/ARE activities in these cells. PMID:27166148

A novel firefly luciferase biosensor enhances the detection of apoptosis induced by ESAT-6 family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

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

Shi, Junwei; Zhang, Huan; Fang, Liurong

Highlights: • We developed a novel firefly luciferase based biosensor to detect apoptosis. • The novel biosensor 233-DnaE-DEVDG was reliable, sensitive and convenient. • 233-DnaE-DEVDG faithfully indicated ESAT-6 family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis induced apoptosis. • EsxA, esxT and esxL in ESAT-6 family proteins induced apoptosis. • Activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) participated in esxT-induced apoptosis. - Abstract: The activation of caspase-3 is a key surrogate marker for detecting apoptosis. To quantitate caspase-3 activity, we constructed a biosensor comprising a recombinant firefly luciferase containing a caspase-3 cleavage site. When apoptosis was induced, caspase-3 cleavage of the biosensor activated firefly luciferasemore » by a factor greater than 25. The assay conveniently detected apoptosis in real time, indicating that it will facilitate drug discovery. We screened ESAT-6 family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and found that esxA, esxT and esxL induced apoptosis. Further, activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the NF-κB-regulated genes encoding tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) participated in esxT-induced apoptosis. We conclude that this assay is useful for high-throughput screening to identify and characterize proteins and drugs that regulate apoptosis.« less

Electron spin polarization by isospin ordering in correlated two-layer quantum Hall systems.

PubMed

Tiemann, L; Wegscheider, W; Hauser, M

2015-05-01

Enhancement of the electron spin polarization in a correlated two-layer, two-dimensional electron system at a total Landau level filling factor of 1 is reported. Using resistively detected nuclear magnetic resonance, we demonstrate that the electron spin polarization of two closely spaced two-dimensional electron systems becomes maximized when interlayer Coulomb correlations establish spontaneous isospin ferromagnetic order. This correlation-driven polarization dominates over the spin polarizations of competing single-layer fractional quantum Hall states under electron density imbalances.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 promotes cardiac hypertrophy

PubMed Central

Tscheschner, Henrike; Gao, Erhe; Schumacher, Sarah M.; Yuan, Ancai; Backs, Johannes; Most, Patrick; Wieland, Thomas; Koch, Walter J.; Katus, Hugo A.; Raake, Philip W.

2017-01-01

The increase in protein activity and upregulation of G-protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is a hallmark of cardiac stress and heart failure. Inhibition of GRK2 improved cardiac function and survival and diminished cardiac remodeling in various animal heart failure models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of GRK2 on cardiac hypertrophy and dissect potential molecular mechanisms. In mice we observed increased GRK2 mRNA and protein levels following transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Conditional GRK2 knockout mice showed attenuated hypertrophic response with preserved ventricular geometry 6 weeks after TAC operation compared to wild-type animals. In isolated neonatal rat ventricular cardiac myocytes stimulation with angiotensin II and phenylephrine enhanced GRK2 expression leading to enhanced signaling via protein kinase B (PKB or Akt), consecutively inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), such promoting nuclear accumulation and activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT). Cardiac myocyte hypertrophy induced by in vitro GRK2 overexpression increased the cytosolic interaction of GRK2 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ). Moreover, inhibition of PI3Kγ as well as GRK2 knock down prevented Akt activation resulting in halted NFAT activity and reduced cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. Our data show that enhanced GRK2 expression triggers cardiac hypertrophy by GRK2-PI3Kγ mediated Akt phosphorylation and subsequent inactivation of GSK3β, resulting in enhanced NFAT activity. PMID:28759639

The Use of Basalt, Basalt Fibers and Modified Graphite for Nuclear Waste Repository - 12150

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

Gulik, V.I.; Biland, A.B.

2012-07-01

New materials enhancing the isolation of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel are continuously being developed.. Our research suggests that basalt-based materials, including basalt roving chopped basalt fiber strands, basalt composite rebar and materials based on modified graphite, could be used for enhancing radioactive waste isolation during the storage and disposal phases and maintaining it during a significant portion of the post-closure phase. The basalt vitrification process of nuclear waste is a viable alternative to glass vitrification. Basalt roving, chopped basalt fiber strands and basalt composite rebars can significantly increase the strength and safety characteristics of nuclear waste and spentmore » nuclear fuel storages. Materials based on MG are optimal waterproofing materials for nuclear waste containers. (authors)« less

Hypericin-mediated sonodynamic therapy induces autophagy and decreases lipids in THP-1 macrophage by promoting ROS-dependent nuclear translocation of TFEB.

PubMed

Li, Xuesong; Zhang, Xin; Zheng, Longbin; Kou, Jiayuan; Zhong, Zhaoyu; Jiang, Yueqing; Wang, Wei; Dong, Zengxiang; Liu, Zhongni; Han, Xiaobo; Li, Jing; Tian, Ye; Zhao, Yajun; Yang, Liming

2016-12-22

Lipid catabolism disorder is the primary cause of atherosclerosis. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) prevents atherosclerosis by activating macrophage autophagy to promote lipid degradation. Hypericin-mediated sonodynamic therapy (HY-SDT) has been proved non-invasively inducing THP-1-derived macrophage apoptosis; however, it is unknown whether macrophage autophagy could be triggered by HY-SDT to influence cellular lipid catabolism via regulating TFEB. Here, we report that HY-SDT resulted in the time-dependent THP-1-derived macrophage autophagy activation through AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway. Besides, TFEB nuclear translocation in macrophage was triggered by HY-SDT to promote autophagy activation and lysosome regeneration which enhanced lipid degradation in response to atherogenic lipid stressors. Moreover, following HY-SDT, the ABCA1 expression level was increased to promote lipid efflux in macrophage, and the expression levels of CD36 and SR-A were decreased to inhibit lipid uptake, both of which were prevented by TFEB knockdown. These results indicated that TFEB nuclear translocation activated by HY-SDT was not only the key regulator of autophagy activation and lysosome regeneration in macrophage to promote lipolysis, but also had a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transporters to decrease lipid uptake and increase lipid efflux. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were adequately generated in macrophage by HY-SDT. Further, ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine abolished HY-SDT-induced TFEB nuclear translocation and autophagy activation, implying that ROS were the primary upstream factors responsible for these effects during HY-SDT. In summary, our data indicate that HY-SDT decreases lipid content in macrophage by promoting ROS-dependent nuclear translocation of TFEB to influence consequent autophagy activation and cholesterol transporters. Thus, HY-SDT may be beneficial for atherosclerosis via TFEB regulation to ameliorate lipid overload in atherosclerotic plaques.

APE/Ref-1 is increased in nuclear fractions of human thyroid hyperfunctioning nodules.

PubMed

Russo, D; Celano, M; Bulotta, S; Bruno, R; Arturi, F; Giannasio, P; Filetti, S; Damante, G; Tell, G

2002-08-30

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease APE/Ref-1 is a multifunctional protein provided with DNA repair, transcription-factor regulation and anti-apoptotic activities. We have previously reported that, in thyroid cells, TSH regulates both the synthesis and nuclear translocation of APE/Ref-1. We have also shown that nuclear levels of this protein are reduced both in thyroid carcinoma tissues and cell lines. In the present study, APE/Ref-1 expression and cellular localization were analysed by Western blot in hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules from patients with toxic adenoma and/or toxic multinodular goiter. The total content of APE/Ref-1 protein was increased in the majority of the hyperfunctioning tissues with respect to normal adjacent tissue. There was also an increase in the nuclear levels of APE/Ref-1, suggesting enhanced cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation of the protein in addition to its increased rate of synthesis. These results demonstrate that the phenomenon of nuclear translocation of APE/Ref-1 hypothesized on the basis of cell culture experiments does actually occur in vivo. Together with previous observations in thyroid carcinomas and tumoral cell lines, our findings suggest a two-stage model of APE/Ref-1 behaviour during malignant thyrocyte transformation: an early stage characterized by simple hyperplasia and upregulation of APE/Ref-1 in the nuclear compartment of the cell and a later stage in which nuclear levels of the protein drop to below-normal levels as the cell becomes progressively undifferentiated.

Off-site Emergency Planning at UK Nuclear Licensed Sites.

PubMed

Leonard, Paul; Thomas, Gareth

2017-04-01

Nuclear emergency planning arrangements in the UK are continually kept under review. This work proposes to outline how experience from nuclear exercises and undertaking emergency response duties can be based on radiological knowledge of specific sites and utilised in the future. In 2014, the UK regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) revised their principles for the determination of off-site emergency planning areas around nuclear sites where predetermined countermeasures and other protection measures are applied to protect those people who may be affected by a radiation emergency. The revised principles also enhanced communication from the nuclear site operators and local authorities to the public. This updated ONR's application of the UK Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR) http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/reppir.htm, which includes details of minimising potential doses to the public, as well as assessment and reassurance, linked to other concurrent risks such as flooding. ONR undertakes site-specific assessments of each operators' hazard identification and risk evaluation, which include consideration of whether the public might receive a significant radiation dose in the year following the emergency (excluding countermeasures in the first 24 hours). In defining the areas for off-site emergency planning, practical and strategic factors are then considered, which include other local non-nuclear emergency planning arrangements and experience, and whether local geographic and demographic aspects could aid public credibility and confidence. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The Nuclear Option: Evidence Implicating the Cell Nucleus in Mechanotransduction.

PubMed

Szczesny, Spencer E; Mauck, Robert L

2017-02-01

Biophysical stimuli presented to cells via microenvironmental properties (e.g., alignment and stiffness) or external forces have a significant impact on cell function and behavior. Recently, the cell nucleus has been identified as a mechanosensitive organelle that contributes to the perception and response to mechanical stimuli. However, the specific mechanotransduction mechanisms that mediate these effects have not been clearly established. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of the evidence supporting (and refuting) three hypothetical nuclear mechanotransduction mechanisms: physical reorganization of chromatin, signaling at the nuclear envelope, and altered cytoskeletal structure/tension due to nuclear remodeling. Our goal is to provide a reference detailing the progress that has been made and the areas that still require investigation regarding the role of nuclear mechanotransduction in cell biology. Additionally, we will briefly discuss the role that mathematical models of cell mechanics can play in testing these hypotheses and in elucidating how biophysical stimulation of the nucleus drives changes in cell behavior. While force-induced alterations in signaling pathways involving lamina-associated polypeptides (LAPs) (e.g., emerin and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)) and transcription factors (TFs) located at the nuclear envelope currently appear to be the most clearly supported mechanism of nuclear mechanotransduction, additional work is required to examine this process in detail and to more fully test alternative mechanisms. The combination of sophisticated experimental techniques and advanced mathematical models is necessary to enhance our understanding of the role of the nucleus in the mechanotransduction processes driving numerous critical cell functions.

The Nuclear Option: Evidence Implicating the Cell Nucleus in Mechanotransduction

PubMed Central

Szczesny, Spencer E.; Mauck, Robert L.

2017-01-01

Biophysical stimuli presented to cells via microenvironmental properties (e.g., alignment and stiffness) or external forces have a significant impact on cell function and behavior. Recently, the cell nucleus has been identified as a mechanosensitive organelle that contributes to the perception and response to mechanical stimuli. However, the specific mechanotransduction mechanisms that mediate these effects have not been clearly established. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of the evidence supporting (and refuting) three hypothetical nuclear mechanotransduction mechanisms: physical reorganization of chromatin, signaling at the nuclear envelope, and altered cytoskeletal structure/tension due to nuclear remodeling. Our goal is to provide a reference detailing the progress that has been made and the areas that still require investigation regarding the role of nuclear mechanotransduction in cell biology. Additionally, we will briefly discuss the role that mathematical models of cell mechanics can play in testing these hypotheses and in elucidating how biophysical stimulation of the nucleus drives changes in cell behavior. While force-induced alterations in signaling pathways involving lamina-associated polypeptides (LAPs) (e.g., emerin and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)) and transcription factors (TFs) located at the nuclear envelope currently appear to be the most clearly supported mechanism of nuclear mechanotransduction, additional work is required to examine this process in detail and to more fully test alternative mechanisms. The combination of sophisticated experimental techniques and advanced mathematical models is necessary to enhance our understanding of the role of the nucleus in the mechanotransduction processes driving numerous critical cell functions. PMID:27918797

Nuclear Protein Sam68 Interacts with the Enterovirus 71 Internal Ribosome Entry Site and Positively Regulates Viral Protein Translation.

PubMed

Zhang, Hua; Song, Lei; Cong, Haolong; Tien, Po

2015-10-01

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) recruits various cellular factors to assist in the replication and translation of its genome. Identification of the host factors involved in the EV71 life cycle not only will enable a better understanding of the infection mechanism but also has the potential to be of use in the development of antiviral therapeutics. In this study, we demonstrated that the cellular factor 68-kDa Src-associated protein in mitosis (Sam68) acts as an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) trans-acting factor (ITAF) that binds specifically to the EV71 5' untranslated region (5'UTR). Interaction sites in both the viral IRES (stem-loops IV and V) and the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K homology (KH) domain of Sam68 protein were further mapped using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and biotin RNA pulldown assay. More importantly, dual-luciferase (firefly) reporter analysis suggested that overexpression of Sam68 positively regulated IRES-dependent translation of virus proteins. In contrast, both IRES activity and viral protein translation significantly decreased in Sam68 knockdown cells compared with the negative-control cells treated with short hairpin RNA (shRNA). However, downregulation of Sam68 did not have a significant inhibitory effect on the accumulation of the EV71 genome. Moreover, Sam68 was redistributed from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and interacts with cellular factors, such as poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2) and poly(A)-binding protein (PABP), during EV71 infection. The cytoplasmic relocalization of Sam68 in EV71-infected cells may be involved in the enhancement of EV71 IRES-mediated translation. Since Sam68 is known to be a RNA-binding protein, these results provide direct evidence that Sam68 is a novel ITAF that interacts with EV71 IRES and positively regulates viral protein translation. The nuclear protein Sam68 is found as an additional new host factor that interacts with the EV71 IRES during infection and could potentially enhance the translation of virus protein. To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes Sam68 actively participating in the life cycle of EV71 at a molecular level. These studies will not only improve our understanding of the replication of EV71 but also have the potential for aiding in developing a therapeutic strategy against EV71 infection. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Effect of Dietary Intake of Stable Iodine on Dose-per-unit-intake Factors for 99Tc

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

Strom, Daniel J.

It is well-known that the human thyroid concentrates iodine more than 100 times the concentration in plasma. Also well-known is the fact that large amounts of stable iodine in the diet can limit thyroid uptake of total iodine; this is the basis for administering potassium iodide following a release of radioiodine from a nuclear reactor accident or nuclear weapon detonation. Many researchers have shown enhanced concentrations of both organic and inorganic iodine in saliva and breast milk. Technetium-99 is a long-lived (231,000 year half-life) radionuclide of concern in the management of high-level radioactive waste. There is no doubt that 99Tc,more » if it is in groundwater, will be found in the chemical form of pertechnetate, 99TcO4?. Pertechnetate is a large anion, almost identical in size to iodide, I?. The nuclear medicine literature shows that pertechnetate concentrates in the thyroid, salivary glands, and lactating breast in addition to the stomach, liver, and alimentary tract as currently recognized by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The fact that large intakes of stable iodine (127I) in the diet limit uptake of iodine by the thyroid leads one to generalize that stable iodine in the diet may also limit thyroid uptake of pertechnetate. While there is at least one report that iodine in the diet blocks uptake of 99mTcO4? by the thyroid and salivary glands (which have the same Na/I symporter, the biochemical concentration mechanism), the level of protective effect seen for blocking radioactive iodine is not expected for 99TcO4? because pertechnetate does not become organically bound in the thyroid and thus is not retained for months the way iodide is. While it does account for Tc concentration in the thyroid, the existing ICRP biokinetic model for technetium does not take enhanced concentrations in salivary gland and breast tissue into account. From the survey of the nuclear medicine literature, it is not possible to compute the effect of stable iodine in the diet on the dose per unit intake factors for 99Tc without developing an improved biokinetic model for technetium. Specific experiments should be designed to quantitatively evaluate 99TcO4? metabolism, excretion, and secretion, as well as to evaluate its chemical toxicity It is recommended that the ICRP reexamine its biokinetics models for Tc based on nuclear medicine data that have accumulated over the years. In particular, the ICRP ignores the lactation pathway, the enhanced concentration of Tc in breast and breast milk, and enhanced concentration of Tc (and I) in the salivary glands as well as in the thyroid. The ICRP should also explicitly incorporate the effect of stable iodine in the diet into both its models for iodine and technetium. The effect of concentration of Tc in breast milk needs further study for dosimetric implications to nursing infants whose mothers may ingest 99TcO4? from groundwater sources. The ICRP should also investigate the possibility of enhanced concentration of both I and Tc in the non-lactating female breast. To do these re-evaluations of biokinetic models, new experiments designed specifically to evaluate these questions concerning the biokinetics of Tc and I are needed.« less

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 enhances nuclear export of a Dictyostelium STAT protein

PubMed Central

Ginger, Rebecca S.; Dalton, Emma C.; Ryves, W.Jonathan; Fukuzawa, Masashi; Williams, Jeffrey G.; Harwood, Adrian J.

2000-01-01

Extracellular cAMP stimulates the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the Dictyostelium STAT protein Dd-STATa. Here we show that it also induces serine phosphorylation by GskA, a homologue of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Tyrosine phosphorylation occurs within 10 s of stimulation, whereas serine phosphorylation takes 5 min, matching the kinetics observed for the cAMP regulation of GskA. Phosphorylation by GskA enhances nuclear export of Dd-STATa. The phosphorylated region, however, is not itself a nuclear export signal and we identify a region elsewhere in the protein that mediates nuclear export. These results suggest a biphasic regulation of Dd-STATa, in which extracellular cAMP initially directs nuclear import and then, via GskA, promotes its subsequent export. It also raises the possibility of an analogous regulation of STAT nuclear export in higher eukaryotes. PMID:11032815

Activating Nrf-2 Signaling Depresses Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Evoked Mitochondrial Stress-Related Autophagy, Apoptosis and Pyroptosis in Kidney

PubMed Central

Chung, Shue Dong; Lai, Ting Yu; Chien, Chiang Ting; Yu, Hong Jen

2012-01-01

Exacerbated oxidative stress and inflammation may induce three types of programmed cell death, autophagy, apoptosis and pyroptosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) kidney. Sulforaphane activating NF-E2-related nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2) signaling may ameliorate UUO-induced renal damage. UUO was induced in the left kidney of female Wistar rats. The level of renal blood flow, cortical and medullary oxygen tension and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated. Fibrosis, ED-1 (macrophage/monocyte) infiltration, oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis and pyroptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in UUO kidneys. Effects of sulforaphane, an Nrf-2 activator, on Nrf-2- and mitochondrial stress-related proteins and renal injury were examined. UUO decreased renal blood flow and oxygen tension and increased renal ROS, 3-nitrotyrosine stain, ED-1 infiltration and fibrosis. Enhanced renal tubular Beclin-1 expression started at 4 h UUO and further enhanced at 3d UUO, whereas increased Atg-5-Atg12 and LC3-II expression were found at 3d UUO. Increased renal Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase 3 and PARP fragments, apoptosis formation associated with increased caspase 1 and IL-1β expression for pyroptosis formation were started from 3d UUO. UUO reduced nuclear Nrf-2 translocation, increased cytosolic and inhibitory Nrf-2 expression, increased cytosolic Bax translocation to mitochondrial and enhanced mitochondrial Cytochrome c release into cytosol of the UUO kidneys. Sulforaphane significantly increased nuclear Nrf-2 translocation and decreased mitochondrial Bax translocation and Cytochrome c release into cytosol resulting in decreased renal injury. In conclusion, sulforaphane via activating Nrf-2 signaling preserved mitochondrial function and suppressed UUO-induced renal oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, autophagy, apoptosis and pyroptosis. PMID:23071780

Temporal expression of the human alcohol dehydrogenase gene family during liver development correlates with differential promoter activation by hepatocyte nuclear factor 1, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, liver activator protein, and D-element-binding protein.

PubMed Central

van Ooij, C; Snyder, R C; Paeper, B W; Duester, G

1992-01-01

The human class I alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene family consists of ADH1, ADH2, and ADH3, which are sequentially activated in early fetal, late fetal, and postnatal liver, respectively. Analysis of ADH promoters revealed differential activation by several factors previously shown to control liver transcription. In cotransfection assays, the ADH1 promoter, but not the ADH2 or ADH3 promoter, was shown to respond to hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF-1), which has previously been shown to regulate transcription in early liver development. The ADH2 promoter, but not the ADH1 or ADH3 promoter, was shown to respond to CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha), a transcription factor particularly active during late fetal liver and early postnatal liver development. The ADH1, ADH2, and ADH3 promoters all responded to the liver transcription factors liver activator protein (LAP) and D-element-binding protein (DBP), which are most active in postnatal liver. For all three promoters, the activation by LAP or DBP was higher than that seen by HNF-1 or C/EBP alpha, and a significant synergism between C/EBP alpha and LAP was noticed for the ADH2 and ADH3 promoters when both factors were simultaneously cotransfected. A hierarchy of ADH promoter responsiveness to C/EBP alpha and LAP homo- and heterodimers is suggested. In all three ADH genes, LAP bound to the same four sites previously reported for C/EBP alpha (i.e., -160, -120, -40, and -20 bp), but DBP bound strongly only to the site located at -40 bp relative to the transcriptional start. Mutational analysis of ADH2 indicated that the -40 bp element accounts for most of the promoter regulation by the bZIP factors analyzed. These studies suggest that HNF-1 and C/EBP alpha help establish ADH gene family transcription in fetal liver and that LAP and DBP help maintain high-level ADH gene family transcription in postnatal liver. Images PMID:1620113

Human Factors Research and Nuclear Safety.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moray, Neville P., Ed.; Huey, Beverly M., Ed.

The Panel on Human Factors Research Needs in Nuclear Regulatory Research was formed by the National Research Council in response to a request from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC asked the research council to conduct an 18-month study of human factors research needs for the safe operation of nuclear power plants. This report…

Nuclear science and society: social inclusion through scientific education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, Denise S.

2017-11-01

This article presents a web-based educational project focused on the potential value of Information and Communication Technology to enhance communication and education on nuclear science throughout Brazil. The project is designed to provide trustworthy information about the beneficial uses of nuclear technology, educating children and teenagers, as well as their parents and teachers, demystifying paradigms and combating misinformation. Making use of a range of interactive activities, the website presents short courses and curiosities, with different themes that comprise the several aspects of the beneficial applications of nuclear science. The intention of the many interactive activities is to encourage research and to enhance learning opportunities through a self-learning universe where the target public is introduced to the basic concepts of nuclear physics, such as nuclides and isotopes, atomic interactions, radioactive decay, biological effects of radiation, nuclear fusion, nuclear fission, nuclear reactors, nuclear medicine, radioactive dating methods and natural occurring radiation, among other ideas and concepts in nuclear physics. Democratization of scientific education can inspire new thoughts, stimulate development and encourage scientific and technological researches.

Transient NOE enhancement in solid-state MAS NMR of mobile systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Jiangyu; Li, Jun; Peng, Xinhua; Fu, Riqiang

2017-11-01

It has been known that the heteronuclear cross-relaxation affects the dilute S spin magnetization along the longitudinal direction, causing an overshoot phenomenon for those mobile systems in spin-lattice relaxation rate measurements. Here, we analyze the Solomon equations for an I-S system and derive the transient cross relaxation effect as to when an overshoot phenomenon would take place and what the maximum enhancement could be at the time of the overshoot. In order to utilize such a transient nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE), we first time apply it to dynamic solid samples by inverting the 1H magnetization prior to the excitation of the S spin. It is found that the overshoot depends on the ratio of the I and S spin-lattice relaxation rates, i.e. RSS /RII . When RSS /RII ≫ 1 , the maximum enhancement factor for transient NOE could be larger than that obtained in steady-state NOE experiments. Furthermore, transient NOE appears to be more efficient in terms of sensitivity enhancement of dilute spins in solid-state NMR of mobile systems than the traditional cross polarization scheme whose efficiency is greatly compromised by molecular mobility. A sample of natural abundance L-isoleucine amino acid, in which the spin-lattice relaxation rates for the four methyl carbons are different, has been used to demonstrate sensitivity enhancement factors under various experimental schemes.

Clinical validation of nuclear factor kappa B expression in invasive breast cancer.

PubMed

Agrawal, Anil Kumar; Pielka, Ewa; Lipinski, Artur; Jelen, Michal; Kielan, Wojciech; Agrawal, Siddarth

2018-01-01

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Polish women. The expression of transcription nuclear factor kappa B, a key inducer of inflammatory response promoting carcinogenesis and cancer progression in breast cancer, is not well-established. We assessed the nuclear factor kappa B expression in a total of 119 invasive breast carcinomas and 25 healthy control samples and correlated this expression pattern with several clinical and pathologic parameters including histologic type and grade, tumor size, lymph node status, estrogen receptor status, and progesterone receptor status. The data used for the analysis were derived from medical records. An immunohistochemical analysis of nuclear factor kappa B, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor was carried out and evaluation of stainings was performed. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B was significantly higher than that in the corresponding healthy control samples. No statistical difference was demonstrated in nuclear factor kappa B expression in relation to age, menopausal status, lymph node status, tumor size and location, grade and histologic type of tumor, and hormonal status (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor). Nuclear factor kappa B is significantly overexpressed in invasive breast cancer tissues. Although nuclear factor kappa B status does not correlate with clinicopathological findings, it might provide important additional information on prognosis and become a promising object for targeted therapy.

Identification of an Intronic Splicing Enhancer Essential for the Inclusion of FGFR2 Exon IIIc*S⃞

PubMed Central

Seth, Puneet; Miller, Heather B.; Lasda, Erika L.; Pearson, James L.; Garcia-Blanco, Mariano A.

2008-01-01

The ligand specificity of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is determined by the alternative splicing of exons 8 (IIIb) or 9 (IIIc). Exon IIIb is included in epithelial cells, whereas exon IIIc is included in mesenchymal cells. Although a number of cis elements and trans factors have been identified that play a role in exon IIIb inclusion in epithelium, little is known about the activation of exon IIIc in mesenchyme. We report here the identification of a splicing enhancer required for IIIc inclusion. This 24-nucleotide (nt) downstream intronic splicing enhancer (DISE) is located within intron 9 immediately downstream of exon IIIc. DISE was able to activate the inclusion of heterologous exons rat FGFR2 IIIb and human β-globin exon 2 in cell lines from different tissues and species and also in HeLa cell nuclear extracts in vitro. DISE was capable of replacing the intronic activator sequence 1 (IAS1), a known IIIb splicing enhancer and vice versa. This fact, together with the requirement for DISE to be close to the 5′-splice site and the ability of DISE to promote binding of U1 snRNP, suggested that IAS1 and DISE belong to the same class of cis-acting elements. PMID:18256031

Metrics for the technical performance evaluation of light water reactor accident-tolerant fuel

DOE PAGES

Bragg-Sitton, Shannon M.; Todosow, Michael; Montgomery, Robert; ...

2017-03-26

The safe, reliable, and economic operation of the nation’s nuclear power reactor fleet has always been a top priority for the nuclear industry. Continual improvement of technology, including advanced materials and nuclear fuels, remains central to the industry’s success. Enhancing the accident tolerance of light water reactors (LWRs) became a topic of serious discussion following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, resulting tsunami, and subsequent damage to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant complex. The overall goal for the development of accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) for LWRs is to identify alternative fuel system technologies to further enhance the safety, competitiveness, andmore » economics of commercial nuclear power. Designed for use in the current fleet of commercial LWRs or in reactor concepts with design certifications (GEN-III+), fuels with enhanced accident tolerance would endure loss of active cooling in the reactor core for a considerably longer period of time than the current fuel system while maintaining or improving performance during normal operations. The complex multiphysics behavior of LWR nuclear fuel in the integrated reactor system makes defining specific material or design improvements difficult; as such, establishing desirable performance attributes is critical in guiding the design and development of fuels and cladding with enhanced accident tolerance. Research and development of ATF in the United States is conducted under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Cycle Research and Development Advanced Fuels Campaign. The DOE is sponsoring multiple teams to develop ATF concepts within multiple national laboratories, universities, and the nuclear industry. Concepts under investigation offer both evolutionary and revolutionary changes to the current nuclear fuel system. This study summarizes the technical evaluation methodology proposed in the United States to aid in the optimization and prioritization of candidate ATF designs.« less

Icaritin enhances mESC self-renewal through upregulating core pluripotency transcription factors mediated by ERα

PubMed Central

Tsang, Wing Pui; Zhang, Fengjie; He, Qiling; Cai, Waijiao; Huang, Jianhua; Chan, Wai Yee; Shen, Ziyin; Wan, Chao

2017-01-01

Utilization of small molecules in modulation of stem cell self-renewal is a promising approach to expand stem cells for regenerative therapy. Here, we identify Icaritin, a phytoestrogen molecule enhances self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Icaritin increases mESCs proliferation while maintains their self-renewal capacity in vitro and pluripotency in vivo. This coincides with upregulation of key pluripotency transcription factors OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and SOX2. The enhancement of mESCs self-renewal is characterized by increased population in S-phase of cell cycle, elevation of Cylin E and Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and downregulation of p21, p27 and p57. PCR array screening reveals that caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) and Rbl2/p130 are remarkably suppressed in mESCs treated with Icaritin. siRNA knockdown of Cdx2 or Rbl2/p130 upregulates the expression of Cyclin E, OCT4 and SOX2, and subsequently increases cell proliferation and colony forming efficiency of mESCs. We then demonstrate that Icaritin co-localizes with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and activates its nuclear translocation in mESCs. The promotive effect of Icaritin on cell cycle and pluripotency regulators are eliminated by siRNA knockdown of ERα in mESCs. The results suggest that Icaritin enhances mESCs self-renewal by regulating cell cycle machinery and core pluripotency transcription factors mediated by ERα. PMID:28091581

Icaritin enhances mESC self-renewal through upregulating core pluripotency transcription factors mediated by ERα.

PubMed

Tsang, Wing Pui; Zhang, Fengjie; He, Qiling; Cai, Waijiao; Huang, Jianhua; Chan, Wai Yee; Shen, Ziyin; Wan, Chao

2017-01-16

Utilization of small molecules in modulation of stem cell self-renewal is a promising approach to expand stem cells for regenerative therapy. Here, we identify Icaritin, a phytoestrogen molecule enhances self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Icaritin increases mESCs proliferation while maintains their self-renewal capacity in vitro and pluripotency in vivo. This coincides with upregulation of key pluripotency transcription factors OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and SOX2. The enhancement of mESCs self-renewal is characterized by increased population in S-phase of cell cycle, elevation of Cylin E and Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and downregulation of p21, p27 and p57. PCR array screening reveals that caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) and Rbl2/p130 are remarkably suppressed in mESCs treated with Icaritin. siRNA knockdown of Cdx2 or Rbl2/p130 upregulates the expression of Cyclin E, OCT4 and SOX2, and subsequently increases cell proliferation and colony forming efficiency of mESCs. We then demonstrate that Icaritin co-localizes with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and activates its nuclear translocation in mESCs. The promotive effect of Icaritin on cell cycle and pluripotency regulators are eliminated by siRNA knockdown of ERα in mESCs. The results suggest that Icaritin enhances mESCs self-renewal by regulating cell cycle machinery and core pluripotency transcription factors mediated by ERα.

Adaptive Cellular Stress Pathways as Therapeutic Targets of Dietary Phytochemicals: Focus on the Nervous System

PubMed Central

Jo, Dong-Gyu; Park, Daeui; Chung, Hae Young

2014-01-01

During the past 5 decades, it has been widely promulgated that the chemicals in plants that are good for health act as direct scavengers of free radicals. Here we review evidence that favors a different hypothesis for the health benefits of plant consumption, namely, that some phytochemicals exert disease-preventive and therapeutic actions by engaging one or more adaptive cellular response pathways in cells. The evolutionary basis for the latter mechanism is grounded in the fact that plants produce natural antifeedant/noxious chemicals that discourage insects and other organisms from eating them. However, in the amounts typically consumed by humans, the phytochemicals activate one or more conserved adaptive cellular stress response pathways and thereby enhance the ability of cells to resist injury and disease. Examplesof such pathways include those involving the transcription factors nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, nuclear factor-κB, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and forkhead box subgroup O, as well as the production and action of trophic factors and hormones. Translational research to develop interventions that target these pathways may lead to new classes of therapeutic agents that act by stimulating adaptive stress response pathways to bolster endogenous defenses against tissue injury and disease. Because neurons are particularly sensitive to potentially noxious phytochemicals, we focus on the nervous system but also include findings from other cell types in which actions of phytochemicals on specific signal transduction pathways have been more thoroughly studied. PMID:24958636

Genetics Home Reference: familial cylindromatosis

MedlinePlus

... instructions for making a protein that helps regulate nuclear factor-kappa-B. Nuclear factor-kappa-B is a group of related ... to certain signals. In regulating the action of nuclear factor-kappa-B, the CYLD protein allows cells ...

Immunotoxicity of ochratoxin A and aflatoxin B1 in combination is associated with the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway in 3D4/21 cells.

PubMed

Hou, Lili; Gan, Fang; Zhou, Xuan; Zhou, Yajiao; Qian, Gang; Liu, Zixuan; Huang, Kehe

2018-05-01

The co-contamination of cereals, grains, crops, and animal feeds by mycotoxins is a universal problem. Humans and animals are exposed to several mycotoxins simultaneously as evidenced by extensive studies on this topic. Yet, most studies have addressed the effects of mycotoxins individually. Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A can induce immunotoxicity. However, it remains unclear whether a combination of these mycotoxins aggravates immunotoxicity and the potential mechanism underlying this effect. In this study, we used the cell line 3D4/21, swine alveolus macrophages and innate immune cell. The results showed that the percentage of cell inhibition, annexin V/PI-positive rates, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6) significantly increased and the release of lactate dehydrogenase and phagocytotic index were significantly decreased at different concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A combination when compared with control. The combination of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A significantly decreased the production of GSH and increased reactive oxygen species level. However, N-acetylcysteine suppressed the oxidative stress and alleviated the immunotoxicity induced by the combination. The combination of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A markedly enhanced the degradation of IκBa, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (p65), and the translocation of activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) into the nuclei as demonstrated by western blotting and confocal laser scanning microscopy. These effects could be reversed by BAY 11-7082, a specific inhibitor of NF-κB. Taken together, a combination of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A could aggravate immunotoxicity by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TFIIIC bound DNA elements in nuclear organization and insulation.

PubMed

Kirkland, Jacob G; Raab, Jesse R; Kamakaka, Rohinton T

2013-01-01

tRNA genes (tDNAs) have been known to have barrier insulator function in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for over a decade. tDNAs also play a role in genome organization by clustering at sites in the nucleus and both of these functions are dependent on the transcription factor TFIIIC. More recently TFIIIC bound sites devoid of pol III, termed Extra-TFIIIC sites (ETC) have been identified in budding yeast and these sites also function as insulators and affect genome organization. Subsequent studies in Schizosaccharomyces pombe showed that TFIIIC bound sites were insulators and also functioned as Chromosome Organization Clamps (COC); tethering the sites to the nuclear periphery. Very recently studies have moved to mammalian systems where pol III genes and their associated factors have been investigated in both mouse and human cells. Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) that bind TFIIIC, function as insulator elements and tDNAs can also function as both enhancer - blocking and barrier insulators in these organisms. It was also recently shown that tDNAs cluster with other tDNAs and with ETCs but not with pol II transcribed genes. Intriguingly, TFIIIC is often found near pol II transcription start sites and it remains unclear what the consequences of TFIIIC based genomic organization are and what influence pol III factors have on pol II transcribed genes and vice versa. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the known data on pol III factors in insulation and genome organization and identify the many open questions that require further investigation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcription by Odd Pols. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The contribution of hypothalamic neuroendocrine, neuroplastic and neuroinflammatory processes to lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behaviour in female and male rats: Involvement of glucocorticoid receptor and C/EBP-β.

PubMed

Adzic, Miroslav; Djordjevic, Jelena; Mitic, Milos; Brkic, Zeljka; Lukic, Iva; Radojcic, Marija

2015-09-15

Peripheral inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes behavioural changes indicative for depression. The possible mechanisms involve the interference with neuroinflammatory, neuroendocrine, and neurotrophic processes. Apart from heterogeneity in the molecular background, sexual context may be another factor relevant to the manifestation of mood disturbances upon an immune challenge. We investigated sex-dependent effects of a 7-day LPS treatment of adult Wistar rats on depressive-like behaviour and their relation with hypothalamic neuroendocrine factor, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), proplastic brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkB). Also, their regulators, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) β were followed. LPS induced depressive-like behaviour in females was associated with the increased hypothalamic CRH and decreased BDNF, but not with COX-2. These changes were paralleled by an increase in nuclear GR, NFkB and 20 kDa C/EBPβ. LPS also altered behaviour in males and increased CRH expression, but in contrast to females, this was accompanied with the elevated COX-2, accumulation of cytosolic GR and elevated nuclear 38 kDa C/EBPβ and NFkB. In conclusion, depressive-like phenotype induced by LPS in both sexes emerges from similar HPA axis activation and sex-specific alterations of hypothalamic molecular signalling: in males it is related to compromised control of neuroinflamation connected with cytoplasmic GR retention, while in females it is related to diminished proplastic capacity of BDNF. Sex-dependent mechanisms by which inflammation alters hypothalamic processes and cause pathological behaviour in animals, could be operative in the treatment of depression-related brain inflammation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

Zhao, Yu; Wang, Wenhui; Wang, Qi

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 5-LOX is able to upregulate expression of NF-{kappa}B p65. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 5-LOX enhances nuclear translocation of NF-{kappa}B p65 via increasing p-I{kappa}B-{alpha} level. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 5-LOX stimulates transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B in hepatoma cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer LTB4 activates transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B in hepatoma cells. -- Abstract: The issue that lipid metabolism enzyme and its metabolites regulate transcription factors in cancer cell is not fully understood. In this study, we first report that the lipid metabolism enzyme 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and its metabolite leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are capable of activating nuclear factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B) in hepatoma cells. We found that the treatment of MK886more » (an inhibitor of 5-LOX) or knockdown of 5-LOX was able to downregulate the expression of NF-{kappa}B p65 at the mRNA level and decreased the phosphorylation level of inhibitor {kappa}B{alpha} (I{kappa}B{alpha}) in the cytoplasm of hepatoma HepG2 or H7402 cells, which resulted in the decrease of the level of nuclear NF-{kappa}B p65. These were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining in HepG2 cell. Moreover, the above treatments were able to decrease the transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B in the cells. The LTB4, one of metabolites of 5-LOX, is responsible for 5-LOX-activated NF-{kappa}B in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, we conclude that the lipid metabolism enzyme 5-LOX and its metabolite LTB4 are capable of activating transcription factor NF-{kappa}B in hepatoma cells. Our finding provides new insight into the significance of lipid metabolism in activation of transcription factors in cancer.« less

Discovery and Development of Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1. Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (KEAP1:NRF2) Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Directions.

PubMed

Jiang, Zheng-Yu; Lu, Meng-Chen; You, Qi-Dong

2016-12-22

The transcription factor Nrf2 is the primary regulator of the cellular defense system, and enhancing Nrf2 activity has potential usages in various diseases, especially chronic age-related and inflammatory diseases. Recently, directly targeting Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has been an emerging strategy to selectively and effectively activate Nrf2. This Perspective summarizes the progress in the discovery and development of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors, including the Keap1-Nrf2 regulatory mechanisms, biochemical techniques for inhibitor identification, and approaches for identifying peptide and small-molecule inhibitors, as well as discusses privileged structures and future directions for further development of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors.

Glucocorticoid and cytokine crosstalk: Feedback, feedforward, and co-regulatory interactions determine repression or resistance.

PubMed

Newton, Robert; Shah, Suharsh; Altonsy, Mohammed O; Gerber, Antony N

2017-04-28

Inflammatory signals induce feedback and feedforward systems that provide temporal control. Although glucocorticoids can repress inflammatory gene expression, glucocorticoid receptor recruitment increases expression of negative feedback and feedforward regulators, including the phosphatase, DUSP1, the ubiquitin-modifying enzyme, TNFAIP3, or the mRNA-destabilizing protein, ZFP36. Moreover, glucocorticoid receptor cooperativity with factors, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), may enhance regulator expression to promote repression. Conversely, MAPKs, which are inhibited by glucocorticoids, provide feedforward control to limit expression of the transcription factor IRF1, and the chemokine, CXCL10. We propose that modulation of feedback and feedforward control can determine repression or resistance of inflammatory gene expression toglucocorticoid. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Cooperative interactions enable singular olfactory receptor expression in mouse olfactory neurons

PubMed Central

Monahan, Kevin; Schieren, Ira; Cheung, Jonah; Mumbey-Wafula, Alice; Monuki, Edwin S

2017-01-01

The monogenic and monoallelic expression of only one out of >1000 mouse olfactory receptor (ORs) genes requires the formation of large heterochromatic chromatin domains that sequester the OR gene clusters. Within these domains, intergenic transcriptional enhancers evade heterochromatic silencing and converge into interchromosomal hubs that assemble over the transcriptionally active OR. The significance of this nuclear organization in OR choice remains elusive. Here, we show that transcription factors Lhx2 and Ebf specify OR enhancers by binding in a functionally cooperative fashion to stereotypically spaced motifs that defy heterochromatin. Specific displacement of Lhx2 and Ebf from OR enhancers resulted in pervasive, long-range, and trans downregulation of OR transcription, whereas pre-assembly of a multi-enhancer hub increased the frequency of OR choice in cis. Our data provide genetic support for the requirement and sufficiency of interchromosomal interactions in singular OR choice and generate general regulatory principles for stochastic, mutually exclusive gene expression programs. PMID:28933695

A novel Chk1-binding peptide that enhances genotoxic sensitivity through the cellular redistribution of nuclear Chk1

PubMed Central

Kim, Kwang Seok; Choi, Kyu Jin; Bae, Sangwoo

2016-01-01

Since checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is an essential factor for cell viability following DNA damage, the inhibition of Chk1 has been a major focus of pharmaceutical development to enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemo- and radiotherapy that damage DNA. However, due to the off-target effects of conventional Chk1-targeting strategies and the toxicity of Chk1 inhibitors, alternative strategies are required to target Chk1. To facilitate such efforts, in this study, we identified a specific Chk1-binding 12-mer peptide from the screening of a phage display library and characterized the peptide in terms of cellular cytotoxicity, and in terms of its effect on Chk1 activity and sensitivity to genotoxic agents. This peptide, named N-terminal Chk1-binding peptide (Chk1-NP), bound the kinase domain of Chk1. Simulation of the binding revealed that the very N-terminus of the Chk1 kinase domain is the potential peptide binding site. Of note, the polyarginine-mediated internalization of Chk1-NP redistributed nuclear Chk1 with a prominent decrease in the nucleus in the absence of DNA damage. Treatment with Chk1-NP peptide alone decreased the viability of p53-defective HeLa cells, but not that of p53-functional NCI-H460 cells under normal conditions. The treatment of HeLa or NCI-H460 cells with the peptide significantly enhanced radiation sensitivity following ionizing radiation (IR) with a greater enhancement observed in HeLa cells. Moreover, the IR-induced destabilization of Chk1 was aggravated by treatment with Chk1-NP. Therefore, the decreased nuclear localization and protein levels of Chk1 seem to be responsible for the enhanced cancer cell killing following combined treatment with IR and Chk1-NP. The approach using the specific Chk1-binding peptide may facilitate the mechanistic understanding and potential modulation of Chk1 activities and may provide a novel rationale for the development of specific Chk1-targeting agents. PMID:28025997

Heat Transfer Enhancement By Three-Dimensional Surface Roughness Technique In Nuclear Fuel Rod Bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najeeb, Umair

This thesis experimentally investigates the enhancement of single-phase heat transfer, frictional loss and pressure drop characteristics in a Single Heater Element Loop Tester (SHELT). The heater element simulates a single fuel rod for Pressurized Nuclear reactor. In this experimental investigation, the effect of the outer surface roughness of a simulated nuclear rod bundle was studied. The outer surface of a simulated fuel rod was created with a three-dimensional (Diamond-shaped blocks) surface roughness. The angle of corrugation for each diamond was 45 degrees. The length of each side of a diamond block is 1 mm. The depth of each diamond block was 0.3 mm. The pitch of the pattern was 1.614 mm. The simulated fuel rod had an outside diameter of 9.5 mm and wall thickness of 1.5 mm and was placed in a test-section made of 38.1 mm inner diameter, wall thickness 6.35 mm aluminum pipe. The Simulated fuel rod was made of Nickel 200 and Inconel 625 materials. The fuel rod was connected to 10 KW DC power supply. The Inconel 625 material of the rod with an electrical resistance of 32.3 kO was used to generate heat inside the test-section. The heat energy dissipated from the Inconel tube due to the flow of electrical current flows into the working fluid across the rod at constant heat flux conditions. The DI water was employed as working fluid for this experimental investigation. The temperature and pressure readings for both smooth and rough regions of the fuel rod were recorded and compared later to find enhancement in heat transfer coefficient and increment in the pressure drops. Tests were conducted for Reynold's Numbers ranging from 10e4 to 10e5. Enhancement in heat transfer coefficient at all Re was recorded. The maximum heat transfer co-efficient enhancement recorded was 86% at Re = 4.18e5. It was also observed that the pressure drop and friction factor increased by 14.7% due to the increased surface roughness.

Sulforaphane and alpha-lipoic acid upregulate the expression of the pi class of glutathione S-transferase through c-jun and Nrf2 activation.

PubMed

Lii, Chong-Kuei; Liu, Kai-Li; Cheng, Yi-Ping; Lin, Ai-Hsuan; Chen, Haw-Wen; Tsai, Chia-Wen

2010-05-01

The anticarcinogenic effect of dietary organosulfur compounds has been partly attributed to their modulation of the activity and expression of phase II detoxification enzymes. Our previous studies indicated that garlic allyl sulfides upregulate the expression of the pi class of glutathione S-transferase (GSTP) through the activator protein-1 pathway. Here, we examined the modulatory effect of sulforaphane (SFN) and alpha-lipoic acid (LA) or dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) on GSTP expression in rat Clone 9 liver cells. Cells were treated with LA or DHLA (50-600 micromol/L) or SFN (0.2-5 micromol/L) for 24 h. Immunoblots and real-time PCR showed that SFN, LA, and DHLA dose dependently induced GSTP protein and mRNA expression. Compared with the induction by the garlic organosulfur compound diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the effectiveness was in the order of SFN > DATS > LA = DHLA. The increase in GSTP enzyme activity in cells treated with 5 micromol/L SFN, 50 micromol/L DATS, and 600 micromol/L LA and DHLA was 172, 75, 122, and 117%, respectively (P < 0.05). A reporter assay showed that the GSTP enhancer I (GPEI) was required for GSTP induction by the organosulfur compounds. Electromobility gel shift assays showed that the DNA binding of GPEI to nuclear proteins reached a maximum at 0.5-1 h after SFN, LA, and DHLA treatment. Super-shift assay revealed that the transcription factors c-jun and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) were bound to GPEI. These results suggest that SFN and LA in either its oxidized or reduced form upregulate the transcription of the GSTP gene by activating c-jun and Nrf2 binding to the enhancer element GPEI.

Salvianolic acid B protects against paraquat-induced pulmonary injury by mediating Nrf2/Nox4 redox balance and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling

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

Liu, Bin, E-mail: iamicehe@163.com

The present study was aimed at exploring the protective effects of Salvianolic acid B (SalB) against paraquat (PQ)-induced lung injury in mice. Lung fibrotic injuries were induced in mice by a single intragastrical administration of 300 mg/kg PQ, then the mice were administrated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg SalB, 100 mg/kg vitamin C (Vit C) and dexamethasone (DXM) for 14 days. PQ-triggered structure distortion, collagen overproduction, excessive inflammatory infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and oxidative stress damages in lung tissues and mortality of mice were attenuated by SalB in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, SalB was noted to enhance the expression andmore » nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and reduce expression of the reactive oxygen species-generating enzyme Nox4 [NADPH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase-4]. SalB also inhibited the increasing expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and the phosphorylation of its downstream target Smad3 which were enhanced by PQ. These results suggest that SalB may exert protective effects against PQ-induced lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. Its mechanisms involve the mediation of Nrf2/Nox4 redox balance and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. - Highlights: • Salvianolic acid B (SalB) reduced Paraquat-induced mortality and pulmonary injury in mice. • SalB has anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic effects simultaneously. • Its mechanisms were targeting Nrf2-Nox4 redox balance and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling.« less

A novel protein factor is required for use of distal alternative 5' splice sites in vitro.

PubMed Central

Harper, J E; Manley, J L

1991-01-01

Adenovirus E1A pre-mRNA was used as a model to examine alternative 5' splice site selection during in vitro splicing reactions. Strong preference for the downstream 13S 5' splice site over the upstream 12S or 9S 5' splice sites was observed. However, the 12S 5' splice site was used efficiently when a mutant pre-mRNA lacking the 13S 5' splice site was processed, and 12S splicing from this substrate was not reduced by 13S splicing from a separate pre-mRNA, demonstrating that 13S splicing reduced 12S 5' splice site selection through a bona fide cis-competition. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of nuclear extract yielded two fractions with different splicing activities. The bound fraction contained all components required for efficient splicing of simple substrates but was unable to utilize alternative 5' splice sites. In contrast, the flow-through fraction, which by itself was inactive, contained an activity required for alternative splicing and was shown to stimulate 12S and 9S splicing, while reducing 13S splicing, when added to reactions carried out by the bound fraction. Furthermore, the activity, which we have called distal splicing factor (DSF), enhanced utilization of an upstream 5' splice site on a simian virus 40 early pre-mRNA, suggesting that the factor acts in a position-dependent, substrate-independent fashion. Several lines of evidence are presented suggesting that DSF is a non-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein protein. Finally, we describe a functional interaction between DSF and ASF, a protein that enhances use of downstream 5' splice sites. Images PMID:1658620

Inhibitory effects of p-cresol and p-hydroxy anisole dimers on expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated activation of nuclear factor-κB in RAW264.7 cells.

PubMed

Murakami, Yukio; Kawata, Akifumi; Ito, Shigeru; Katayama, Tadashi; Fujisawa, Seiichiro

2014-01-01

Phenolic compounds, particularly dihydroxybiphenyl-related compounds, possess efficient anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of 2,2'-dihydroxy-5,5'-dimethylbiphenol (p-cresol dimer), 2,2'-dihydroxy-5,5'-dimethoxybiphenol (pHA dimer), p-cresol, p-hydroxyanisole (pHA) and 2-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA). The cytotoxicity of the investigated compounds against RAW264.7 cells was determined using a cell counting kit (CCK-8). Their inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) mRNA expression stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were determined using northern blot analysis, and their inhibition of LPS-stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-κb) activation was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-like microwell colorimetric transcription factor activity assay. The molecular orbital energy was calculated on the basis of density function theory BLYP/6-31G*. The cytotoxicity of the compounds declined in the order pHA dimer > p-cresol dimer > BHA > p-cresol > pHA. The inhibitory effect on Cox2 expression and Nf-κb activation was enhanced by p-cresol dimer and pHA dimer, particularly the former, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory activity, whereas p-cresol and pHA showed weak activity, and BHA no activity. Both p-cresol dimer and pHA dimer were highly electronegative, as determined by quantum chemical calculations. Dimerization of p-cresol and pHA enhances their anti-inflammatory activity. p-Cresol dimer and pHA dimer, particularly the former, are potent anti-inflammatory agents. Copyright © 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Enhanced Expression of WD Repeat-Containing Protein 35 via Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Activation in Bupivacaine-Treated Neuro2a Cells

PubMed Central

Huang, Lei; Kondo, Fumio; Harato, Misako; Feng, Guo-Gang; Ishikawa, Naoshisa; Fujiwara, Yoshihiro; Okada, Shoshiro

2014-01-01

The family of WD repeat proteins comprises a large number of proteins and is involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as signal transduction, cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Bupivacaine is a sodium channel blocker administered for local infiltration, nerve block, epidural, and intrathecal anesthesia. Recently, we reported that bupivacaine induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, resulting in an increase in the expression of WD repeat-containing protein 35 (WDR35) in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2a cells. It has been shown that ROS activate MAPK through phosphorylation, followed by activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1). The present study was undertaken to test whether NF-κB and c-Jun/AP-1 are involved in bupivacaine-induced WDR35 expression in Neuro2a cells. Bupivacaine activated both NF-κB and c-Jun in Neuro2a cells. APDC, an NF-κB inhibitor, attenuated the increase in NF-κB activity and WDR35 protein expression in bupivacaine-treated Neuro2a cells. GW9662, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ antagonist, enhanced the increase in NF-κB activity and WDR35 protein expression in bupivacaine-treated Neuro2a cells. In contrast, c-Jun siRNA did not inhibit the bupivacaine-induced increase in WDR35 mRNA expression. These results indicate that bupivacaine induces the activation of transcription factors NF-κB and c-Jun/AP-1 in Neuro2a cells, while activation of NF-κB is involved in bupivacaine-induced increases in WDR35 expression. PMID:24466034

A Novel Pentamethoxyflavone Down-Regulates Tumor Cell Survival and Proliferative and Angiogenic Gene Products through Inhibition of IκB Kinase Activation and Sensitizes Tumor Cells to Apoptosis by Cytokines and Chemotherapeutic Agents

PubMed Central

Phromnoi, Kanokkarn; Reuter, Simone; Sung, Bokyung; Prasad, Sahdeo; Kannappan, Ramaswamy; Yadav, Vivek R.; Chanmahasathien, Wisinee; Limtrakul, Pornngarm

2011-01-01

Most anticancer drugs have their origin in traditional medicinal plants. We describe here a flavone, 5,3′-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,4′-pentamethoxyflavone (PMF), from the leaves of the Thai plant Gardenia obtusifolia, that has anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential. Because the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway is linked to inflammation and tumorigenesis, we investigated the effect of PMF on this pathway. We found that PMF suppressed NF-κB activation induced by inflammatory agents, tumor promoters, and carcinogens. This suppression was not specific to the cell type. Although PMF did not directly modify the ability of NF-κB proteins to bind to DNA, it inhibited IκBα (inhibitory subunit of NF-κB) kinase, leading to suppression of phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, and suppressed consequent p65 nuclear translocation, thus abrogating NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression. Suppression of the NF-κB cell signaling pathway by the flavone led to the inhibition of expression of NF-κB-regulated gene products that mediate inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2), survival (XIAP, survivin, Bcl-xL, and cFLIP), proliferation (cyclin D1), invasion (matrix metalloproteinase-9), and angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor). Suppression of antiapoptotic gene products by PMF correlated with the enhancement of apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-α and the chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin, paclitaxel, and 5-flurouracil. Overall, our results indicate that PMF suppresses the activation of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene expression, leading to the enhancement of apoptosis. This is the first report to demonstrate that this novel flavone has anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects by targeting the IKK complex. PMID:20930110

Parasite-mediated nuclear factor κB regulation in lymphoproliferation caused by Theileria parva infection

PubMed Central

Palmer, Guy H.; Machado, Joel; Fernandez, Paula; Heussler, Volker; Perinat, Therese; Dobbelaere, Dirk A. E.

1997-01-01

Infection of cattle with the protozoan Theileria parva results in uncontrolled T lymphocyte proliferation resulting in lesions resembling multicentric lymphoma. Parasitized cells exhibit autocrine growth characterized by persistent translocation of the transcriptional regulatory factor nuclear factor κB (NFκB) to the nucleus and consequent enhanced expression of interleukin 2 and the interleukin 2 receptor. How T. parva induces persistent NFκB activation, required for T cell activation and proliferation, is unknown. We hypothesized that the parasite induces degradation of the IκB molecules which normally sequester NFκB in the cytoplasm and that continuous degradation requires viable parasites. Using T. parva-infected T cells, we showed that the parasite mediates continuous phosphorylation and proteolysis of IκBα. However, IκBα reaccumulated to high levels in parasitized cells, which indicated that T. parva did not alter the normal NFκB-mediated positive feedback loop which restores cytoplasmic IκBα. In contrast, T. parva mediated continuous degradation of IκBβ resulting in persistently low cytoplasmic IκBβ levels. Normal IκBβ levels were only restored following T. parva killing, indicating that viable parasites are required for IκBβ degradation. Treatment of T. parva-infected cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a metal chelator, blocked both IκB degradation and consequent enhanced expression of NFκB dependent genes. However treatment using the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine had no effect on either IκB levels or NFκB activation, indicating that the parasite subverts the normal IκB regulatory pathway downstream of the requirement for reactive oxygen intermediates. Identification of the critical points regulated by T. parva may provide new approaches for disease control as well as increase our understanding of normal T cell function. PMID:9356483

Development of mannose functionalized dendrimeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery to macrophages: use of this platform to modulate atherosclerosis.

PubMed

He, Hongliang; Yuan, Quan; Bie, Jinghua; Wallace, Ryan L; Yannie, Paul J; Wang, Jing; Lancina, Michael G; Zolotarskaya, Olga Yu; Korzun, William; Yang, Hu; Ghosh, Shobha

2018-03-01

Dysfunctional macrophages underlie the development of several diseases including atherosclerosis where accumulation of cholesteryl esters and persistent inflammation are 2 of the critical macrophage processes that regulate the progression as well as stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Ligand-dependent activation of liver-x-receptor (LXR) not only enhances mobilization of stored cholesteryl ester but also exerts anti-inflammatory effects mediated via trans-repression of proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. However, increased hepatic lipogenesis by systemic administration of LXR ligands (LXR-L) has precluded their therapeutic use. The objective of the present study was to devise a strategy to selectively deliver LXR-L to atherosclerotic plaque-associated macrophages while limiting hepatic uptake. Mannose-functionalized dendrimeric nanoparticles (mDNP) were synthesized to facilitate active uptake via the mannose receptor expressed exclusively by macrophages using polyamidoamine dendrimer. Terminal amine groups were used to conjugate mannose and LXR-L T091317 via polyethylene glycol spacers. mDNP-LXR-L was effectively taken up by macrophages (and not by hepatocytes), increased expression of LXR target genes (ABCA1/ABCG1), and enhanced cholesterol efflux. When administered intravenously to LDLR-/- mice with established plaques, significant accumulation of fluorescently labeled mDNP-LXR-L was seen in atherosclerotic plaque-associated macrophages. Four weekly injections of mDNP-LXR-L led to significant reduction in atherosclerotic plaque progression, plaque necrosis, and plaque inflammation as assessed by expression of nuclear factor kappa B target gene matrix metalloproteinase 9; no increase in hepatic lipogenic genes or plasma lipids was observed. These studies validate the development of a macrophage-specific delivery platform for the delivery of anti-atherosclerotic agents directly to the plaque-associated macrophages to attenuate plaque burden. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D modulates tissue factor and protease-activated receptor 2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Martinez-Moreno, Julio M; Herencia, Carmen; Montes de Oca, Addy; Muñoz-Castañeda, Juan R; Rodríguez-Ortiz, M Encarnación; Díaz-Tocados, Juan M; Peralbo-Santaella, Esther; Camargo, Antonio; Canalejo, Antonio; Rodriguez, Mariano; Velasco-Gimena, Francisco; Almaden, Yolanda

2016-03-01

Clinical and epidemiologic studies reveal an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Because vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-derived tissue factor (TF) is suggested to be critical for arterial thrombosis, we investigated whether the vitamin D molecules calcitriol and paricalcitol could reduce the expression of TF induced by the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in human aortic VSMCs. We found that, compared with controls, incubation with TNF-α increased TF expression and procoagulant activity in a NF-κB-dependent manner, as deduced from the increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells protein 65 (p65-NF-κB) and direct interaction of NF-κB to the TF promoter. This was accompanied by the up-regulation of TF signaling mediator protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) expression and by the down-regulation of vitamin D receptor expression in a miR-346-dependent way. However, addition of calcitriol or paricalcitol blunted the TNF-α-induced TF expression and activity (2.01 ± 0.24 and 1.32 ± 0.14 vs. 3.02 ± 0.39 pmol/mg protein, P < 0.05), which was associated with down-regulation of NF-κB signaling and PAR-2 expression, as well as with restored levels of vitamin D receptor and enhanced expression of TF pathway inhibitor. Our data suggest that inflammation promotes a prothrombotic state through the up-regulation of TF function in VSMCs and that the beneficial cardiovascular effects of vitamin D may be partially due to decreases in TF expression and its activity in VSMCs. © FASEB.

Low-energy enhancement and fluctuations of γ -ray strength functions in 56,57 Fe: test of the Brink–Axel hypothesis

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

Larsen, A. C.; Guttormsen, M.; Blasi, N.

Nuclear level densities and γ-ray strength functions of 56,57Fe have been extracted from proton-γ coincidences. A low-energy enhancement in the γ-ray strength functions up to a factor of 30 over common theoretical E1 models is confirmed. Angular distributions of the low-energy enhancement in 57Fe indicate its dipole nature, in agreement with findings for 56Fe. The high statistics and the excellent energy resolution of the large-volume LaBr 3(Ce) detectors allowed for a thorough analysis of γ strength as function of excitation energy. Taking into account the presence of strong Porter–Thomas fluctuations, there is no indication of any significant excitation energy dependencemore » in the γ-ray strength function, which is in support of the generalized Brink–Axel hypothesis.« less

Low-energy enhancement and fluctuations of γ -ray strength functions in 56,57 Fe: test of the Brink–Axel hypothesis

DOE PAGES

Larsen, A. C.; Guttormsen, M.; Blasi, N.; ...

2017-04-24

Nuclear level densities and γ-ray strength functions of 56,57Fe have been extracted from proton-γ coincidences. A low-energy enhancement in the γ-ray strength functions up to a factor of 30 over common theoretical E1 models is confirmed. Angular distributions of the low-energy enhancement in 57Fe indicate its dipole nature, in agreement with findings for 56Fe. The high statistics and the excellent energy resolution of the large-volume LaBr 3(Ce) detectors allowed for a thorough analysis of γ strength as function of excitation energy. Taking into account the presence of strong Porter–Thomas fluctuations, there is no indication of any significant excitation energy dependencemore » in the γ-ray strength function, which is in support of the generalized Brink–Axel hypothesis.« less

Enhancing the interaction between nuclear experiment and theory through information and statistics

DOE PAGES

Ireland, D. G.; Nazarewicz, W.

2015-02-05

This Focus Issue draws from a range of topics within nuclear physics, from studies of individual nucleons to the heaviest of nuclei. The unifying theme, however, is to illustrate the extent to which uncertainty is a key quantity, and to showcase applications of the latest computational methodologies. It is our assertion that a paradigm shift is needed in nuclear physics to enhance the coupling between theory and experiment, and we hope that this collection of articles is a good start.

N-acetylcysteine and endothelial cell injury by sulfur mustard.

PubMed

Atkins, K B; Lodhi, I J; Hurley, L L; Hinshaw, D B

2000-12-01

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of cell injury and death induced by the chemical warfare vesicant sulfur mustard (HD) will be extremely helpful in the development of effective countermeasures to this weapon of terror. We have found recently that HD induces both apoptosis and necrosis in endothelial cells (Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 1996; 141: 568-583). Pretreatment of the endothelial cells for 20 h with the redox-active agent N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) selectively prevented apoptotic death induced by HD. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that pretreatment with NAC acts through two different pathways to minimize endothelial injury by HD: NAC pretreatment acts via a glutathione (GSH)-dependent pathway; and NAC pretreatment acts to suppress HD-induced activation of the nuclear transcription factor NFkappaB. We used a fluorescence microscopic assay of apoptotic nuclear features to assess viability and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) to assess the activity of NFkappaB following exposure to HD. The cells were treated with 0-10 mM GSH for 1 h prior to and during exposure to 0 or 500 microM HD for 5-6 h. Cells were also treated with 50 mM NAC or 200 microM buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, alone or in combination overnight prior to exposure to 0 or 500 microM HD for 5-6 h. Externally applied GSH up to a concentration of 5 mM had no toxic effect on the cells. Mild toxicity was associated with 10 mM GSH alone. There was a dose-related enhancement of viability when 2.5 and 5 mM GSH were present during the HD exposure. Pretreatment with BSO alone had no discernible toxicity. However, pretreatment with this inhibitor of GSH synthesis potentiated the toxicity of HD. Pretreatment with 50 mM NAC, as previously reported, provided substantial protection. Combining pretreatment with both BSO and NAC eliminated the protective effect of NAC pretreatment alone on HD injury. These observations are highly suggestive that NAC enhances endothelial survival via GSH-dependent effects and confirms and extends the work of others with different models that externally supplied GSH alone may be a fairly effective countermeasure against HD injury of endothelium. We next examined the hypothesis that HD may activate the nuclear transcription factor NFkappaB by performing EMSAs with nuclear extracts of endothelial cells following exposure to 0, 250 or 500 microM HD. This demonstrated an up to 2.5-fold increase (scanning densitometry) in activation of NFkappaB binding to its consensus sequence induced by 500 microM HD after 5 h of HD exposure. Paradoxically, treatment of the endothelial cells alone with 50 mM NAC activated NFkappaB, although HD-induced activation of NFkappaB was partially suppressed by NAC at 5 h. Factor NFkappaB is an important transcription factor for a number of cytokine genes (e.g. tumor necrosis factor, TNF), which can be activated following stress in endothelial cells. Taken together, these observations suggest that the protective effects of NAC may be mediated by enhanced GSH synthesis. The increased GSH may act to scavenge HD and also prevent oxidative activation of NFkappaB. Under some conditions, NAC may act as an oxidizing agent and thus increase NFkappaB activity. The NFkappaB-dependent gene expression may be important in inducing endothelial cell death as well as in generating a local inflammatory reaction associated with the release of endothelial-derived cytokines.

Induction of the pi class of glutathione S-transferase by carnosic acid in rat Clone 9 cells via the p38/Nrf2 pathway.

PubMed

Lin, Chia-Yuan; Wu, Chi-Rei; Chang, Shu-Wei; Wang, Yu-Jung; Wu, Jia-Jiuan; Tsai, Chia-Wen

2015-06-01

Induction of phase II enzymes is important in cancer chemoprevention. We compared the effect of rosemary diterpenes on the expression of the pi class of glutathione S-transferase (GSTP) in rat liver Clone 9 cells and the signaling pathways involved. Culturing cells with 1, 5, 10, or 20 μM carnosic acid (CA) or carnosol (CS) for 24 h in a dose-dependent manner increased the GSTP expression. CA was more potent than CS. The RNA level and the enzyme activity of GSTP were also enhanced by CA treatment. Treatment with 10 μM CA highly induced the reporter activity of the enhancer element GPEI. Furthermore, CA markedly increased the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) from the cytosol to the nucleus after 30 to 60 min. CA the stimulated the protein induction of p38, nuclear Nrf2, and GSTP was diminished in the presence of SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor). In addition, SB203580 pretreatment or silencing of Nrf2 by siRNA suppressed the CA-induced GPEI-DNA binding activity and GSTP protein expression. Knockdown of p38 or Nrf2 by siRNA abolished the activation of p38 and Nrf2 as well as the protein induction and enzyme activity of GSTP by CA. These results suggest that CA up-regulates the expression and enzyme activity of GSTP via the p38/Nrf2/GPEI pathway.

Enhanced Neuroprotection of Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid (AKBA)-Loaded O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles Through Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways.

PubMed

Ding, Yi; Qiao, Youbei; Wang, Min; Zhang, Huinan; Li, Liang; Zhang, Yikai; Ge, Jie; Song, Ying; Li, Yuwen; Wen, Aidong

2016-08-01

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), a main active constituent from Boswellia serrata resin, is a novel candidate for therapy of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Nevertheless, its poor solubility in aqueous solvent, bioavailability, and rapid clearance limit its curative efficacy. To enhance its potency, in our study, AKBA-loaded o-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticle (AKBA-NP) delivery system was synthesized. The transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope images of AKBA-NPs suggested that particle size was 132 ± 18 nm, and particles were spherical in shape with smooth morphology. In pharmacokinetics study, AKBA-NPs apparently increases the area under the curve of plasma concentration-time and prolonged half-life compared with AKBA. The tissue distribution study confirmed that AKBA-NPs had a better brain delivery efficacy in comparison with AKBA. The results from our pharmacodynamic studies showed that AKBA-NPs possess better neuroprotection compared with AKBA in primary neurons with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model and in animals with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Additionally, AKBA-NPs modulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways more effectively than AKBA by increasing nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression, and by decreasing nuclear factor-kappa B and 5-lipoxygenase expression. Collectively, our results suggest that AKBA-NPs serve as a potent delivery vehicle for AKBA in cerebral ischemic therapy.

3 CFR - Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... America's Nuclear Future Memorandum for the Secretary of Energy Expanding our Nation's capacity to generate clean nuclear energy is crucial to our ability to combat climate change, enhance energy security... safe, secure, and responsible use of nuclear energy. These efforts are critical to accomplishing many...

Liver X receptor alpha regulates fatty acid synthase expression in chicken.

PubMed

Demeure, O; Duby, C; Desert, C; Assaf, S; Hazard, D; Guillou, H; Lagarrigue, S

2009-12-01

Liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha), also referred to as nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 3 is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, and has recently been shown to act as a master transcription factor governing hepatic lipogenesis in mammals. Liver X receptor alpha directly regulates both the expression of other lipogenic transcription factors and the expression of lipogenic enzymes, thereby enhancing hepatic fatty acid synthesis (FASN). In birds, like in humans, fatty acid synthesis primarily occurs in the liver. Whether LXRalpha is involved in hepatic regulation of lipogenic genes remained to be investigated in this species. Here we show that fatty acid synthase and the expression of other lipogenic genes (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and steroyl coenzyme A desaturase 1) are induced in chicken hepatoma cells in response to a pharmacological liver X receptor agonist, T0901317. A detailed analysis of the chicken FASN promoter revealed a functional liver X response element. These data define the chicken FASN gene as a direct target of LXRalpha and further expand the role of LXRalpha as a regulator of lipid metabolism in this species.

Constitutive activation of alternative nuclear factor kappa B pathway in canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma contributes to tumor cell survival and is a target of new adjuvant therapies.

PubMed

Seelig, Davis M; Ito, Daisuke; Forster, Colleen L; Yoon, Una A; Breen, Matthew; Burns, Linda J; Bachanova, Veronika; Lindblad-Toh, Kerstin; O'Brien, Timothy D; Schmechel, Stephen C; Rizzardi, Anthony E; Modiano, Jaime F; Linden, Michael A

2017-07-01

Activation of the classical nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) pathway is a common molecular event observed in both human and canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although the oncogenic potential of the alternative NFκB pathway (ANFκBP) has also been recently identified in DLBCL, its precise role in tumor pathogenesis and potential as a treatment target is understudied. We hypothesized that up-regulation of the ANFκBP plays an important role in the proliferation and survival of canine DLBCL cells, and we demonstrate that the ANFκBP is constitutively active in primary canine DLBCL samples and a cell line (CLBL1). We further demonstrate that a small interfering RNA inhibits the activation of the NFκB pathway and induces apoptosis in canine DLBCL cells. In conclusion, the ANFκBP facilitates survival of canine DLBCL cells, and thus, dogs with spontaneous DLBCL can provide a useful large animal model to study therapies targeting the ANFκBP.

DNA-independent PARP-1 activation by phosphorylated ERK2 increases Elk1 activity: a link to histone acetylation.

PubMed

Cohen-Armon, Malka; Visochek, Leonid; Rozensal, Dana; Kalal, Adi; Geistrikh, Ilona; Klein, Rodika; Bendetz-Nezer, Sarit; Yao, Zhong; Seger, Rony

2007-01-26

PolyADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) catalyze a posttranslational modification of nuclear proteins by polyADP-ribosylation. The catalytic activity of the abundant nuclear protein PARP-1 is stimulated by DNA strand breaks, and PARP-1 activation is required for initiation of DNA repair. Here we show that PARP-1 also acts within extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade that mediates growth and differentiation. The findings reveal an alternative mode of PARP-1 activation, which does not involve binding to DNA or DNA damage. In a cell-free system, recombinant PARP-1 was intensively activated and thereby polyADP-ribosylated by a direct interaction with phosphorylated ERK2, and the activated PARP-1 dramatically increased ERK2-catalyzed phosphorylation of the transcription factor Elk1. In cortical neurons treated with nerve growth factors and in stimulated cardiomyocytes, PARP-1 activation enhanced ERK-induced Elk1-phosphorylation, core histone acetylation, and transcription of the Elk1-target gene c-fos. These findings constitute evidence for PARP-1 activity within the ERK signal-transduction pathway.

Enhancer Analysis Unveils Genetic Interactions between TLX and SOX2 in Neural Stem Cells and In Vivo Reprogramming

PubMed Central

Islam, Mohammed M.; Smith, Derek K.; Niu, Wenze; Fang, Sanhua; Iqbal, Nida; Sun, Guoqiang; Shi, Yanhong; Zhang, Chun-Li

2015-01-01

Summary The orphan nuclear receptor TLX is a master regulator of postnatal neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewal and neurogenesis; however, it remains unclear how TLX expression is precisely regulated in these tissue-specific stem cells. Here, we show that a highly conserved cis-element within the Tlx locus functions to drive gene expression in NSCs. We demonstrate that the transcription factors SOX2 and MYT1 specifically interact with this genomic element to directly regulate Tlx enhancer activity in vivo. Knockdown experiments further reveal that SOX2 dominantly controls endogenous expression of TLX, whereas MYT1 only plays a modulatory role. Importantly, TLX is essential for SOX2-mediated in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes and itself is also sufficient to induce neurogenesis in the adult striatum. Together, these findings unveil functional genetic interactions among transcription factors that are critical to NSCs and in vivo cell reprogramming. PMID:26607952

ATP1B3 Protein Modulates the Restriction of HIV-1 Production and Nuclear Factor κ Light Chain Enhancer of Activated B Cells (NF-κB) Activation by BST-2*

PubMed Central

Nishitsuji, Hironori; Sugiyama, Ryuichi; Abe, Makoto; Takaku, Hiroshi

2016-01-01

Here, we identify ATP1B3 and fibrillin-1 as novel BST-2-binding proteins. ATP1B3 depletion in HeLa cells (BST-2-positive cells), but not 293T cells (BST-2-negative cells), induced the restriction of HIV-1 production in a BST-2-dependent manner. In contrast, fibrillin-1 knockdown reduced HIV-1 production in 293T and HeLa cells in a BST-2-independent manner. Moreover, NF-κB activation was enhanced by siATP1B3 treatment in HIV-1- and HIV-1ΔVpu-infected HeLa cells. In addition, ATP1B3 silencing induced high level BST-2 expression on the surface of HeLa cells. These results indicate that ATP1B3 is a co-factor that accelerates BST-2 degradation and reduces BST-2-mediated restriction of HIV-1 production and NF-κB activation. PMID:26694617

Genetics Home Reference: anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immune deficiency

MedlinePlus

... The proteins produced from these two genes regulate nuclear factor-kappa-B. Nuclear factor-kappa-B is a group of related ... proteins with impaired function, which reduces activation of nuclear factor-kappa-B. These changes disrupt certain signaling ...

CD26-mediated regulation of periostin expression contributes to migration and invasion of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells

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

Komiya, Eriko; Ohnuma, Kei, E-mail: kohnuma@juntendo.ac.jp; Yamazaki, Hiroto

Highlights: • CD26-expressing MPM cells upregulate production of periostin. • The intracytoplasmic region of CD26 mediates the upregulation of periostin. • CD26 expression leads to nuclear translocation of Twist1 via phosphorylation of Src. • Secreted periostin enhances migration and invasion of MPM cells. - Abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy arising from mesothelial lining of pleura. It is generally associated with a history of asbestos exposure and has a very poor prognosis, partly due to the lack of a precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with its malignant behavior. In the present study, we expanded onmore » our previous studies on the enhanced motility and increased CD26 expression in MPM cells, with a particular focus on integrin adhesion molecules. We found that expression of CD26 upregulates periostin secretion by MPM cells, leading to enhanced MPM cell migratory and invasive activity. Moreover, we showed that upregulation of periostin expression results from the nuclear translocation of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1, a process that is mediated by CD26-associated activation of Src phosphorylation. While providing new and profound insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in MPM biology, these findings may also lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for MPM.« less

Scriptaid and 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine enhanced expression of pluripotent genes and in vitro developmental competence in interspecies Black-footed cat cloned embryos

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gómez, M. C.; Biancardi, M.N.; Jenkins, J.A.; Dumas, C.; Galiguis, J.; Wang, G.; Earle Pope, C.

2012-01-01

Somatic cell nuclear transfer offers the possibility of preserving endangered species including the black-footed cat, which is threatened with extinction. The effectiveness and efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) depends on a variety of factors, but 'inappropriate epigenetic reprogramming of the transplanted nucleus is the primary cause of the developmental failure of cloned embryos. Abnormal epigenetic events such as DNA methylation and histone modifications during SCNT perturb the expression of imprinted and pluripotent-related genes that, consequently, may result in foetal and neonatal abnormalities. We have demonstrated that pregnancies can be established after transfer of black-footed cat cloned embryos into domestic cat recipients, but none of the implanted embryos developed to term and the foetal failure has been associated to aberrant reprogramming in cloned embryos. There is growing evidence that modifying the epigenetic pattern of the chromatin template of both donor cells and reconstructed embryos with a combination of inhibitors of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases results in enhanced gene reactivation and improved in vitro and in vivo developmental competence. Epigenetic modifications of the chromatin template of black-footed cat donor cells and reconstructed embryos with epigenetic-modifying compounds enhanced in vitro development, and regulated the expression of pluripotent genes, but these epigenetic modifications did not improve in vivo developmental competence.

Nuclear Threshold States: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

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

Ogloblin, A. A.; Danilov, A. N.; Demyanova, A. S.

2010-04-30

50 years ago exotic nuclear states with abnormally large radii located close to the thresholds of emission of nucleons or clusters were predicted. Recently a hypothesis of possible existence of alpha-particle Bose condensation was proposed. The 0{sup +}{sub 2}(7.65 MeV) state of {sup 12}C(so-called Hoyle state) is considered to be the prototype of such condensed state and have a dilute structure. We propose two methods for searching the alpha-condensate signatures in the Hoyle state and some other ones near the alpha-thresholds by using inelastic diffractive and rainbow scattering. Inelastic scattering of {sup 2}H, {sup 3}He, {sup 4}He, {sup 6}Li, andmore » {sup 12}C on {sup 12}C was studied and the enhancement of the {sup 12}C radius in the Hoyle state relatively the ground state radius by a factor of 1.2 was demonstrated. Another signature of the condensate structure, 70% probability of all three alpha-particles to be in the s-state, was observed for the Hoyle state by studying the {sup 8}Be transfer reaction. The analogs of the Hoyle state with enhanced radii were identified in {sup 11}B and {sup 13}C. The proposed methods of measuring the nuclear radii allowed observation of neutron halos in the excited states of {sup 9}Be and {sup 13}C. The conception of abnormal dimensions of the threshold states finds its confirmation in many nuclear phenomena both well-known and new ones. One of the perspective domains of its manifestation are the nuclei heavier than {sup 100}Sn with N = Z, which are able to emit several alpha particles.« less

Glycosylation enables aesculin to activate Nrf2.

PubMed

Kim, Kyun Ha; Park, Hyunsu; Park, Hee Jin; Choi, Kyoung-Hwa; Sadikot, Ruxana T; Cha, Jaeho; Joo, Myungsoo

2016-07-15

Since aesculin, 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin-6-O-β-glucopyranoside, suppresses inflammation, we asked whether its anti-inflammatory activity is associated with the activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key anti-inflammatory factor. Our results, however, show that aesculin marginally activated Nrf2. Since glycosylation can enhance the function of a compound, we then asked whether adding a glucose makes aesculin activate Nrf2. Our results show that the glycosylated aesculin, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin, robustly activated Nrf2, inducing the expression of Nrf2-dependent genes, such as heme oxygenase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 in macrophages. Mechanistically, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin suppressed ubiquitination of Nrf2, retarding degradation of Nrf2. Unlike aesculin, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin significantly suppressed neutrophilic lung inflammation, a hallmark of acute lung injury (ALI), in mice, which was not recapitulated in Nrf2 knockout mice, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory function of the compound largely acts through Nrf2. In a mouse model of sepsis, a major cause of ALI, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin significantly enhanced the survival of mice, compared with aesculin. Together, these results show that glycosylation could confer the ability to activate Nrf2 on aesculin, enhancing the anti-inflammatory function of aesculin. These results suggest that glycosylation can be a way to improve or alter the function of aesculin.

Heregulin/ErbB3 Signaling Enhances CXCR4-Driven Rac1 Activation and Breast Cancer Cell Motility via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α

PubMed Central

Lopez-Haber, Cynthia; Barrio-Real, Laura; Casado-Medrano, Victoria

2016-01-01

The growth factor heregulin (HRG), a ligand of ErbB3 and ErbB4 receptors, contributes to breast cancer development and the promotion of metastatic disease, and its expression in breast tumors has been associated with poor clinical outcome and resistance to therapy. In this study, we found that breast cancer cells exposed to sustained HRG treatment show markedly enhanced Rac1 activation and migratory activity in response to the CXCR4 ligand SDF-1/CXCL12, effects mediated by P-Rex1, a Rac-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) aberrantly expressed in breast cancer. Notably, HRG treatment upregulates surface expression levels of CXCR4, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in breast cancer metastasis and an indicator of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. A detailed mechanistic analysis revealed that CXCR4 upregulation and sensitization of the Rac response/motility by HRG are mediated by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) via ErbB3 and independently of ErbB4. HRG caused prominent induction in the nuclear expression of HIF-1α, which transcriptionally activates the CXCR4 gene via binding to a responsive element located in positions −1376 to −1372 in the CXCR4 promoter, as revealed by mutagenesis analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Our results uncovered a novel function for ErbB3 in enhancing breast cancer cell motility and sensitization of the P-Rex1/Rac1 pathway through HIF-1α-mediated transcriptional induction of CXCR4. PMID:27185877

Nuclear localization of the C2H2 zinc finger protein Msn2p is regulated by stress and protein kinase A activity

PubMed Central

Görner, Wolfram; Durchschlag, Erich; Martinez-Pastor, Maria Teresa; Estruch, Francisco; Ammerer, Gustav; Hamilton, Barbara; Ruis, Helmut; Schüller, Christoph

1998-01-01

Msn2p and the partially redundant factor Msn4p are key regulators of stress-responsive gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They are required for the transcription of a number of genes coding for proteins with stress-protective functions. Both Msn2p and Msn4p are Cys2His2 zinc finger proteins and bind to the stress response element (STRE). In vivo footprinting studies show that the occupation of STREs is enhanced in stressed cells and dependent on the presence of Msn2p and Msn4p. Both factors accumulate in the nucleus under stress conditions, such as heat shock, osmotic stress, carbon-source starvation, and in the presence of ethanol or sorbate. Stress-induced nuclear localization was found to be rapid, reversible, and independent of protein synthesis. Nuclear localization of Msn2p and Msn4p was shown to be correlated inversely to cAMP levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity. A region with significant homologies shared between Msn2p and Msn4p is sufficient to confer stress-regulated localization to a SV40–NLS–GFP fusion protein. Serine to alanine or aspartate substitutions in a conserved PKA consensus site abolished cAMP-driven nuclear export and cytoplasmic localization in unstressed cells. We propose stress and cAMP-regulated intracellular localization of Msn2p to be a key step in STRE-dependent transcription and in the general stress response. PMID:9472026

C1q Deficiency Promotes Pulmonary Vascular Inflammation and Enhances the Susceptibility of the Lung Endothelium to Injury.

PubMed

Shah, Dilip; Romero, Freddy; Zhu, Ying; Duong, Michelle; Sun, Jianxin; Walsh, Kenneth; Summer, Ross

2015-12-04

The collectin proteins are innate immune molecules found in high concentrations on the epithelial and endothelial surfaces of the lung. While these proteins are known to have important anti-inflammatory actions in the airways of the lung little is known of their functional importance in the pulmonary circulation. We recently demonstrated that the circulating collectin protein adiponectin has potent anti-inflammatory effects on the lung endothelium, leading us to reason that other structurally related proteins might have similar effects. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the anti-inflammatory actions of C1q in lung endothelial homeostasis and the pulmonary vascular response to LPS or HCl injury. We show that lung endothelium from C1q-deficient (C1q(-/-)) mice expresses higher baseline levels of the vascular adhesion markers ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin when compared with wild-type mice. Further, we demonstrate that these changes are associated with enhanced susceptibility of the lung to injury as evident by increased expression of adhesion markers, enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and augmented neutrophil recruitment. Additionally, we found that C1q(-/-) mice also exhibited enhanced endothelial barrier dysfunction after injury as manifested by decreased expression of junctional adherens proteins and enhanced vascular leakage. Mechanistically, C1q appears to mediate its effects by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and blocking nuclear translocation of the P65 subunit of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In summary, our findings indicate a previously unrecognized role for C1q in pulmonary vascular homeostasis and provide added support for the hypothesis that circulating collectin proteins have protective effects on the lung endothelium. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

C1q Deficiency Promotes Pulmonary Vascular Inflammation and Enhances the Susceptibility of the Lung Endothelium to Injury*

PubMed Central

Shah, Dilip; Romero, Freddy; Zhu, Ying; Duong, Michelle; Sun, Jianxin; Walsh, Kenneth; Summer, Ross

2015-01-01

The collectin proteins are innate immune molecules found in high concentrations on the epithelial and endothelial surfaces of the lung. While these proteins are known to have important anti-inflammatory actions in the airways of the lung little is known of their functional importance in the pulmonary circulation. We recently demonstrated that the circulating collectin protein adiponectin has potent anti-inflammatory effects on the lung endothelium, leading us to reason that other structurally related proteins might have similar effects. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the anti-inflammatory actions of C1q in lung endothelial homeostasis and the pulmonary vascular response to LPS or HCl injury. We show that lung endothelium from C1q-deficient (C1q−/−) mice expresses higher baseline levels of the vascular adhesion markers ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin when compared with wild-type mice. Further, we demonstrate that these changes are associated with enhanced susceptibility of the lung to injury as evident by increased expression of adhesion markers, enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and augmented neutrophil recruitment. Additionally, we found that C1q−/− mice also exhibited enhanced endothelial barrier dysfunction after injury as manifested by decreased expression of junctional adherens proteins and enhanced vascular leakage. Mechanistically, C1q appears to mediate its effects by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and blocking nuclear translocation of the P65 subunit of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In summary, our findings indicate a previously unrecognized role for C1q in pulmonary vascular homeostasis and provide added support for the hypothesis that circulating collectin proteins have protective effects on the lung endothelium. PMID:26487714

Activation-dependent intrachromosomal interactions formed by the TNF gene promoter and two distal enhancers

PubMed Central

Tsytsykova, Alla V.; Rajsbaum, Ricardo; Falvo, James V.; Ligeiro, Filipa; Neely, Simon R.; Goldfeld, Anne E.

2007-01-01

Here we provide a mechanism for specific, efficient transcription of the TNF gene and, potentially, other genes residing within multigene loci. We identify and characterize highly conserved noncoding elements flanking the TNF gene, which undergo activation-dependent intrachromosomal interactions. These elements, hypersensitive site (HSS)−9 and HSS+3 (9 kb upstream and 3 kb downstream of the TNF gene, respectively), contain DNase I hypersensitive sites in naive, T helper 1, and T helper 2 primary T cells. Both HSS-9 and HSS+3 inducibly associate with acetylated histones, indicative of chromatin remodeling, bind the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)p in vitro and in vivo, and function as enhancers of NFAT-dependent transactivation mediated by the TNF promoter. Using the chromosome conformation capture assay, we demonstrate that upon T cell activation intrachromosomal looping occurs in the TNF locus. HSS-9 and HSS+3 each associate with the TNF promoter and with each other, circularizing the TNF gene and bringing NFAT-containing nucleoprotein complexes into close proximity. TNF gene regulation thus reveals a mode of intrachromosomal interaction that combines a looped gene topology with interactions between enhancers and a gene promoter. PMID:17940009

75 FR 5485 - Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-03

... Commission on America's Nuclear Future Memorandum for the Secretary of Energy Expanding our Nation's capacity to generate clean nuclear energy is crucial to our ability to combat climate change, enhance energy... the safe, secure, and responsible use of nuclear energy. These efforts are critical to accomplishing...

Imaging analysis of nuclear antiviral factors through direct detection of incoming adenovirus genome complexes

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

Komatsu, Tetsuro; Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575; Will, Hans

2016-04-22

Recent studies involving several viral systems have highlighted the importance of cellular intrinsic defense mechanisms through nuclear antiviral proteins that restrict viral propagation. These factors include among others components of PML nuclear bodies, the nuclear DNA sensor IFI16, and a potential restriction factor PHF13/SPOC1. For several nuclear replicating DNA viruses, it was shown that these factors sense and target viral genomes immediately upon nuclear import. In contrast to the anticipated view, we recently found that incoming adenoviral genomes are not targeted by PML nuclear bodies. Here we further explored cellular responses against adenoviral infection by focusing on specific conditions asmore » well as additional nuclear antiviral factors. In line with our previous findings, we show that neither interferon treatment nor the use of specific isoforms of PML nuclear body components results in co-localization between incoming adenoviral genomes and the subnuclear domains. Furthermore, our imaging analyses indicated that neither IFI16 nor PHF13/SPOC1 are likely to target incoming adenoviral genomes. Thus our findings suggest that incoming adenoviral genomes may be able to escape from a large repertoire of nuclear antiviral mechanisms, providing a rationale for the efficient initiation of lytic replication cycle. - Highlights: • Host nuclear antiviral factors were analyzed upon adenovirus genome delivery. • Interferon treatments fail to permit PML nuclear bodies to target adenoviral genomes. • Neither Sp100A nor B targets adenoviral genomes despite potentially opposite roles. • The nuclear DNA sensor IFI16 does not target incoming adenoviral genomes. • PHF13/SPOC1 targets neither incoming adenoviral genomes nor genome-bound protein VII.« less

An ethyl acetate fraction derived from Houttuynia cordata extract inhibits the production of inflammatory markers by suppressing NF-кB and MAPK activation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of inflammatory diseases. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of an ethyl acetate fraction derived from a Houttuynia cordata extract (HCE-EA) on the production of inflammatory mediators and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods To measure the effects of HCE-EA on pro-inflammatory cytokine and inflammatory mediator’s expression in RAW 264.7 cells, we used the following methods: cell viability assay, Griess reagent assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. Results HCE-EA downregulated nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-6) production in the cells, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Furthermore, HCE-EA suppressed nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit, which correlated with an inhibitory effect on IκBα (nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha) phosphorylation. HCE-EA also attenuated the activation of MAPKs (p38 and JNK). Conclusions Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of HCE-EA may stem from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators via suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. PMID:25012519

PPARβ/δ activation blocks lipid-induced inflammatory pathways in mouse heart and human cardiac cells.

PubMed

Alvarez-Guardia, David; Palomer, Xavier; Coll, Teresa; Serrano, Lucía; Rodríguez-Calvo, Ricardo; Davidson, Mercy M; Merlos, Manuel; El Kochairi, Ilhem; Michalik, Liliane; Wahli, Walter; Vázquez-Carrera, Manuel

2011-02-01

Owing to its high fat content, the classical Western diet has a range of adverse effects on the heart, including enhanced inflammation, hypertrophy, and contractile dysfunction. Proinflammatory factors secreted by cardiac cells, which are under the transcriptional control of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), may contribute to heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. The underlying mechanisms are complex, since they are linked to systemic metabolic abnormalities and changes in cardiomyocyte phenotype. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors that regulate metabolism and are capable of limiting myocardial inflammation and hypertrophy via inhibition of NF-κB. Since PPARβ/δ is the most prevalent PPAR isoform in the heart, we analyzed the effects of the PPARβ/δ agonist GW501516 on inflammatory parameters. A high-fat diet induced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and interleukin-6, and enhanced the activity of NF-κB in the heart of mice. GW501516 abrogated this enhanced proinflammatory profile. Similar results were obtained when human cardiac AC16 cells exposed to palmitate were coincubated with GW501516. PPARβ/δ activation by GW501516 enhanced the physical interaction between PPARβ/δ and p65, which suggests that this mechanism may also interfere NF-κB transactivation capacity in the heart. GW501516-induced PPARβ/δ activation can attenuate the inflammatory response induced in human cardiac AC16 cells exposed to the saturated fatty acid palmitate and in mice fed a high-fat diet. This is relevant, especially taking into account that PPARβ/δ has been postulated as a potential target in the treatment of obesity and the insulin resistance state. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of women in nuclear - attracting public participation in regulatory decision-making process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad Jais, Azlina; Hassan, Najwa

2018-01-01

Public participation is vital in demonstrating transparency and enhancing effectiveness of a nuclear regulatory process. As such, it is necessary for nuclear practitioners to involve the public in key nuclear delivery milestones. This paper specifically discusses challenges faced in attracting public participation throughout the nuclear regulatory decision-making process, and highlights the roles of women in nuclear (WiN) in initiating the said public discourse.

Enhanced Component Performance Study: Emergency Diesel Generators 1998–2014

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

Schroeder, John Alton

2015-11-01

This report presents an enhanced performance evaluation of emergency diesel generators (EDGs) at U.S. commercial nuclear power plants. This report evaluates component performance over time using (1) Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) Consolidated Events Database (ICES) data from 1998 through 2014 and (2) maintenance unavailability (UA) performance data from Mitigating Systems Performance Index (MSPI) Basis Document data from 2002 through 2014. The objective is to show estimates of current failure probabilities and rates related to EDGs, trend these data on an annual basis, determine if the current data are consistent with the probability distributions currently recommended for use inmore » NRC probabilistic risk assessments, show how the reliability data differ for different EDG manufacturers and for EDGs with different ratings; and summarize the subcomponents, causes, detection methods, and recovery associated with each EDG failure mode. Engineering analyses were performed with respect to time period and failure mode without regard to the actual number of EDGs at each plant. The factors analyzed are: sub-component, failure cause, detection method, recovery, manufacturer, and EDG rating. Six trends with varying degrees of statistical significance were identified in the data.« less

Erythropoietin and carbamylated erythropoietin promote histone deacetylase 5 phosphorylation and nuclear export in rat hippocampal neurons

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

Jo, Hye-Ryeong; Kim, Yong-Seok; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 17 Haengdang-dong, Sungdong-gu, Seoul 133-791

2016-01-29

Erythropoietin (EPO) produces neurotrophic effects in animal model of neurodegeneration. However, clinical use of EPO is limited due to thrombotic risk. Carbamylated EPO (cEPO), devoid of thrombotic risk, has been proposed as a novel neuroprotective and neurotrophic agent although the molecular mechanisms of cEPO remain incomplete. Here, we show a previously unidentified role of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in the actions of EPO and cEPO. EPO and cEPO regulate the HDAC5 phosphorylation at two critical sites, Ser259 and Ser498 through a protein kinase D (PKD) dependent pathway. In addition, EPO and cEPO rapidly stimulates nuclear export of HDAC5 in ratmore » hippocampal neurons which expressing HDAC5-GFP. Consequently, EPO and cEPO enhanced the myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) target gene expression. Taken together, our results reveal that EPO and cEPO mediate MEF2 target gene expression via the regulation of HDAC5 phosphorylation at Ser259/498, and suggest that HDAC5 could be a potential mechanism contributing to the therapeutic actions of EPO and cEPO.« less

Imaging analysis of nuclear antiviral factors through direct detection of incoming adenovirus genome complexes.

PubMed

Komatsu, Tetsuro; Will, Hans; Nagata, Kyosuke; Wodrich, Harald

2016-04-22

Recent studies involving several viral systems have highlighted the importance of cellular intrinsic defense mechanisms through nuclear antiviral proteins that restrict viral propagation. These factors include among others components of PML nuclear bodies, the nuclear DNA sensor IFI16, and a potential restriction factor PHF13/SPOC1. For several nuclear replicating DNA viruses, it was shown that these factors sense and target viral genomes immediately upon nuclear import. In contrast to the anticipated view, we recently found that incoming adenoviral genomes are not targeted by PML nuclear bodies. Here we further explored cellular responses against adenoviral infection by focusing on specific conditions as well as additional nuclear antiviral factors. In line with our previous findings, we show that neither interferon treatment nor the use of specific isoforms of PML nuclear body components results in co-localization between incoming adenoviral genomes and the subnuclear domains. Furthermore, our imaging analyses indicated that neither IFI16 nor PHF13/SPOC1 are likely to target incoming adenoviral genomes. Thus our findings suggest that incoming adenoviral genomes may be able to escape from a large repertoire of nuclear antiviral mechanisms, providing a rationale for the efficient initiation of lytic replication cycle. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of polyphenolic extracts from Lactuca sativa (var. Maravilla de Verano) under different farming methods.

PubMed

Adesso, Simona; Pepe, Giacomo; Sommella, Eduardo; Manfra, Michele; Scopa, Antonio; Sofo, Adriano; Tenore, Gian Carlo; Russo, Mariateresa; Di Gaudio, Francesca; Autore, Giuseppina; Campiglia, Pietro; Marzocco, Stefania

2016-09-01

Besides their nutritional value, vegetables are a source of health-promoting compounds, such as polyphenols, and their content can be influenced by the particular farming method. In this study polyphenolic extracts from Lactuca sativa (var. Maravilla de verano) plants cultivated with different farming methods were chemically characterised and tested in vitro and ex vivo inflammation models. The tested extacts (250-2.5 µg mL(-1) ) were able to reduce both the inflammatory and oxidative stress in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 murine monocyte macrophage cells, by lowering the release of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2; (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In this regard, quantitative profiles revealed different amounts of polyphenols, in particular quercetin levels were higher in plants under mineral fertilised treatment. Those extract showed an enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Our data showed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Maravilla de Verano polyphenolic extracts. The effect of farming methods on polyphenolic levels was highlighted. The higher reduction of inflammatory mediators release in extracts from plants cultivated under mineral fertilisation treatment was correlated to the higher amount of quercetin. These results can be useful for both nutraceutical or agronomic purposes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

HTLV-1 Tax upregulates early growth response protein 1 through nuclear factor-κB signaling.

PubMed

Huang, Qingsong; Niu, Zhiguo; Han, Jingxian; Liu, Xihong; Lv, Zhuangwei; Li, Huanhuan; Yuan, Lixiang; Li, Xiangping; Sun, Shuming; Wang, Hui; Huang, Xinxiang

2017-08-01

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a complex retrovirus that causes adult T cell leukemia (ATL) in susceptible individuals. The HTLV-1-encoded oncoprotein Tax induces persistent activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) is overexpressed in HTLV-1-infected T cell lines and ATL cells. Here, we showed that both Tax expression and HTLV-1 infection promoted EGR1 overexpression. Loss of the NF-κB binding site in the EGR1 promotor or inhibition of NF-κB activation reduced Tax-induced EGR1 upregulation. Tax mutants unable to activate NF-κB induced only slight EGR1 upregulation as compared with wild-type Tax, confirming NF-κB pathway involvement in EGR1 regulation. Tax also directly interacted with the EGR1 protein and increased endogenous EGR1 stability. Elevated EGR1 in turn promoted p65 nuclear translocation and increased NF-κB activation. These results demonstrate a positive feedback loop between EGR1 expression and NF-κB activation in HTLV-1-infected and Tax-expressing cells. Both NF-κB activation and Tax-induced EGR1 stability upregulated EGR1, which in turn enhanced constitutive NF-κB activation and facilitated ATL progression in HTLV-1-infected cells. These findings suggest EGR1 may be an effective anti-ATL therapeutic target.

Immune-Pineal Axis: Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) Mediates the Shift in the Melatonin Source from Pinealocytes to Immune Competent Cells

PubMed Central

Markus, Regina P; Cecon, Erika; Pires-Lapa, Marco Antonio

2013-01-01

Pineal gland melatonin is the darkness hormone, while extra-pineal melatonin produced by the gonads, gut, retina, and immune competent cells acts as a paracrine or autocrine mediator. The well-known immunomodulatory effect of melatonin is observed either as an endocrine, a paracrine or an autocrine response. In mammals, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) blocks noradrenaline-induced melatonin synthesis in pinealocytes, which induces melatonin synthesis in macrophages. In addition, melatonin reduces NF-κB activation in pinealocytes and immune competent cells. Therefore, pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns transiently switch the synthesis of melatonin from pinealocytes to immune competent cells, and as the response progresses melatonin inhibition of NF-κB activity leads these cells to a more quiescent state. The opposite effect of NF-κB in pinealocytes and immune competent cells is due to different NF-κB dimers recruited in each phase of the defense response. This coordinated shift of the source of melatonin driven by NF-κB is called the immune-pineal axis. Finally, we discuss how this concept might be relevant to a better understanding of pathological conditions with impaired melatonin rhythms and hope it opens new horizons for the research of side effects of melatonin-based therapies. PMID:23708099

Modulation of Nrf2/Keap1 system by Wasabi 6-methylthiohexyl isothiocyanate in ARE-mediated NQO1 expression.

PubMed

Korenori, Yoshimi; Tanigawa, Shunsuke; Kumamoto, Takuma; Qin, Si; Daikoku, Yosuke; Miyamori, Koji; Nagai, Masashi; Hou, De-Xing

2013-05-01

6-Methylthiohexyl isothiocyanate (6-MTITC), one of the major bioactive ingredients in Japanese Wasabi, has revealed cytoprotective and cancer chemopreventive effects. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms how 6-MTITC modulates nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelchlike ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1) system in antioxidant-responsive element (ARE)-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP): quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expression. HepG2 cells were treated with 6-MTITC with varying time and dose. NQO1, Nrf2, and Keap1 proteins were detected by Western blotting. ARE transactivation was detected by electrophilic mobility shift assay and reporter gene assay. Nuclear localization of Nrf2 was determined by immunocytochemistry assay. Ubiquitination of Nrf2 and Keap1 was detected using immunoprecipitation after treatment with MG132. Small interfering RNA was used to knockdown Nrf2 or Keap1. The results revealed that 6-MTITC modulated Nrf2/ARE pathway by stimulating Keap1 modification, and inhibiting Nrf2 ubiquitination and protein turnover. These actions finally increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation and ARE-binding activity. Moreover, silencing Nrf2 markedly reduced ARE-driven activity induced by 6-MTITC. 6-MTITC modulated ARE-driven NQO1 expression by stabilizing Nrf2 with enhanced Keap1 modification and decreased Nrf2 degradation. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Low-Concentration Tributyltin Decreases GluR2 Expression via Nuclear Respiratory Factor-1 Inhibition

PubMed Central

Ishida, Keishi; Aoki, Kaori; Takishita, Tomoko; Miyara, Masatsugu; Sakamoto, Shuichiro; Sanoh, Seigo; Kimura, Tomoki; Kanda, Yasunari; Ohta, Shigeru; Kotake, Yaichiro

2017-01-01

Tributyltin (TBT), which has been widely used as an antifouling agent in paints, is a common environmental pollutant. Although the toxicity of high-dose TBT has been extensively reported, the effects of low concentrations of TBT are relatively less well studied. We have previously reported that low-concentration TBT decreases α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptor subunit 2 (GluR2) expression in cortical neurons and enhances neuronal vulnerability to glutamate. However, the mechanism of this TBT-induced GluR2 decrease remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of TBT on the activity of transcription factors that control GluR2 expression. Exposure of primary cortical neurons to 20 nM TBT for 3 h to 9 days resulted in a decrease in GluR2 mRNA expression. Moreover, TBT inhibited the DNA binding activity of nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), a transcription factor that positively regulates the GluR2. This result indicates that TBT inhibits the activity of NRF-1 and subsequently decreases GluR2 expression. In addition, 20 nM TBT decreased the expression of genes such as cytochrome c, cytochrome c oxidase (COX) 4, and COX 6c, which are downstream of NRF-1. Our results suggest that NRF-1 inhibition is an important molecular action of the neurotoxicity induced by low-concentration TBT. PMID:28800112

Low-Concentration Tributyltin Decreases GluR2 Expression via Nuclear Respiratory Factor-1 Inhibition.

PubMed

Ishida, Keishi; Aoki, Kaori; Takishita, Tomoko; Miyara, Masatsugu; Sakamoto, Shuichiro; Sanoh, Seigo; Kimura, Tomoki; Kanda, Yasunari; Ohta, Shigeru; Kotake, Yaichiro

2017-08-11

Tributyltin (TBT), which has been widely used as an antifouling agent in paints, is a common environmental pollutant. Although the toxicity of high-dose TBT has been extensively reported, the effects of low concentrations of TBT are relatively less well studied. We have previously reported that low-concentration TBT decreases α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptor subunit 2 ( GluR2 ) expression in cortical neurons and enhances neuronal vulnerability to glutamate. However, the mechanism of this TBT-induced GluR2 decrease remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of TBT on the activity of transcription factors that control GluR2 expression. Exposure of primary cortical neurons to 20 nM TBT for 3 h to 9 days resulted in a decrease in GluR2 mRNA expression. Moreover, TBT inhibited the DNA binding activity of nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), a transcription factor that positively regulates the GluR2 . This result indicates that TBT inhibits the activity of NRF-1 and subsequently decreases GluR2 expression. In addition, 20 nM TBT decreased the expression of genes such as cytochrome c, cytochrome c oxidase (COX) 4, and COX 6c, which are downstream of NRF-1. Our results suggest that NRF-1 inhibition is an important molecular action of the neurotoxicity induced by low-concentration TBT.

Oxaloacetate activates brain mitochondrial biogenesis, enhances the insulin pathway, reduces inflammation and stimulates neurogenesis.

PubMed

Wilkins, Heather M; Harris, Janna L; Carl, Steven M; E, Lezi; Lu, Jianghua; Eva Selfridge, J; Roy, Nairita; Hutfles, Lewis; Koppel, Scott; Morris, Jill; Burns, Jeffrey M; Michaelis, Mary L; Michaelis, Elias K; Brooks, William M; Swerdlow, Russell H

2014-12-15

Brain bioenergetic function declines in some neurodegenerative diseases, this may influence other pathologies and administering bioenergetic intermediates could have therapeutic value. To test how one intermediate, oxaloacetate (OAA) affects brain bioenergetics, insulin signaling, inflammation and neurogenesis, we administered intraperitoneal OAA, 1-2 g/kg once per day for 1-2 weeks, to C57Bl/6 mice. OAA altered levels, distributions or post-translational modifications of mRNA and proteins (proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α, PGC1 related co-activator, nuclear respiratory factor 1, transcription factor A of the mitochondria, cytochrome oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1, cAMP-response element binding, p38 MAPK and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) in ways that should promote mitochondrial biogenesis. OAA increased Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin and P70S6K phosphorylation. OAA lowered nuclear factor κB nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratios and CCL11 mRNA. Hippocampal vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA, doublecortin mRNA, doublecortin protein, doublecortin-positive neuron counts and neurite length increased in OAA-treated mice. (1)H-MRS showed OAA increased brain lactate, GABA and glutathione thereby demonstrating metabolic changes are detectable in vivo. In mice, OAA promotes brain mitochondrial biogenesis, activates the insulin signaling pathway, reduces neuroinflammation and activates hippocampal neurogenesis. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Can the HIV-1 splicing machinery be targeted for drug discovery?

PubMed Central

Dlamini, Zodwa; Hull, Rodney

2017-01-01

HIV-1 is able to express multiple protein types and isoforms from a single 9 kb mRNA transcript. These proteins are also expressed at particular stages of viral development, and this is achieved through the control of alternative splicing and the export of these transcripts from the nucleus. The nuclear export is controlled by the HIV protein Rev being required to transport incompletely spliced and partially spliced mRNA from the nucleus where they are normally retained. This implies a close relationship between the control of alternate splicing and the nuclear export of mRNA in the control of HIV-1 viral proliferation. This review discusses both the processes. The specificity and regulation of splicing in HIV-1 is controlled by the use of specific splice sites as well as exonic splicing enhancer and exonic splicing silencer sequences. The use of these silencer and enhancer sequences is dependent on the serine arginine family of proteins as well as the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family of proteins that bind to these sequences and increase or decrease splicing. Since alternative splicing is such a critical factor in viral development, it presents itself as a promising drug target. This review aims to discuss the inhibition of splicing, which would stall viral development, as an anti-HIV therapeutic strategy. In this review, the most recent knowledge of splicing in human immunodeficiency viral development and the latest therapeutic strategies targeting human immunodeficiency viral splicing are discussed. PMID:28331370

Farnesoid X receptor is essential for the survival of renal medullary collecting duct cells under hypertonic stress.

PubMed

Xu, Sujuan; Huang, Shizheng; Luan, Zhilin; Chen, Tingyue; Wei, Yuanyi; Xing, Miaomiao; Li, Yaqing; Du, Chunxiu; Wang, Bing; Zheng, Feng; Wang, Nanping; Guan, Youfei; Gustafsson, Jan-Åke; Zhang, Xiaoyan

2018-05-22

Hypertonicity in renal medulla is critical for the kidney to produce concentrated urine. Renal medullary cells have to survive high medullary osmolarity during antidiuresis. Previous study reported that farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor transcription factor activated by endogenous bile acids, increases urine concentrating ability by up-regulating aquaporin 2 expression in medullary collecting duct cells (MCDs). However, whether FXR is also involved in the maintenance of cell survival of MCDs under dehydration condition and hypertonic stress remains largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that 24-hours water restriction selectively up-regulated renal medullary expression of FXR with little MCD apoptosis in wild-type mice. In contrast, water deprivation caused a massive apoptosis of MCDs in both global FXR gene-deficient mice and collecting duct-specific FXR knockout mice. In vitro studies showed that hypertonicity significantly increased FXR and tonicity response enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) expression in mIMCD3 cell line and primary cultured MCDs. Activation and overexpression of FXR markedly increased cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis under hyperosmotic conditions. In addition, FXR can increase gene expression and nuclear translocation of TonEBP. We conclude that FXR protects MCDs from hypertonicity-induced cell injury very likely via increasing TonEBP expression and nuclear translocation. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism by which FXR enhances urine concentration via maintaining cell viability of MCDs under hyperosmotic condition.

MicroRNA-155 Deficiency Attenuates Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis without Reducing Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Steatohepatitis

PubMed Central

Lippai, Dora; Kodys, Karen; Catalano, Donna; Iracheta-Vellve, Arvin; Szabo, Gyongyi

2015-01-01

Background & Aim MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Fibrosis is the consequence of chronic tissue damage and inflammation. We hypothesized that deficiency of miR-155, a master regulator of inflammation, attenuates steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Methods Wild type (WT) and miR-155-deficient (KO) mice were fed methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) or -supplemented (MCS) control diet for 5 weeks. Liver injury, inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis were assessed. Results MCD diet resulted in steatohepatitis and increased miR-155 expression in total liver, hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Steatosis and expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism were attenuated in miR-155 KO mice after MCD feeding. In contrast, miR-155 deficiency failed to attenuate inflammatory cell infiltration, nuclear factor κ beta (NF-κB) activation and enhanced the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) in MCD diet-fed mice. We found a significant attenuation of apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3) and reduction in collagen and α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) levels in miR-155 KO mice compared to WTs on MCD diet. In addition, we found attenuation of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), a pro-fibrotic cytokine; SMAD family member 3 (Smad3), a protein involved in transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signal transduction and vimentin, a mesenchymal marker and indirect indicator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in miR-155 KO mice. Nuclear binding of CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) a miR-155 target involved in EMT was significantly increased in miR-155 KO compared to WT mice. Conclusions Our novel data demonstrate that miR-155 deficiency can reduce steatosis and fibrosis without decreasing inflammation in steatohepatitis. PMID:26042593

Baicalin benefits the anti-HBV therapy via inhibiting HBV viral RNAs

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

Huang, Hai, E-mail: HHai3552@sina.cn

Background: Although current antiviral treatments (nucleoside analogs, NAs) for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are effective in suppressing HBV-DNA replication, their clinical outcomes can be compromised by the increasing drug resistance and the inefficiency in promoting HBsAg/HBeAg seroconversion. Objectives: In this study, we will explore possible effects and mechanism of a natural product baicalin (BA) with the anti-HBV efficacy of entecavir (ETV), a first-line anti-HBV drug, in HBV-DNA, HBsAg/HBeAg seroconversion and drug-resistance. Methods: The co-effects of BA and ETV were conducted in wild-type/NA-resistance mutant HBV cell lines and DHBV-infected duckling models. HBV-DNA/RNAs, HBsAg/HBeAg, host factors (hepatocyte nuclear factors) weremore » explored for possible anti-HBV mechanism. Results and discussion: BA could significantly enhance and reduced HBsAg and HBeAg in hepG2.2.15, a wild-type HBV cell line. Co-treatment of BA and ETV had a more dramatic effect in NA-resistant HBV{sup rtM204V/rtLl80M} transfected hepG2 cells. Our study further revealed that BA mainly inhibited the production of HBV RNAs (3.5, 2.4, 2.1 kb), the templates for viral proteins and HBV-DNA synthesis. BA blocked HBV RNAs transcription possibly by down-regulating transcription and expression of HBV replication dependent hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF1α and HNF4α). Thus, BA may benefit the anti-HBV therapy via inhibiting HBV viral RNAs. - Highlights: • Baicalin benefits the anti-HBV therapy. • Baicalin enhances ETV antiviral efficacy and overcomes NA-resistant HBV mutation. • The anti-HBV effect of baicalin is achieved by inhibiting HBV RNAs. • Baicalin down-regulates HBV replication-dependent host factors HNF 1α and HNF 4α.« less

Visual Inspection Reliability for Precision Manufactured Parts.

PubMed

See, Judi E

2015-12-01

Sandia National Laboratories conducted an experiment for the National Nuclear Security Administration to determine the reliability of visual inspection of precision manufactured parts used in nuclear weapons. Visual inspection has been extensively researched since the early 20th century; however, the reliability of visual inspection for nuclear weapons parts has not been addressed. In addition, the efficacy of using inspector confidence ratings to guide multiple inspections in an effort to improve overall performance accuracy is unknown. Further, the workload associated with inspection has not been documented, and newer measures of stress have not been applied. Eighty-two inspectors in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise inspected 140 parts for eight different defects. Inspectors correctly rejected 85% of defective items and incorrectly rejected 35% of acceptable parts. Use of a phased inspection approach based on inspector confidence ratings was not an effective or efficient technique to improve the overall accuracy of the process. Results did verify that inspection is a workload-intensive task, dominated by mental demand and effort. Hits for Nuclear Security Enterprise inspection were not vastly superior to the industry average of 80%, and they were achieved at the expense of a high scrap rate not typically observed during visual inspection tasks. This study provides the first empirical data to address the reliability of visual inspection for precision manufactured parts used in nuclear weapons. Results enhance current understanding of the process of visual inspection and can be applied to improve reliability for precision manufactured parts. © 2015, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Melatonin attenuates memory impairment induced by Klotho gene deficiency via interactive signaling between MT2 receptor, ERK, and Nrf2-related antioxidant potential.

PubMed

Shin, Eun-Joo; Chung, Yoon Hee; Le, Hoang-Lan Thi; Jeong, Ji Hoon; Dang, Duy-Khanh; Nam, Yunsung; Wie, Myung Bok; Nah, Seung-Yeol; Nabeshima, Yo-Ichi; Nabeshima, Toshitaka; Kim, Hyoung-Chun

2014-12-30

We demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in cognitive impairment in klotho mutant mice, a genetic model of aging. Since down-regulation of melatonin due to aging is well documented, we used this genetic model to determine whether the antioxidant property of melatonin affects memory impairment. First, we examined the effects of melatonin on hippocampal oxidative parameters and the glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio and memory dysfunction of klotho mutant mice. Second, we investigated whether a specific melatonin receptor is involved in the melatonin-mediated pharmacological response by application with melatonin receptor antagonists. Third, we examined phospho-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, Nrf2 DNA binding activity, and glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) mRNA expression. Finally, we examined effects of the ERK inhibitor SL327 in response to antioxidant efficacy and memory enhancement mediated by melatonin. Treatment with melatonin resulted in significant attenuations of oxidative damage, a decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio, and a significant amelioration of memory impairment in this aging model. These effects of melatonin were significantly counteracted by the selective MT2 receptor antagonist 4-P-PDOT. Importantly, 4-P-PDOT or SL327 also counteracted melatonin-mediated attenuation in response to the decreases in phospho-ERK expression, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, Nrf2 DNA-binding activity, and GCL mRNA expression in the hippocampi of klotho mutant mice. SL327 also counteracted the up-regulation of the GSH/GSSG ratio and the memory enhancement mediated by melatonin in klotho mutant mice. Melatonin attenuates oxidative stress and the associated memory impairment induced by klotho deficiency via signaling interaction between the MT2 receptor and ERK- and Nrf2-related antioxidant potential. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

Melatonin Attenuates Memory Impairment Induced by Klotho Gene Deficiency Via Interactive Signaling Between MT2 Receptor, ERK, and Nrf2-Related Antioxidant Potential

PubMed Central

Shin, Eun-Joo; Chung, Yoon Hee; Le, Hoang-Lan Thi; Jeong, Ji Hoon; Dang, Duy-Khanh; Nam, Yunsung; Wie, Myung Bok; Nah, Seung-Yeol; Nabeshima, Yo-Ichi; Nabeshima, Toshitaka; Kim, Hyoung-Chun

2015-01-01

Background: We demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in cognitive impairment in klotho mutant mice, a genetic model of aging. Since down-regulation of melatonin due to aging is well documented, we used this genetic model to determine whether the antioxidant property of melatonin affects memory impairment. Methods: First, we examined the effects of melatonin on hippocampal oxidative parameters and the glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio and memory dysfunction of klotho mutant mice. Second, we investigated whether a specific melatonin receptor is involved in the melatonin-mediated pharmacological response by application with melatonin receptor antagonists. Third, we examined phospho-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, Nrf2 DNA binding activity, and glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) mRNA expression. Finally, we examined effects of the ERK inhibitor SL327 in response to antioxidant efficacy and memory enhancement mediated by melatonin. Results: Treatment with melatonin resulted in significant attenuations of oxidative damage, a decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio, and a significant amelioration of memory impairment in this aging model. These effects of melatonin were significantly counteracted by the selective MT2 receptor antagonist 4-P-PDOT. Importantly, 4-P-PDOT or SL327 also counteracted melatonin-mediated attenuation in response to the decreases in phospho-ERK expression, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, Nrf2 DNA-binding activity, and GCL mRNA expression in the hippocampi of klotho mutant mice. SL327 also counteracted the up-regulation of the GSH/GSSG ratio and the memory enhancement mediated by melatonin in klotho mutant mice. Conclusions: Melatonin attenuates oxidative stress and the associated memory impairment induced by klotho deficiency via signaling interaction between the MT2 receptor and ERK- and Nrf2-related antioxidant potential. PMID:25550330

Dynamic nuclear polarization using frequency modulation at 3.34 T.

PubMed

Hovav, Y; Feintuch, A; Vega, S; Goldfarb, D

2014-01-01

During dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments polarization is transferred from unpaired electrons to their neighboring nuclear spins, resulting in dramatic enhancement of the NMR signals. While in most cases this is achieved by continuous wave (cw) irradiation applied to samples in fixed external magnetic fields, here we show that DNP enhancement of static samples can improve by modulating the microwave (MW) frequency at a constant field of 3.34 T. The efficiency of triangular shaped modulation is explored by monitoring the (1)H signal enhancement in frozen solutions containing different TEMPOL radical concentrations at different temperatures. The optimal modulation parameters are examined experimentally and under the most favorable conditions a threefold enhancement is obtained with respect to constant frequency DNP in samples with low radical concentrations. The results are interpreted using numerical simulations on small spin systems. In particular, it is shown experimentally and explained theoretically that: (i) The optimal modulation frequency is higher than the electron spin-lattice relaxation rate. (ii) The optimal modulation amplitude must be smaller than the nuclear Larmor frequency and the EPR line-width, as expected. (iii) The MW frequencies corresponding to the enhancement maxima and minima are shifted away from one another when using frequency modulation, relative to the constant frequency experiments. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combination of selenium-enriched green tea polysaccharides and Huo-ji polysaccharides synergistically enhances antioxidant and immune activity in mice.

PubMed

Yuan, Chengfu; Li, Zhihong; Peng, Fan; Xiao, Fangxiang; Ren, Dongming; Xue, Hui; Chen, Tao; Mushtaq, Gohar; Kamal, Mohammad Amjad

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a combination of selenium-enriched green tea polysaccharides (Se-GTP) and Huo-ji polysaccharides (HJP) on the immune function and antioxidant activity in mice. The results showed that the indices of spleen and thymus were markedly increased, and the activity of natural killer (NK) cell was promoted in mice treated with the combination of Se-GTP and HJP. The combined treatment of Se-GTP and HJP also reduced the content of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in splenocytes. In addition, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were remarkably enhanced, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced in mice treated with combination of Se-GTP and HJP. Furthermore, the combined treatment of Se-GTP and HJP increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression at mRNA and protein levels in splenocytes. The effects of the combination treatment of Se-GTP and HJP in mice were stronger than with Se-GTP or HJP treatment alone. Our study suggests that the combined administration of Se-GTP and HJP can synergistically improve immune function and decrease the oxidative stress by enhancing the mechanisms involved in the clearance of free radicals. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Over-expression of Oct4 and Sox2 transcription factors enhances differentiation of human umbilical cord blood cells in vivo

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

Guseva, Daria; Hannover Medical School, Hannover; Rizvanov, Albert A.

2014-09-05

Highlights: • Gene and cell-based therapies comprise innovative aspects of regenerative medicine. • Genetically modified hUCB-MCs enhanced differentiation of cells in a mouse model of ALS. • Stem cells successfully transformed into micro-glial and endothelial lines in spinal cords. • Over-expressing oct4 and sox2 also induced production of neural marker PGP9.5. • Formation of new nerve cells, secreting trophic factors and neo-vascularisation could improve symptoms in ALS. - Abstract: Gene and cell-based therapies comprise innovative aspects of regenerative medicine. Even though stem cells represent a highly potential therapeutic strategy, their wide-spread exploitation is marred by ethical concerns, potential for malignantmore » transformation and a plethora of other technical issues, largely restricting their use to experimental studies. Utilizing genetically modified human umbilical cord blood mono-nuclear cells (hUCB-MCs), this communication reports enhanced differentiation of transplants in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Over-expressing Oct4 and Sox2 induced production of neural marker PGP9.5, as well as transformation of hUCB-MCs into micro-glial and endothelial lines in ALS spinal cords. In addition to producing new nerve cells, providing degenerated areas with trophic factors and neo-vascularisation might prevent and even reverse progressive loss of moto-neurons and skeletal muscle paralysis.« less

Relaxation near Supermassive Black Holes Driven by Nuclear Spiral Arms: Anisotropic Hypervelocity Stars, S-stars, and Tidal Disruption Events

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

Hamers, Adrian S.; Perets, Hagai B., E-mail: hamers@ias.edu

Nuclear spiral arms are small-scale transient spiral structures found in the centers of galaxies. Similarly to their galactic-scale counterparts, nuclear spiral arms can perturb the orbits of stars. In the case of the Galactic center (GC), these perturbations can affect the orbits of stars and binaries in a region extending to several hundred parsecs around the supermassive black hole (SMBH), causing diffusion in orbital energy and angular momentum. This diffusion process can drive stars and binaries to close approaches with the SMBH, disrupting single stars in tidal disruption events (TDEs), or disrupting binaries, leaving a star tightly bound to themore » SMBH and an unbound star escaping the galaxy, i.e., a hypervelocity star (HVS). Here, we consider diffusion by nuclear spiral arms in galactic nuclei, specifically the Milky Way GC. We determine nuclear-spiral-arm-driven diffusion rates using test-particle integrations and compute disruption rates. Our TDE rates are up to 20% higher compared to relaxation by single stars. For binaries, the enhancement is up to a factor of ∼100, and our rates are comparable to the observed numbers of HVSs and S-stars. Our scenario is complementary to relaxation driven by massive perturbers. In addition, our rates depend on the inclination of the binary with respect to the Galactic plane. Therefore, our scenario provides a novel potential source for the observed anisotropic distribution of HVSs. Nuclear spiral arms may also be important for accelerating the coalescence of binary SMBHs and for supplying nuclear star clusters with stars and gas.« less

Transcription factor NF-kappaB participates in regulation of epithelial cell turnover in the colon.

PubMed

Inan, M S; Tolmacheva, V; Wang, Q S; Rosenberg, D W; Giardina, C

2000-12-01

The transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB regulates the expression of genes that can influence cell proliferation and death. Here we analyze the contribution of NF-kappaB to the regulation of epithelial cell turnover in the colon. Immunohistochemical, immunoblot, and DNA binding analyses indicate that NF-kappaB complexes change as colonocytes mature: p65-p50 complexes predominate in proliferating epithelial cells of the colon, whereas the p50-p50 dimer is prevalent in mature epithelial cells. NF-kappaB1 (p50) knockout mice were used to study the role of NF-kappaB in regulating epithelial cell turnover. Knockout animals lacked detectable NF-kappaB DNA binding activity in isolated epithelial cells and had significantly longer crypts with a more extensive proliferative zone than their wild-type counterparts (as determined by proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining and in vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling). Gene expression profiling reveals that the NF-kappaB1 knockout mice express the potentially growth-enhancing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and nerve growth factor-alpha genes at elevated levels, with in situ hybridization localizing some of the TNF-alpha expression to epithelial cells. TNF-alpha is NF-kappaB regulated, and its upregulation in NF-kappaB1 knockouts may result from an alleviation of p50-p50 repression. NF-kappaB complexes may therefore influence cell proliferation in the colon through their ability to selectively activate and/or repress gene expression.

New reactor technology: safety improvements in nuclear power systems.

PubMed

Corradini, M L

2007-11-01

Almost 450 nuclear power plants are currently operating throughout the world and supplying about 17% of the world's electricity. These plants perform safely, reliably, and have no free-release of byproducts to the environment. Given the current rate of growth in electricity demand and the ever growing concerns for the environment, nuclear power can only satisfy the need for electricity and other energy-intensive products if it can demonstrate (1) enhanced safety and system reliability, (2) minimal environmental impact via sustainable system designs, and (3) competitive economics. The U.S. Department of Energy with the international community has begun research on the next generation of nuclear energy systems that can be made available to the market by 2030 or earlier, and that can offer significant advances toward these challenging goals; in particular, six candidate reactor system designs have been identified. These future nuclear power systems will require advances in materials, reactor physics, as well as thermal-hydraulics to realize their full potential. However, all of these designs must demonstrate enhanced safety above and beyond current light water reactor systems if the next generation of nuclear power plants is to grow in number far beyond the current population. This paper reviews the advanced Generation-IV reactor systems and the key safety phenomena that must be considered to guarantee that enhanced safety can be assured in future nuclear reactor systems.

A role for intracellular and extracellular DEK in regulating hematopoiesis.

PubMed

Capitano, Maegan L; Broxmeyer, Hal E

2017-07-01

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell fate decision during hematopoiesis is regulated by intracellular and extracellular signals such as transcription factors, growth factors, and cell-to-cell interactions. In this review, we explore the function of DEK, a nuclear phosphoprotein, on gene regulation. We also examine how DEK is secreted and internalized by cells, and discuss how both endogenous and extracellular DEK regulates hematopoiesis. Finally, we explore what currently is known about the regulation of DEK during inflammation. DEK negatively regulates the proliferation of early myeloid progenitor cells but has a positive effect on the differentiation of mature myeloid cells. Inflammation regulates intracellular DEK concentrations with inflammatory stimuli enhancing DEK expression. Inflammation-induced nuclear factor-kappa B activation is regulated by DEK, resulting in changes in the production of other inflammatory molecules such as IL-8. Inflammatory stimuli in turn regulates DEK secretion by cells of hematopoietic origin. However, how inflammation-induced expression and secretion of DEK regulates hematopoiesis remains unknown. Understanding how DEK regulates hematopoiesis under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions may lead to a better understanding of the biology of HSCs and HPCs. Furthering our knowledge of the regulation of hematopoiesis will ultimately lead to new therapeutics that may increase the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Molecular mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis development: Notch and NF-κB.

PubMed

Saito, Taku; Tanaka, Sakae

2017-05-15

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multi-factorial and highly prevalent joint disorder worldwide. Since the establishment of murine surgical knee OA models in 2005, many of the key molecules and signalling pathways responsible for OA development have been identified. Here we review the roles of two multi-functional signalling pathways in OA development: Notch and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Previous studies have identified various aspects of articular chondrocyte regulation by these pathways. However, comprehensive understanding of the molecular networks regulating articular cartilage homeostasis and OA pathogenesis is needed.

NOK mediates glycolysis and nuclear PDC associated histone acetylation.

PubMed

Shi, Wei-Ye; Yang, Xiao; Huang, Bo; Shen, Wen H; Liu, Li

2017-06-01

NOK is a potent oncogene that can transform normal cells to cancer cells. We hypothesized that NOK might impact cancer cell metabolism and histone acetylation. We show that NOK localizes in the mitochondria, and while it minimally impacts tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, it markedly inhibits the process of electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation processes and dramatically enhances aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells. NOK promotes the mitochondrial-nuclear translocation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), and enhances histone acetylation in the nucleus. Together, these findings show that NOK mediates glycolysis and nuclear PDC associated histone acetylation.

Prediction of sub-surface 37Ar concentrations at locations in the Northwestern United States.

PubMed

Fritz, Bradley G; Aalseth, Craig E; Back, Henning O; Hayes, James C; Humble, Paul H; Ivanusa, Pavlo; Mace, Emily K

2018-01-01

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which is intended to prevent nuclear weapon test explosions and any other nuclear explosions, includes a verification regime, which provides monitoring to identify potential nuclear explosions. The presence of elevated 37 Ar is one way to identify subsurface nuclear explosive testing. However, the naturally occurring formation of 37 Ar in the subsurface adds a complicating factor. Prediction of the naturally occurring concentration of 37 Ar can help to determine if a measured 37 Ar concentration is elevated relative to background. The naturally occurring 37 Ar background concentration has been shown to vary between less than 1 mBq/m 3 to greater than 100 mBq/m 3 (Riedmann and Purtschert, 2011). The purpose of this work was to enhance the understanding of the naturally occurring background concentrations of 37 Ar, allowing for better interpretation of results. To that end, we present and evaluate a computationally efficient model for predicting the average concentration of 37 Ar at any depth under transient barometric pressures. Further, measurements of 37 Ar concentrations in samples collected at multiple locations are provided as validation of the concentration prediction model. The model is shown to compare favorably with concentrations of 37 Ar measured at multiple locations in the Northwestern United States. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Function of Smad7 Promotes Myogenesis▿

PubMed Central

Miyake, Tetsuaki; Alli, Nezeka S.; McDermott, John C.

2010-01-01

In the “canonical” view of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling, Smad7 plays an inhibitory role. While Smad7 represses Smad3 activation by TGF-β, it does not reverse the inhibitory effect of TGF-β on myogenesis, suggesting a different function in myogenic cells. We previously reported a promyogenic role of Smad7 mediated by an interaction with MyoD. Based on this association, we hypothesized a possible nuclear function of Smad7 independent of its role at the level of the receptor. We therefore engineered a chimera of Smad7 with a nuclear localization signal (NLS), which serves to prevent and therefore bypass binding to the TGF-β receptor while concomitantly constitutively localizing Smad7 to the nucleus. This Smad7-NLS did not repress Smad3 activation by TGF-β but did retain its ability to enhance myogenic gene activation and phenotypic myogenesis, indicating that the nuclear, receptor-independent function of Smad7 is sufficient to promote myogenesis. Furthermore, Smad7 physically interacts with MyoD and antagonizes the repressive effects of active MEK on MyoD. Reporter and myogenic conversion assays indicate a pivotal regulation of MyoD transcriptional properties by the balance between Smad7 and active MEK. Thus, Smad7 has a nuclear coactivator function that is independent of TGF-β signaling and necessary to promote myogenic differentiation. PMID:19995910

3 CFR - Delegation of Certain Functions Under Section 204(c) of the United States-India Nuclear...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act (Public... Delegation of Certain Functions Under Section 204(c) of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval... the President by section 204(c) of the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and...

Sumoylation of Smad3 stimulates its nuclear export during PIASy-mediated suppression of TGF-{beta} signaling

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

Imoto, Seiyu; Ohbayashi, Norihiko; Ikeda, Osamu

2008-05-30

Sma- and MAD-related protein 3 (Smad3) plays crucial roles in the transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta})-mediated signaling pathway, which produce a variety of cellular responses, including cell proliferation and differentiation. In our previous study, we demonstrated that protein inhibitor of activated STATy (PIASy) suppresses TGF-{beta} signaling by interacting with and sumoylating Smad3. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of Smad3 sumoylation during PIASy-mediated suppression of TGF-{beta} signaling. We found that small-interfering RNA-mediated reduction of endogenous PIASy expression enhanced TGF-{beta}-induced gene expression. Importantly, coexpression of Smad3 with PIASy and SUMO1 affected the DNA-binding activity of Smad3. Furthermore, coexpression ofmore » Smad3 with PIASy and SUMO1 stimulated the nuclear export of Smad3. Finally, fluorescence resonance energy transfer analyses revealed that Smad3 interacted with SUMO1 in the cytoplasm. These results suggest that PIASy regulates TGF-{beta}/Smad3-mediated signaling by stimulating sumoylation and nuclear export of Smad3.« less

Thermodynamic characterization of the multivalent interactions underlying rapid and selective translocation through the nuclear pore complex

PubMed Central

Hayama, Ryo; Sparks, Samuel; Hecht, Lee M.; Dutta, Kaushik; Karp, Jerome M.; Cabana, Christina M.; Rout, Michael P.; Cowburn, David

2018-01-01

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play important roles in many biological systems. Given the vast conformational space that IDPs can explore, the thermodynamics of the interactions with their partners is closely linked to their biological functions. Intrinsically disordered regions of Phe–Gly nucleoporins (FG Nups) that contain multiple phenylalanine–glycine repeats are of particular interest, as their interactions with transport factors (TFs) underlie the paradoxically rapid yet also highly selective transport of macromolecules mediated by the nuclear pore complex. Here, we used NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry to thermodynamically characterize these multivalent interactions. These analyses revealed that a combination of low per-FG motif affinity and the enthalpy–entropy balance prevents high-avidity interaction between FG Nups and TFs, whereas the large number of FG motifs promotes frequent FG–TF contacts, resulting in enhanced selectivity. Our thermodynamic model underlines the importance of functional disorder of FG Nups. It helps explain the rapid and selective translocation of TFs through the nuclear pore complex and further expands our understanding of the mechanisms of “fuzzy” interactions involving IDPs. PMID:29374059

Antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations and unconventional nodeless superconductivity in an iron-based new superconductor (Ca4Al2O(6-y))(Fe2As2): 75As nuclear quadrupole resonance study.

PubMed

Kinouchi, H; Mukuda, H; Yashima, M; Kitaoka, Y; Shirage, P M; Eisaki, H; Iyo, A

2011-07-22

We report 75As nuclear quadrupole resonance studies on (Ca4Al2O(6-y))(Fe2As2) with T(c) = 27  K. Measurement of nuclear-spin-relaxation rate 1/T1 has revealed a significant development of two-dimensional antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations down to T(c) in association with the smallest As-Fe-As bond angle. Below T(c), the temperature dependence of 1/T1 without any trace of the coherence peak is well accounted for by a nodeless s(±)-wave multiple-gaps model. From the fact that its T(c) is comparable to T(c) = 28  K in the optimally doped LaFeAsO(1-y) in which antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations are not dominant, we remark that antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations are not a unique factor for enhancing T(c) among Fe-based superconductors, but a condition for optimizing superconductivity should be addressed from the lattice structure point of view.

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

Wu, Yuanbin; Pálffy, Adriana, E-mail: yuanbin.wu@mpi-hd.mpg.de, E-mail: Palffy@mpi-hd.mpg.de

Due to screening effects, nuclear reactions in astrophysical plasmas may behave differently than in the laboratory. The possibility to determine the magnitude of these screening effects in colliding laser-generated plasmas is investigated theoretically, having as a starting point a proposed experimental setup with two laser beams at the Extreme Light Infrastructure facility. A laser pulse interacting with a solid target produces a plasma through the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration scheme, and this rapidly streaming plasma (ion flow) impacts a secondary plasma created by the interaction of a second laser pulse on a gas jet target. We model this scenario heremore » and calculate the reaction events for the astrophysically relevant reaction {sup 13}C({sup 4}He, n ){sup 16}O. We find that it should be experimentally possible to determine the plasma screening enhancement factor for fusion reactions by detecting the difference in reaction events between two scenarios of ion flow interacting with the plasma target and a simple gas target. This provides a way to evaluate nuclear reaction cross-sections in stellar environments and can significantly advance the field of nuclear astrophysics.« less

Determination of Plasma Screening Effects for Thermonuclear Reactions in Laser-generated Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuanbin; Pálffy, Adriana

2017-03-01

Due to screening effects, nuclear reactions in astrophysical plasmas may behave differently than in the laboratory. The possibility to determine the magnitude of these screening effects in colliding laser-generated plasmas is investigated theoretically, having as a starting point a proposed experimental setup with two laser beams at the Extreme Light Infrastructure facility. A laser pulse interacting with a solid target produces a plasma through the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration scheme, and this rapidly streaming plasma (ion flow) impacts a secondary plasma created by the interaction of a second laser pulse on a gas jet target. We model this scenario here and calculate the reaction events for the astrophysically relevant reaction 13C(4He, n)16O. We find that it should be experimentally possible to determine the plasma screening enhancement factor for fusion reactions by detecting the difference in reaction events between two scenarios of ion flow interacting with the plasma target and a simple gas target. This provides a way to evaluate nuclear reaction cross-sections in stellar environments and can significantly advance the field of nuclear astrophysics.

National Center for Nuclear Security: The Nuclear Forensics Project (F2012)

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

Klingensmith, A. L.

These presentation visuals introduce the National Center for Nuclear Security. Its chartered mission is to enhance the Nation’s verification and detection capabilities in support of nuclear arms control and nonproliferation through R&D activities at the NNSS. It has three focus areas: Treaty Verification Technologies, Nonproliferation Technologies, and Technical Nuclear Forensics. The objectives of nuclear forensics are to reduce uncertainty in the nuclear forensics process & improve the scientific defensibility of nuclear forensics conclusions when applied to nearsurface nuclear detonations. Research is in four key areas: Nuclear Physics, Debris collection and analysis, Prompt diagnostics, and Radiochemistry.

Identification of an osteoclast transcription factor that binds to the human T cell leukemia virus type I-long terminal repeat enhancer element.

PubMed

Inoue, D; Santiago, P; Horne, W C; Baron, R

1997-10-03

Transgenic mice expressing human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-tax under the control of HTLV-I-long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter develop skeletal abnormalities with high bone turnover and myelofibrosis. In these animals, Tax is highly expressed in bone with a pattern of expression restricted to osteoclasts and spindle-shaped cells within the endosteal myelofibrosis. To test the hypothesis that lineage-specific transcription factors promote transgene expression from the HTLV-I-LTR in osteoclasts, we first examined tax expression in transgenic bone marrow cultures. Expression was dependent on 1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and coincided with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression, a marker of osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, Tax was expressed in vitronectin receptor-positive mononuclear precursors as well as in mature osteoclast-like cells (OCLs). Consistent with our hypothesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed the presence of an OCL nuclear factor (NFOC-1) that binds to the LTR 21-base pair direct repeat, a region critical for the promoter activity. This binding is further enhanced by Tax. Since NFOC-1 is absent in macrophages and conserved in osteoclasts among species including human, such a factor may play a role in lineage determination and/or in expression of the differentiated osteoclast phenotype.

Intrinsic noise analysis and stochastic simulation on transforming growth factor beta signal pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lu; Ouyang, Qi

2010-10-01

A typical biological cell lives in a small volume at room temperature; the noise effect on the cell signal transduction pathway may play an important role in its dynamics. Here, using the transforming growth factor-β signal transduction pathway as an example, we report our stochastic simulations of the dynamics of the pathway and introduce a linear noise approximation method to calculate the transient intrinsic noise of pathway components. We compare the numerical solutions of the linear noise approximation with the statistic results of chemical Langevin equations, and find that they are quantitatively in agreement with the other. When transforming growth factor-β dose decreases to a low level, the time evolution of noise fluctuation of nuclear Smad2—Smad4 complex indicates the abnormal enhancement in the transient signal activation process.

The Small Muscle-Specific Protein Csl Modifies Cell Shape and Promotes Myocyte Fusion in an Insulin-like Growth Factor 1–Dependent Manner

PubMed Central

Palmer, Steve; Groves, Nicola; Schindeler, Aaron; Yeoh, Thomas; Biben, Christine; Wang, Cheng-Chun; Sparrow, Duncan B.; Barnett, Louise; Jenkins, Nancy A.; Copeland, Neal G.; Koentgen, Frank; Mohun, Tim; Harvey, Richard P.

2001-01-01

We have isolated a murine cDNA encoding a 9-kD protein, Chisel (Csl), in a screen for transcriptional targets of the cardiac homeodomain factor Nkx2-5. Csl transcripts were detected in atria and ventricles of the heart and in all skeletal muscles and smooth muscles of the stomach and pulmonary veins. Csl protein was distributed throughout the cytoplasm in fetal muscles, although costameric and M-line localization to the muscle cytoskeleton became obvious after further maturation. Targeted disruption of Csl showed no overt muscle phenotype. However, ectopic expression in C2C12 myoblasts induced formation of lamellipodia in which Csl protein became tethered to membrane ruffles. Migration of these cells was retarded in a monolayer wound repair assay. Csl-expressing myoblasts differentiated and fused normally, although in the presence of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 they showed dramatically enhanced fusion, leading to formation of large dysmorphogenic “myosacs.” The activities of transcription factors nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and myocyte enhancer–binding factor (MEF)2, were also enhanced in an IGF-1 signaling–dependent manner. The dynamic cytoskeletal localization of Csl and its dominant effects on cell shape and behavior and transcription factor activity suggest that Csl plays a role in the regulatory network through which muscle cells coordinate their structural and functional states during growth, adaptation, and repair. PMID:11381084

Clinical and biological significance of hepatoma-derived growth factor in Ewing's sarcoma.

PubMed

Yang, Yang; Li, Hui; Zhang, Fenfen; Shi, Huijuan; Zhen, Tiantian; Dai, Sujuan; Kang, Lili; Liang, Yingjie; Wang, Jin; Han, Anjia

2013-11-01

We sought to investigate the clinicopathological significance and biological function of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) in Ewing's sarcoma. Our results showed that HDGF expression is up-regulated in Ewing's sarcoma. Nuclear HDGF expression is significantly associated with tumour volume (p < 0.001), metastases at diagnosis (p < 0.001), low overall survival rate (p < 0.001) and low disease-free survival rate (p < 0.001). HDGF knock-down results in significant reduction of Ewing's sarcoma cell growth, proliferation and enhances tumourigenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, HDGF knock-down causes cell cycle arrest and enhanced sensitization to serum starvation-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, recombinant HDGF promotes proliferation and colony formation of Ewing's sarcoma cells. Ninety-eight candidate HDGF downstream genes were identified in Ewing's sarcoma cells using cDNA microarray analysis. In addition, we found that HDGF knock-down inhibited FLI1 expression in Ewing's sarcoma cells at the mRNA and protein levels. Our findings suggest that HDGF exhibits oncogenic properties and may be a novel prognostic factor in Ewing's sarcoma. Targeting HDGF might be a potential therapeutic strategy for Ewing's sarcoma. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

GmSBH1, a homeobox transcription factor gene, relates to growth and development and involves in response to high temperature and humidity stress in soybean.

PubMed

Shu, Yingjie; Tao, Yuan; Wang, Shuang; Huang, Liyan; Yu, Xingwang; Wang, Zhankui; Chen, Ming; Gu, Weihong; Ma, Hao

2015-11-01

GmSBH1 involves in response to high temperature and humidity stress. Homeobox transcription factors are key switches that control plant development processes. Glycine max H1 Sbh1 (GmSBH1) was the first homeobox gene isolated from soybean. In the present study, the full ORF of GmSBH1 was isolated, and the encoded protein was found to be a typical class I KNOX homeobox transcription factor. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activation assays showed that GmSBH1 is a nuclear protein and possesses transcriptional activation activity in the homeodomain. The KNOX1 domain was found to play a clear role in suppressing the transcriptional activation activity of GmSBH1. GmSBH1 showed different expression levels among different soybean tissues and was involved in response to high temperature and humidity (HTH) stress in developing soybean seeds. The overexpression of GmSBH1 in Arabidopsis altered leaf and stoma phenotypes and enhanced seed tolerance to HTH stress. Overall, our results indicated that GmSBH1 is involved in growth, development, and enhances tolerance to pre-harvest seed deterioration caused by HTH stress in soybean.

A novel NFIA-NFκB feed-forward loop contributes to glioblastoma cell survival

PubMed Central

Lee, JunSung; Hoxha, Edlira

2017-01-01

Abstract Background. The nuclear factor I-A (NFIA) transcription factor promotes glioma growth and inhibits apoptosis in glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Here we report that the NFIA pro-survival effect in GBM is mediated in part via a novel NFIA–nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκB) p65 feed-forward loop. Methods. We examined effects of gain- and loss-of-function manipulations of NFIA and NFκB p65 on each other’s transcription, cell growth, apoptosis and sensitivity to chemotherapy in patient-derived GBM cells and established GBM cell lines. Results. NFIA enhanced apoptosis evasion by activating NFκB p65 and its downstream anti-apoptotic factors tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1) and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (cIAPs). Induction of NFκB by NFIA was required to protect cells from apoptosis, and inhibition of NFκB effectively reversed the NFIA anti-apoptotic effect. Conversely, NFIA knockdown decreased expression of NFκB and anti-apoptotic genes TRAF1 and cIAPs, and increased baseline apoptosis. NFIA positively regulated NFκB transcription and NFκB protein level. Interestingly, NFκB also activated the NFIA promoter and increased NFIA level, and knockdown of NFIA was sufficient to attenuate the NFκB pro-survival effect, suggesting a reciprocal regulation between NFIA and NFκB in governing GBM cell survival. Supporting this, NFIA and NFκB expression levels were highly correlated in human GBM and patient-derived GBM cells. Conclusions. These data define a previously unknown NFIA-NFκB feed-forward regulation that may contribute to GBM cell survival. PMID:27994064

Gemfibrozil pretreatment affecting antioxidant defense system and inflammatory, but not Nrf-2 signaling pathways resulted in female neuroprotection and male neurotoxicity in the rat models of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

PubMed

Mohagheghi, Fatemeh; Khalaj, Leila; Ahmadiani, Abolhassan; Rahmani, Behrouz

2013-04-01

Two important pathophysiological mechanisms involved during cerebral ischemia are oxidative stress and inflammation. In pathological conditions such as brain ischemia the ability of free radicals production is greater than that of elimination by endogenous antioxidative systems, so brain is highly injured due to oxidation and neuroinflammation. Fibrates as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α ligands, are reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. In this study, gemfibrozil, a fibrate is investigated for its therapeutic potential against global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of male and female rats. This study particularly has focused on inflammatory and antioxidant signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor erythroid-related factor (Nrf)-2, as well as the activity of some endogenous antioxidant agents. It was found that pretreatment of animals with gemfibrozil prior to I/R resulted in a sexually dimorphic outcome. Within females it proved to be protective, modulating inflammatory factors and inducing antioxidant defense system including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, as well as glutathione level. However, Nrf-2 signaling pathway was not affected. It also decreased malondialdehyde level as an index of lipid peroxidation. In contrast, gemfibrozil pretreatment was toxic to males, enhancing the expression of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κB, and cyclooxygenase-2, and decreasing Nrf-2 expression and SOD activity, leading to hippocampal neurodegeneration. Considering that gemfibrozil is a commonly used anti-hyperlipidemic agent in clinic, undoubtedly more investigations are crucial to exactly unravel its sex-dependent neuroprotective/neurodegenerative potential.

Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} regulates interleukin-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} mRNA expression

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

Chung, Eric; Jakinovich, Paul; Bae, Aekyung

Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} (PLC{delta}{sub 1}) is a widely expressed highly active PLC isoform, modulated by Ca{sup 2+} that appears to operate downstream from receptor signaling and has been linked to regulation of cytokine production. Here we investigated whether PLC{delta}{sub 1} modulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}), tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rat C6 glioma cells. Expression of PLC{delta}{sub 1} was specifically suppressed by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the effects on cytokine mRNA expression, stimulated by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were examined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed that PLC{delta}{sub 1}more » knockdown enhanced expression IL-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) mRNA by at least 100 fold after 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA treatment. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knock down caused persistently high Nf{kappa}b levels at 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA-treated cells. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown was also associated with elevated nuclear levels of c-Jun after 30 min of LPS stimulation, but did not affect LPS-stimulated p38 or p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation, normally associated with TLR activation of cytokine gene expression; rather, enhanced protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation of cellular proteins was observed in the absence of LPS stimulation. An inhibitor of PKC, bisindolylmaleimide II (BIM), reversed phosphorylation, prevented elevation of nuclear c-Jun levels, and inhibited LPS-induced increases of IL-1{beta} and TNF-{alpha} mRNA's induced by PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown. Our results show that loss of PLC{delta}{sub 1} enhances PKC/c-Jun signaling and up-modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription in concert with the TLR-stimulated p38MAPK/Nf{kappa}b pathway. Our findings are consistent with the idea that PLC{delta}{sub 1} is a suppressor of PKC activity.« less

Mechanical loading stimulates chondrogenesis via the PKA/CREB-Sox9 and PP2A pathways in chicken micromass cultures.

PubMed

Juhász, Tamás; Matta, Csaba; Somogyi, Csilla; Katona, Éva; Takács, Roland; Soha, Rudolf Ferenc; Szabó, István A; Cserháti, Csaba; Sződy, Róbert; Karácsonyi, Zoltán; Bakó, Eva; Gergely, Pál; Zákány, Róza

2014-03-01

Biomechanical stimuli play important roles in the formation of articular cartilage during early foetal life, and optimal mechanical load is a crucial regulatory factor of adult chondrocyte metabolism and function. In this study, we undertook to analyse mechanotransduction pathways during in vitro chondrogenesis. Chondroprogenitor cells isolated from limb buds of 4-day-old chicken embryos were cultivated as high density cell cultures for 6 days. Mechanical stimulation was carried out by a self-designed bioreactor that exerted uniaxial intermittent cyclic load transmitted by the culture medium as hydrostatic pressure and fluid shear to differentiating cells. The loading scheme (0.05 Hz, 600 Pa; for 30 min) was applied on culturing days 2 and 3, when final commitment and differentiation of chondroprogenitor cells occurred in this model. The applied mechanical load significantly augmented cartilage matrix production and elevated mRNA expression of several cartilage matrix constituents, including collagen type II and aggrecan core protein, as well as matrix-producing hyaluronan synthases through enhanced expression, phosphorylation and nuclear signals of the main chondrogenic transcription factor Sox9. Along with increased cAMP levels, a significantly enhanced protein kinase A (PKA) activity was also detected and CREB, the archetypal downstream transcription factor of PKA signalling, exhibited elevated phosphorylation levels and stronger nuclear signals in response to mechanical stimuli. All the above effects were diminished by the PKA-inhibitor H89. Inhibition of the PKA-independent cAMP-mediators Epac1 and Epac2 with HJC0197 resulted in enhanced cartilage formation, which was additive to that of the mechanical stimulation, implying that the chondrogenesis-promoting effect of mechanical load was independent of Epac. At the same time, PP2A activity was reduced following mechanical load and treatments with the PP2A-inhibitor okadaic acid were able to mimic the effects of the intervention. Our results indicate that proper mechanical stimuli augment in vitro cartilage formation via promoting both differentiation and matrix production of chondrogenic cells, and the opposing regulation of the PKA/CREB-Sox9 and the PP2A signalling pathways is crucial in this phenomenon. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thrombosis and systemic and cardiac oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by pulmonary exposure to diesel exhaust particles and the effect of nootkatone thereon.

PubMed

Nemmar, Abderrahim; Al-Salam, Suhail; Beegam, Sumaya; Yuvaraju, Priya; Ali, Badreldin H

2018-05-01

Adverse cardiovascular effects of particulate air pollution persist even at lower concentrations than those of the current air quality limit. Therefore, identification of safe and effective measures against particle-induced cardiovascular toxicity is needed. Nootkatone is a sesquiterpenoid in grapefruit with diverse bioactivities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, its protective effect on the cardiovascular injury induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) has not been studied before. We assessed the possible protective effect of nootkatone (90 mg/kg) administered by gavage 1 h before intratracheal instillation of DEPs (30 μg/mouse). Twenty-four hours after the intratracheal administration of DEPs, various thrombotic and cardiac parameters were assessed. Nootkatone inhibited the prothrombotic effect induced by DEPs in pial arterioles and venules in vivo and platelet aggregation in whole blood in vitro. Also, nootkatone prevented the shortening of activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time induced by DEPs. Nootkatone inhibited the increase of plasma concentration of fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, interleukin-6, and lipid peroxidation induced by DEPs. Immunohistochemically, hearts showed an analogous increase in glutathione and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 expression by cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells after DEP exposure, and these effects were enhanced in mice treated with nootkatone + DEPs. Likewise, heme oxygenase-1 was increased in mice treated with nootkatone + DEPs compared with those treated with DEPs or nootkatone + saline. The DNA damage caused by DEPs was prevented by nootkatoone pretreatment. In conclusion, nootkatoone alleviates DEP-induced thrombogenicity and systemic and cardiac oxidative stress and DNA damage, at least partly, through nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 and heme oxygenase-1 activation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Nootkatoone, a sesquiterpenoid found in grapefruit, alleviates the thrombogenicity and systemic and cardiac oxidative stress and DNA damage in mice exposed to diesel exhaust particles. Nootkatone-induced boosting of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 and heme oxygenase-1 levels in the heart of mice exposed to diesel exhaust particles suggests that its protective effect is, at least partly, mediated through nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 and heme oxygenase-1 activation.

The LDEF ultra heavy cosmic ray experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Osullivan, D.; Thompson, A.; Bosch, J.; Keegan, R.; Wenzel, K.-P.; Smit, A.; Domingo, C.

1992-01-01

The LDEF Ultra Heavy Cosmic Ray Experiment (UHCRE) used 16 side viewing LDEF trays giving a total geometry factor for high energy cosmic rays of 30 sq m sr. The total exposure factor was 170 sq m sr y. The experiment is based on a modular array of 192 solid state nuclear track detector stacks, mounted in sets of four in 48 pressure vessels. The extended duration of the LDEF mission has resulted in a greatly enhanced potential scientific yield from the UHCRE. Initial scanning results indicate that at least 1800 cosmic ray nuclei with Z greater than 65 were collected, including the world's first statistically significant sample of actinides. Post flight work to date and the current status of the experiment are reviewed.

Analysis of a Nuclear Enhanced Airbreathing Rocket for Earth to Orbit Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Robert B.; Landrum, D. Brian; Brown, Norman (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The proposed engine concept is the Nuclear Enhanced Airbreathing Rocket (NEAR). The NEAR concept uses a fission reactor to thermally heat a propellant in a rocket plenum. The rocket is shrouded, thus the exhaust mixes with ingested air to provide additional thermal energy through combustion. The combusted flow is then expanded through a nozzle to provide thrust.

Solid-state dynamic nuclear polarization at 263 GHz: spectrometer design and experimental results†

PubMed Central

Rosay, Melanie; Tometich, Leo; Pawsey, Shane; Bader, Reto; Schauwecker, Robert; Blank, Monica; Borchard, Philipp M.; Cauffman, Stephen R.; Felch, Kevin L.; Weber, Ralph T.; Temkin, Richard J.; Griffin, Robert G.; Maas, Werner E.

2015-01-01

Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) experiments transfer polarization from electron spins to nuclear spins with microwave irradiation of the electron spins for enhanced sensitivity in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Design and testing of a spectrometer for magic angle spinning (MAS) DNP experiments at 263 GHz microwave frequency, 400 MHz 1H frequency is described. Microwaves are generated by a novel continuous-wave gyrotron, transmitted to the NMR probe via a transmission line, and irradiated on a 3.2 mm rotor for MAS DNP experiments. DNP signal enhancements of up to 80 have been measured at 95 K on urea and proline in water–glycerol with the biradical polarizing agent TOTAPOL. We characterize the experimental parameters affecting the DNP efficiency: the magnetic field dependence, temperature dependence and polarization build-up times, microwave power dependence, sample heating effects, and spinning frequency dependence of the DNP signal enhancement. Stable system operation, including DNP performance, is also demonstrated over a 36 h period. PMID:20449524

Integrative Curriculum Development in Nuclear Education and Research Vertical Enhancement Program

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

Egarievwe, Stephen U.; Jow, Julius O.; Edwards, Matthew E.

Using a vertical education enhancement model, a Nuclear Education and Research Vertical Enhancement (NERVE) program was developed. The NERVE program is aimed at developing nuclear engineering education and research to 1) enhance skilled workforce development in disciplines relevant to nuclear power, national security and medical physics, and 2) increase the number of students and faculty from underrepresented groups (women and minorities) in fields related to the nuclear industry. The program uses multi-track training activities that vertically cut across the several education domains: undergraduate degree programs, graduate schools, and post-doctoral training. In this paper, we present the results of an integrativemore » curriculum development in the NERVE program. The curriculum development began with nuclear content infusion into existing science, engineering and technology courses. The second step involved the development of nuclear engineering courses: 1) Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 2) Nuclear Engineering I, and 2) Nuclear Engineering II. The third step is the establishment of nuclear engineering concentrations in two engineering degree programs: 1) electrical engineering, and 2) mechanical engineering. A major outcome of the NERVE program is a collaborative infrastructure that uses laboratory work, internships at nuclear facilities, on-campus research, and mentoring in collaboration with industry and government partners to provide hands-on training for students. The major activities of the research and education collaborations include: - One-week spring training workshop at Brookhaven National Laboratory: The one-week training and workshop is used to enhance research collaborations and train faculty and students on user facilities/equipment at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and for summer research internships. Participants included students, faculty members at Alabama A and M University and research collaborators at BNL. The activities include 1) tour and introduction to user facilities/equipment at BNL that are used for research in room-temperature semiconductor nuclear detectors, 2) presentations on advances on this project and on wide band-gap semiconductor nuclear detectors in general, and 3) graduate students' research presentations. - Invited speakers and lectures: This brings collaborating research scientist from BNL to give talks and lectures on topics directly related to the project. Attendance includes faculty members, researchers and students throughout the university. - Faculty-students team summer research at BNL: This DOE and National Science Foundation (NSF) program help train students and faculty members in research. Faculty members go on to establish research collaborations with scientists at BNL, develop and submit research proposals to funding agencies, transform research experience at BNL to establish and enhance reach capabilities at home institution, and integrate their research into teaching through class projects and hands-on training for students. The students go on to participate in research work at BNL and at home institution, co-author research papers for conferences and technical journals, and transform their experiences into developing senior and capstone projects. - Grant proposal development: Faculty members in the NERVE program collaborate with BNL scientists to develop proposals, which often help to get external funding needed to expand and sustain the continuity of research activities and supports for student's wages and scholarships (stipends, tuition and fees). - Faculty development and mentoring: The above collaboration activities help faculty professional development. The experiences, grants, joint publications in technical journals, and supervision of student's research, including thesis and dissertation research projects, contribute greatly to faculty development. Senior scientists at BNL and senior faculty members on campus jointly mentor junior faculty members to enhance their professional growth. - Graduate thesis and dissertation research: Brookhaven National Laboratory provides unique opportunities and outstanding research resources for the NERVE program graduate research. Scientists from BNL serve in master's degree thesis and PhD dissertation committees, where they play active roles in the supervision of the research. (authors)« less

GANP regulates recruitment of AID to immunoglobulin variable regions by modulating transcription and nucleosome occupancy

PubMed Central

Singh, Shailendra Kumar; Maeda, Kazuhiko; Eid, Mohammed Mansour Abbas; Almofty, Sarah Ameen; Ono, Masaya; Pham, Phuong; Goodman, Myron F.; Sakaguchi, Nobuo

2013-01-01

Somatic hypermutation in B cells is initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase-catalyzed C→U deamination at immunoglobulin variable regions. Here we investigate the role of the germinal centre-associated nuclear protein (GANP) in enhancing the access of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to immunoglobulin variable regions. We show that the nuclear export factor GANP is involved in chromatin modification at rearranged immunoglobulin variable loci, and its activity requires a histone acetyltransferase domain. GANP interacts with the transcription stalling protein Spt5 and facilitates RNA Pol-II recruitment to immunoglobulin variable regions. Germinal centre B cells from ganp-transgenic mice showed a higher AID occupancy at the immunoglobulin variable region, whereas B cells from conditional ganp-knockout mice exhibit a lower AID accessibility. These findings suggest that GANP-mediated chromatin modification promotes transcription complex recruitment and positioning at immunoglobulin variable loci to favour AID targeting. PMID:23652018

Nuclear modification factor RCP for φ meson production in d+Au collisions at √SNN=200 GeV measured by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Lei

2009-10-01

In d+Au collisions, vector mesons produced in hard scattering are sensitive to various nuclear effects such as parton shadowing/saturation in the small x region (forward rapidity) leading to suppression, and antishadowing (large x region, backward rapidity) or the Cronin effect which both can produce enhancement. Since approaches such as the Color Glass Condensate (CGC) and pQCD-based Glauber-Eikonal models do not agree on the nature of these nuclear effects on particle production at large rapidity, it is essential that they be tested with experimental data in this kinematic regime. Knowledge of the difference between the forward and backward rapidity regions, in d+Au collisions, could also be used to separate the initial-state nuclear wave function modifications and final state in-medium effects in Au+Au collisions. In addition, the relative ratio for the production of ρ, φ and φ can provide information on the production mechanisms of light vector mesons. The PHENIX collaboration at RHIC has recently collected data in d+Au collisions at √s=200 GeV during the 2008 run. The latest work on the RCP measurements of φ, through the di-muon decays at forward and backward rapidities (1.2<η<2.2), will be discussed.

A 3He-129Xe co-magnetometer probed by a Rb magnetometer with Ramsey-pulse technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Dong; Kabcenell, Aaron; Romalis, Michael

2013-05-01

We report the recent progress in development of a new kind of co-magnetometer, benifiting from both the long spin coherence time of a noble gas and a highly sensitive alkali metal magnetometer. Due to the Fermi-contact interaction between alkali metal electron spin and noble gas nuclear spin the effective magnetization of the noble gas is enhanced by a factor of 6 to 600, allowing near quantum-limited detection of nuclear spins. Collisions between polarized alkali atoms and noble gas also introduce a large shift to the nuclear spin precession frequency. We reduce this effect by using Ramsey pulse techniques to measure the noble gas spin precession frequency ``in the dark'' by turning off the pumping laser between Ramsey pulses. A furthur reduction of the back-hyperpolarization from the noble gas can be achieved by controlling the cell temperature on short time scale. We showed that a 3He-129Xe Ramsey co-magnetometer is effective in cancelling fluctuations of external magnetic fields and gradients and developed cells with sufficient 129Xe T2 time without surface coatings. The new co-magnetometer has potential applications for many precision measurements, such as searches for spin-gravity couplings, electric dipole moments, and nuclear spin gyroscopes. Supported by DARPA.

Effects of the nuclear localization of the N(pro) protein of classical swine fever virus on its virulence in pigs.

PubMed

Li, Yongfeng; Shen, Liang; Sun, Yuan; Wang, Xiao; Li, Chao; Huang, Junhua; Chen, Jianing; Li, Lianfeng; Zhao, Bibo; Luo, Yuzi; Li, Su; Qiu, Hua-Ji

2014-12-05

The N(pro) protein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. However, it is unknown whether the nuclear localization of N(pro) correlates with the virulence of CSFV in the host. Previously, we showed that the N(pro) protein fused with interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) was present only in the cytoplasm. Here, we generated and evaluated a recombinant CSFV vSM-IRF3 harboring the IRF3 gene inserted into the N(pro) gene of the highly virulent CSFV Shimen strain. Compared to the even nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-N(pro) fusion expressed by the recombinant CSFV EGFP-CSFV, vSM-IRF3 expressed an IRF3-N(pro) fusion protein that only was localized in the cytoplasm. vSM-IRF3 was markedly attenuated in vitro and in vivo, and the inoculated pigs were completely protected from lethal CSFV challenge, whereas the parental virus as well as EGFP-CSFV exhibited a typical virulent phenotype. Taken together, the nuclear localization of N(pro) plays a significant role in the CSFV replication and virulence. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experiments on Condensed Matter Nuclear Events in Kobe University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minari, T.; Nishio, R.; Taniike, A.; Furuyama, Y.; Kitamura, A.

2006-02-01

We review three kinds of experimental works underway in our laboratory to investigate nuclear events in solid or liquid materials. The largest effort has been given to experiments to confirm the 7Li(d, n2α) reaction rate enhancement reaching 1015 in liquid lithium which was reported by H. Ikegami and R. Pettersson, Evidence of Enhanced Nonthermal Nuclear Fusion (Bulletin of Institute of Chemistry, BENF No. 3, Uppsala University, Sweden, September 2002). Li liquid droplets are formed as targets, and to keep them as pure as possible, we built a liquid Li loop. Thus far, in all cases of irradiation at the temperature from 520 to 570 K with 10-24 keV deuterons, we have not been able to reproduce the Ikegami enhancement for the 7Li(d, n2α) reaction.

Measuring Long-Range 13C– 13C Correlations on a Surface under Natural Abundance Using Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Enhanced Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance [Measuring Long Range 13C– 13C Correlations on Surface under Natural Abundance Using DNP-enhanced Solid-state NMR

DOE PAGES

Kobayashi, Takeshi; Slowing, Igor I.; Pruski, Marek

2017-10-13

Here, we report that spatial (<1 nm) proximity between different molecules in solid bulk materials and, for the first time, different moieties on the surface of a catalyst, can be established without isotope enrichment by means of homonuclear CHHC solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiment. This 13C– 13C correlation measurement, which hitherto was not possible for natural-abundance solids, was enabled by the use of dynamic nuclear polarization. Importantly, it allows the study of long-range correlations in a variety of materials with high resolution.

Nuclear spin cooling by electric dipole spin resonance and coherent population trapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ai-Xian; Duan, Su-Qing; Zhang, Wei

2017-09-01

Nuclear spin fluctuation suppression is a key issue in preserving electron coherence for quantum information/computation. We propose an efficient way of nuclear spin cooling in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) by the coherent population trapping (CPT) and the electric dipole spin resonance (EDSR) induced by optical fields and ac electric fields. The EDSR can enhance the spin flip-flop rate and may bring out bistability under certain conditions. By tuning the optical fields, we can avoid the EDSR induced bistability and obtain highly polarized nuclear spin state, which results in long electron coherence time. With the help of CPT and EDSR, an enhancement of 1500 times of the electron coherence time can been obtained after a 500 ns preparation time.

Measuring Long-Range 13C– 13C Correlations on a Surface under Natural Abundance Using Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Enhanced Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance [Measuring Long Range 13C– 13C Correlations on Surface under Natural Abundance Using DNP-enhanced Solid-state NMR

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

Kobayashi, Takeshi; Slowing, Igor I.; Pruski, Marek

Here, we report that spatial (<1 nm) proximity between different molecules in solid bulk materials and, for the first time, different moieties on the surface of a catalyst, can be established without isotope enrichment by means of homonuclear CHHC solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiment. This 13C– 13C correlation measurement, which hitherto was not possible for natural-abundance solids, was enabled by the use of dynamic nuclear polarization. Importantly, it allows the study of long-range correlations in a variety of materials with high resolution.

Identification and characterization of an oocyte factor required for development of porcine nuclear transfer embryos

PubMed Central

Miyamoto, Kei; Nagai, Kouhei; Kitamura, Naoya; Nishikawa, Tomoaki; Ikegami, Haruka; Binh, Nguyen T.; Tsukamoto, Satoshi; Matsumoto, Mai; Tsukiyama, Tomoyuki; Minami, Naojiro; Yamada, Masayasu; Ariga, Hiroyoshi; Miyake, Masashi; Kawarasaki, Tatsuo; Matsumoto, Kazuya; Imai, Hiroshi

2011-01-01

Nuclear reprogramming of differentiated cells can be induced by oocyte factors. Despite numerous attempts, these factors and mechanisms responsible for successful reprogramming remain elusive. Here, we identify one such factor, necessary for the development of nuclear transfer embryos, using porcine oocyte extracts in which some reprogramming events are recapitulated. After incubating somatic nuclei in oocyte extracts from the metaphase II stage, the oocyte proteins that were specifically and abundantly incorporated into the nuclei were identified by mass spectrometry. Among 25 identified proteins, we especially focused on a multifunctional protein, DJ-1. DJ-1 is present at a high concentration in oocytes from the germinal vesicle stage until embryos at the four-cell stage. Inhibition of DJ-1 function compromises the development of nuclear transfer embryos but not that of fertilized embryos. Microarray analysis of nuclear transfer embryos in which DJ-1 function is inhibited shows perturbed expression of P53 pathway components. In addition, embryonic arrest of nuclear transfer embryos injected with anti–DJ-1 antibody is rescued by P53 inhibition. We conclude that DJ-1 is an oocyte factor that is required for development of nuclear transfer embryos. This study presents a means for identifying natural reprogramming factors in mammalian oocytes and a unique insight into the mechanisms underlying reprogramming by nuclear transfer. PMID:21482765

Up-stream events in the nuclear factor κB activation cascade in response to sparsely ionizing radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hellweg, Christine E.; Langen, Britta; Klimow, Galina; Ruscher, Roland; Schmitz, Claudia; Baumstark-Khan, Christa; Reitz, Günther

2009-10-01

Radiation is a potentially limiting factor for manned long-term space missions. Prolonged exposure to galactic cosmic rays may shorten the healthy life-span after return to Earth due to cancer induction. During the mission, a solar flare can be life threatening. For better risk estimation and development of appropriate countermeasures, the study of the cellular radiation response is necessary. Since apoptosis may be a mechanism the body uses to eliminate damaged cells, the induction by cosmic radiation of the nuclear anti-apoptotic transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) could influence the cancer risk of astronauts exposed to cosmic radiation by improving the survival of radiation-damaged cells. In previous studies using a screening assay for the detection of NF-κB-dependent gene induction (HEK-pNF-κB-d2EGFP/Neo cells), the activation of this transcription factor by heavy ions was shown [Baumstark-Khan, C., Hellweg, C.E., Arenz, A., Meier, M.M. Cellular monitoring of the nuclear factor kappa B pathway for assessment of space environmental radiation. Radiat. Res. 164, 527-530, 2005]. Studies with NF-κB inhibitors can map functional details of the NF-κB pathway and the influence of radiation-induced NF-κB activation on various cellular outcomes such as survival or cell cycle arrest. In this work, the efficacy and cytotoxicity of four different NF-κB inhibitors, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), capsaicin, the proteasome inhibitor MG-132, and the cell permeable peptide NF-κB SN50 were analyzed using HEK-pNF-κB-d2EGFP/Neo cells. In the recommended concentration range, only CAPE displayed considerable cytotoxicity. CAPE and capsaicin partially inhibited NF-κB activation by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor α. MG-132 completely abolished the activation and was therefore used for experiments with X-rays. NF-κB SN-50 could not reduce NF-κB dependent expression of the reporter destabilized Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (d2EGFP). MG-132 entirely suppressed the X-ray induced NF-κB activation in HEK-pNF-κB-d2EGFP/Neo cells. In conclusion, the degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) in the proteasome is essential for X-ray induced NF-κB activation, and MG-132 will be useful in studies of the NF-κB pathway involvement in the cellular response to heavy ion exposure and other space-relevant radiation qualities.

Factors affecting the development of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in Cattle.

PubMed

Akagi, Satoshi; Matsukawa, Kazutsugu; Takahashi, Seiya

2014-01-01

Nuclear transfer is a complex multistep procedure that includes oocyte maturation, cell cycle synchronization of donor cells, enucleation, cell fusion, oocyte activation and embryo culture. Therefore, many factors are believed to contribute to the success of embryo development following nuclear transfer. Numerous attempts to improve cloning efficiency have been conducted since the birth of the first sheep by somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, the efficiency of somatic cell cloning has remained low, and applications have been limited. In this review, we discuss some of the factors that affect the developmental ability of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in cattle.

Transforming growth factor-β stimulates the expression of eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 and its promoter activity through binding site for nuclear factor-κB in airway smooth muscle cells

PubMed Central

Matsukura, S.; Odaka, M.; Kurokawa, M.; Kuga, H.; Homma, T.; Takeuchi, H.; Notomi, K.; Kokubu, F.; Kawaguchi, M.; Schleimer, R. P.; Johnson, M. W.; Adachi, M.

2013-01-01

Summary Background Chemokines ligands of CCR3 including eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. These chemokines and a growth factor (TGF-β) may be involved in the process of airway remodelling. Objective We analysed the effects of TGF-β on the expression of CCR3 ligands in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells and investigated the mechanisms. Methods HASM cells were cultured and treated with TGF-β and Th2 cytokines IL-4 or IL-13. Expression of mRNA was analysed by real-time PCR. Secretion of CCL11 into the culture medium was analysed by ELISA. Transcriptional regulation of CCL11 was analysed by luciferase assay using CCL11 promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids. Results IL-4 or IL-13 significantly up-regulated the expression of mRNAs for CCL11 and CCL26. TGF-β alone did not increase the expression of chemokine mRNAs, but enhanced the induction of only CCL11 by IL-4 or IL-13 among CCR3 ligands. Activity of the CCL11 promoter was stimulated by IL-4, and this activity was enhanced by TGF-β. Activation by IL-4 or IL-4 plus TGF-β was lost by mutation of the binding site for signal transducers and activators of transcription-6 (STAT6) in the promoter. Cooperative activation by IL-4 and TGF-β was inhibited by mutation of the binding site for nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the promoter. Pretreatment with an inhibitor of NF-κB and glucocorticoid fluticasone propionate significantly inhibited the expression of CCL11 mRNA induced by IL-4 plus TGF-β, indicating the importance of NF-κB in the cooperative activation of CCL11 transcription by TGF-β and IL-4. Conclusion These results indicate that Th2 cytokines and TGF-β may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma by stimulating expression of CCL11. The transcription factors STAT6 and NF-κB may play pivotal roles in this process. PMID:20214667

Transforming growth factor-β stimulates the expression of eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 and its promoter activity through binding site for nuclear factor-κβ in airway smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Matsukura, S; Odaka, M; Kurokawa, M; Kuga, H; Homma, T; Takeuchi, H; Notomi, K; Kokubu, F; Kawaguchi, M; Schleimer, R P; Johnson, M W; Adachi, M

2010-05-01

Chemokines ligands of CCR3 including eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. These chemokines and a growth factor (TGF-beta) may be involved in the process of airway remodelling. We analysed the effects of TGF-beta on the expression of CCR3 ligands in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells and investigated the mechanisms. HASM cells were cultured and treated with TGF-beta and Th2 cytokines IL-4 or IL-13. Expression of mRNA was analysed by real-time PCR. Secretion of CCL11 into the culture medium was analysed by ELISA. Transcriptional regulation of CCL11 was analysed by luciferase assay using CCL11 promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids. IL-4 or IL-13 significantly up-regulated the expression of mRNAs for CCL11 and CCL26. TGF-beta alone did not increase the expression of chemokine mRNAs, but enhanced the induction of only CCL11 by IL-4 or IL-13 among CCR3 ligands. Activity of the CCL11 promoter was stimulated by IL-4, and this activity was enhanced by TGF-beta. Activation by IL-4 or IL-4 plus TGF-beta was lost by mutation of the binding site for signal transducers and activators of transcription-6 (STAT6) in the promoter. Cooperative activation by IL-4 and TGF-beta was inhibited by mutation of the binding site for nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the promoter. Pretreatment with an inhibitor of NF-kappaB and glucocorticoid fluticasone propionate significantly inhibited the expression of CCL11 mRNA induced by IL-4 plus TGF-beta, indicating the importance of NF-kappaB in the cooperative activation of CCL11 transcription by TGF-beta and IL-4. These results indicate that Th2 cytokines and TGF-beta may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma by stimulating expression of CCL11. The transcription factors STAT6 and NF-kappaB may play pivotal roles in this process.

Sulforaphane enhances the activity of the Nrf2-ARE pathway and attenuates inflammation in OxyHb-induced rat vascular smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Zhao, X-D; Zhou, Y-T; Lu, X-J

2013-09-01

A growing body of evidence indicates that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway plays a protective role in many physiological stress processes such as inflammatory damage, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of toxic metabolites, which are all involved in the cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We hypothesized that the Nrf2-ARE pathway might have a protective role in cerebral vasospasm following SAH. In our study, we investigate whether the oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) can induce the activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and evaluate the modulatory effects of sulforaphane (SUL) on OxyHb-induced inflammation in VSMCs. As a result, both the protein level and the mRNA level of the nuclear Nrf2 were significantly increased, while the mRNA levels of two Nrf2-regulated gene products, both heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1, were also up-regulated in VSMCs induced with OxyHb. A marked increase of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α release was observed at 48 h after cells were treated with OxyHb. SUL enhanced the activity of the Nrf2-ARE pathway and suppressed cytokine release. Our results indicate that the Nrf2-ARE pathway was activated in OxyHb-induced VSMCs. SUL suppressed cytokine release via the activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway in OxyHb-induced VSMCs.

Capsicum annuum homeobox 1 (CaHB1) is a nuclear factor that has roles in plant development, salt tolerance, and pathogen defense.

PubMed

Oh, Sang-Keun; Yoon, Joonseon; Choi, Gyung Ja; Jang, Hyun A; Kwon, Suk-Yoon; Choi, Doil

2013-12-06

Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) family proteins are unique to plants, but little is known about their role in defense responses. CaHB1 is a nuclear factor in peppers, belonging to subfamily II of HD-Zip proteins. Here, we determined the role of CaHB1 in the defense response. CaHB1 expression was induced when pepper plants were challenged with Phytophthora capsici, a plant pathogen to which peppers are susceptible, or environmental stresses such as drought and salt stimuli. CaHB1 was also highly expressed in pepper leaves following application of SA, whereas ethephon and MeJA had a moderate effect. To further investigate the function of CaHB1 in plants, we performed gain-of-function study by overexpression of CaHB1 in tomato. CaHB1-transgenic tomatoes showed significant growth enhancement including increased leaf thickness and enlarged cell size (1.8-fold larger than control plants). Microscopic analysis revealed that leaves from CaHB1-transgenic plants had thicker cell walls and cuticle layers than those from controls. Moreover, CaHB1-transgenic plants displayed enhanced resistance against Phytophthora infestans and increased tolerance to salt stress. Additionally, RT-PCR analysis of CaHB1-transgenic tomatoes revealed constitutive up-regulation of multiple genes involved in plant defense and osmotic stress. Therefore, our findings suggest roles for CaHB1 in development, salt stress, and pathogen defense. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mild Hypothermia Attenuates Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress by Protecting Respiratory Enzymes and Upregulating MnSOD in a Pig Model of Cardiac Arrest

PubMed Central

Gong, Ping; Li, Chun-Sheng; Hua, Rong; Zhao, Hong; Tang, Zi-Ren; Mei, Xue; Zhang, Ming-Yue; Cui, Juan

2012-01-01

Mild hypothermia is the only effective treatment confirmed clinically to improve neurological outcomes for comatose patients with cardiac arrest. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. In this study, our aim was to determine the effect of mild hypothermia on mitochondrial oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex. We intravascularly induced mild hypothermia (33°C), maintained this temperature for 12 h, and actively rewarmed in the inbred Chinese Wuzhishan minipigs successfully resuscitated after 8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation. Cerebral samples were collected at 24 and 72 h following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We found that mitochondrial malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were significantly increased in the cerebral cortex in normothermic pigs even at 24 h after ROSC, whereas mild hypothermia attenuated this increase. Moreover, mild hypothermia attenuated the decrease in Complex I and Complex III (i.e., major sites of reactive oxygen species production) activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and increased antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity. This increase in MnSOD activity was consistent with the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA and protein expressions, and with the increase of Nrf2 nuclear translocation in normothermic pigs at 24 and 72 h following ROSC, whereas mild hypothermia enhanced these tendencies. Thus, our findings indicate that mild hypothermia attenuates mitochondrial oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex, which may be associated with reduced impairment of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, and enhancement of MnSOD activity and expression via Nrf2 activation. PMID:22532848

Apolipoprotein CIII-induced THP-1 cell adhesion to endothelial cells involves pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein- and protein kinase C alpha-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB activation.

PubMed

Kawakami, Akio; Aikawa, Masanori; Nitta, Noriko; Yoshida, Masayuki; Libby, Peter; Sacks, Frank M

2007-01-01

Plasma apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) independently predicts risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). We recently reported that apoCIII directly enhances adhesion of human monocytes to endothelial cells (ECs), and identified the activation of PKC alpha as a necessary upstream event of enhanced monocyte adhesion. This study tested the hypothesis that apoCIII activates PKC alpha in human monocytic THP-1 cells, leading to NF-kappaB activation. Among inhibitors specific to PKC activators, phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor D609 limited apoCIII-induced PKC alpha activation and THP-1 cell adhesion. ApoCIII increased PC-PLC activity in THP-1 cells, resulting in PKC alpha activation. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited apoCIII-induced PC-PLC activation and subsequent PKC alpha activation, implicating PTX-sensitive G protein pathway. ApoCIII further activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) through PKC alpha in THP-1 cells and augmented beta1-integrin expression. The NF-kappaB inhibitor peptide SN50 partially inhibited apoCIII-induced beta1-integrin expression and THP-1 cell adhesion. ApoCIII-rich VLDL had similar effects to apoCIII alone. PTX-sensitive G protein pathway participates critically in PKC alpha stimulation in THP-1 cells exposed to apoCIII, activating NF-kappaB, and increasing beta1-integrin. This action causes monocytic cells to adhere to endothelial cells. Furthermore, because leukocyte NF-kappaB activation contributes to inflammatory aspects of atherogenesis, apoCIII may stimulate diverse inflammatory responses through monocyte activation.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure enhances inflammatory response and inhibits effect of antioxidant in RAW 264.7 cells.

PubMed

Kim, Soo Jeong; Jang, Ye Won; Hyung, Kyung Eun; Lee, Da Kyoung; Hyun, Kee Hyeob; Jeong, Seung Hwarn; Min, Kyung Hoon; Kang, Wonku; Jeong, Ji Hoon; Park, So-Young; Hwang, Kwang Woo

2017-07-01

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and variety of electronic devices that emit electromagnetic waves. Because people live and work in close proximity to these pieces of electrical equipment, there is growing concern surrounding the destruction of homeostasis by electromagnetic field exposure. In the present study, the effects of 60 Hz 0.8 mT extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on a macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) were examined. Under defined ELF-EMF exposure conditions, the production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were increased in RAW 264.7 cells and the expression of those genes was also upregulated. However, cell proliferation was not altered. Translocation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B), molecules that act downstream of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, were increased to the nucleus under ELF-EMF exposure conditions. In addition, we found that ELF-EMF exposure elevated activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) 2, as well as positively affected the influx of calcium. Furthermore, with both the presence of a potent antioxidant (Resveratrol) and downregulation of the antioxidant-related gene Prx-1 (Peroxiredoxin-1), ELF-EMF was associated with higher inflammatory responses of macrophages. These results suggest that an ELF-EMF amplifies inflammatory responses through enhanced macrophage activation and can decrease the effectiveness of antioxidants. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:374-385, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Advanced glycation end products and the progressive course of renal disease.

PubMed

Heidland, A; Sebekova, K; Schinzel, R

2001-10-01

In experimental and human diabetic nephropathy (DN), it has been shown that advanced glycation end products (AGEs), in particular, carboxymethyl-lysine and pentosidine, accumulate with malondialdehyde in glomerular lesions in relation to disease severity and in the presence of an upregulated receptor for AGE (RAGE) in podocytes. Toxic effects of AGEs result from structural and functional alterations in plasma and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, in particular, from cross-linking of proteins and interaction of AGEs with their receptors and/or binding proteins. In mesangial and endothelial cells, the AGE-RAGE interaction caused enhanced formation of oxygen radicals with subsequent activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha), growth factors (transforming growth factor-beta1 [TGF-beta1], insulin-like growth factor-1), and adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1). In tubular cells, incubation with AGE albumin was followed by stimulation of the mitogen-activating protein (MAP) kinase pathway and its downstream target, the activating protien-1 (AP-1) complex, TGF-beta1 overexpression, enhanced protein kinase C activity, decreased cell proliferation, and impaired protein degradation rate, in part caused by decreased cathepsin activities. The pathogenic relevance of AGEs was further verified by in vivo experiments in euglycemic rats and mice by the parenteral administration of AGE albumin, leading in the glomeruli to TGF-beta1 overproduction, enhanced gene expression of ECM proteins, and morphological lesions similar to those of DN. Evidence for the pathogenic relevance of AGEs in DN also comes from experimental studies in which the formation and/or action of AGEs was modulated by aminoguanidine, OPB-9195, pyridoxamine, soluble RAGEs, serine protease trypsin, and antioxidants, resulting in improved cell and/or renal function.

10 CFR 810.7 - Generally authorized activities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... determined that the following activities are generally authorized, provided no sensitive nuclear technology... continuing programs, to enhance the operational safety of an existing civilian nuclear power plant in a... off-site population posed by a civilian nuclear power plant in such a country; provided the Department...

10 CFR 810.7 - Generally authorized activities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... determined that the following activities are generally authorized, provided no sensitive nuclear technology... continuing programs, to enhance the operational safety of an existing civilian nuclear power plant in a... off-site population posed by a civilian nuclear power plant in such a country; provided the Department...

Diabetes-induced hepatic pathogenic damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance was exacerbated in zinc deficient mouse model.

PubMed

Zhang, Chi; Lu, Xuemian; Tan, Yi; Li, Bing; Miao, Xiao; Jin, Litai; Shi, Xue; Zhang, Xiang; Miao, Lining; Li, Xiaokun; Cai, Lu

2012-01-01

Zinc (Zn) deficiency often occurs in the patients with diabetes. Effects of Zn deficiency on diabetes-induced hepatic injury were investigated. Type 1 diabetes was induced in FVB mice with multiple low-dose streptozotocin. Hyperglycemic and age-matched control mice were treated with and without Zn chelator, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylemethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN), at 5 mg/kg body-weight daily for 4 months. Hepatic injury was examined by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level and liver histopathological and biochemical changes. Hepatic Zn deficiency (lower than control level, p<0.05) was seen in the mice with either diabetes or TPEN treatment and more evident in the mice with both diabetes and TPEN. Zn deficiency exacerbated hepatic injuries, shown by further increased serum ALT, hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, oxidative damage, and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related cell death in Diabetes/TPEN group compared to Diabetes alone. Diabetes/TPEN group also showed a significant decrease in nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and transcription action along with significant increases in Akt negative regulators, decrease in Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation, and increase in nuclear accumulation of Fyn (a Nrf2 negative regulator). In vitro study with HepG2 cells showed that apoptotic effect of TPEN at 0.5-1.0 µM could be completely prevented by simultaneous Zn supplementation at the dose range of 30-50 µM. Zn is required for maintaining Akt activation by inhibiting the expression of Akt negative regulators; Akt activation can inhibit Fyn nuclear translocation to export nuclear Nrf2 to cytoplasm for degradation. Zn deficiency significantly enhanced diabetes-induced hepatic injury likely through down-regulation of Nrf2 function.

Overexpression of OsRAN2 in rice and Arabidopsis renders transgenic plants hypersensitive to salinity and osmotic stress

PubMed Central

Zang, Aiping; Xu, Xiaojie; Neill, Steven; Cai, Weiming

2010-01-01

Nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning of regulatory proteins is increasingly being recognized as a major control mechanism for the regulation of signalling in plants. Ras-related nuclear protein (Ran) GTPase is required for regulating transport of proteins and RNA across the nuclear envelope and also has roles in mitotic spindle assembly and nuclear envelope (NE) assembly. However, thus far little is known of any Ran functions in the signalling pathways in plants in response to changing environmental stimuli. The OsRAN2 gene, which has high homology (77% at the amino acid level) with its human counterpart, was isolated here. Subcellular localization results showed that OsRan2 is mainly localized in the nucleus, with some in the cytoplasm. Transcription of OsRAN2 was reduced by salt, osmotic, and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatments, as determined by real-time PCR. Overexpression of OsRAN2 in rice resulted in enhanced sensitivity to salinity, osmotic stress, and ABA. Seedlings of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing OsRAN2 were overly sensitive to salinity stress and exogenous ABA treatment. Furthermore, three ABA- or stress-responsive genes, AtNCED3, AtPLC1, and AtMYB2, encoding a key enzyme in ABA synthesis, a phospholipase C homologue, and a putative transcriptional factor, respectively, were shown to have differentially induced expression under salinity and ABA treatments in transgenic and wild-type Arabidopsis plants. OsRAN2 overexpression in tobacco epidermal leaf cells disturbed the nuclear import of a maize (Zea mays L.) leaf colour transcription factor (Lc). In addition, gene-silenced rice plants generated via RNA interference (RNAi) displayed pleiotropic developmental abnormalities and were male sterile. PMID:20018899

C/EBPβ (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β) mediates progesterone production through transcriptional regulation in co-operation with SF-1 (steroidogenic factor-1).

PubMed

Mizutani, Tetsuya; Ju, Yunfeng; Imamichi, Yoshitaka; Osaki, Tsukasa; Yazawa, Takashi; Kawabe, Shinya; Ishikane, Shin; Matsumura, Takehiro; Kanno, Masafumi; Kamiki, Yasue; Kimura, Kohei; Minamino, Naoto; Miyamoto, Kaoru

2014-06-15

The transcription factor SF-1 (steroidogenic factor-1) is a master regulator of steroidogenesis. Previously, we have found that SF-1 induces the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into steroidogenic cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SF-1-mediated functions, we attempted to identify protein components of the SF-1 nuclear protein complex in differentiated cells. SF-1 immunoaffinity chromatography followed by MS/MS analysis was performed, and 24 proteins were identified. Among these proteins, we focused on C/EBPβ (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β), which is an essential transcription factor for ovulation and luteinization, as the transcriptional mechanisms of C/EBPβ working together with SF-1 are poorly understood. C/EBPβ knockdown attenuated cAMP-induced progesterone production in granulosa tumour-derived KGN cells by altering STAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein), CYP11A1 (cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1) and HSD3B2 (hydroxy-δ-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3β- and steroid δ-isomerase 2) expression. EMSA and ChIP assays revealed novel C/EBPβ-binding sites in the upstream regions of the HSD3B2 and CYP11A1 genes. These interactions were enhanced by cAMP stimulation. Luciferase assays showed that C/EBPβ-responsive regions were found in each promoter and C/EBPβ is involved in the cAMP-induced transcriptional activity of these genes together with SF-1. These results indicate that C/EBPβ is an important mediator of progesterone production by working together with SF-1, especially under tropic hormone-stimulated conditions.

Nuclear location of a chromatin insulator in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Xu, Qinghao; Li, Mo; Adams, Jessica; Cai, Haini N

2004-03-01

Chromatin-related functions are associated with spatial organization in the nucleus. We have investigated the relationship between the enhancer-blocking activity and subnuclear localization of the Drosophila melanogaster suHw insulator. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization, we observed that genomic loci containing the gypsy retrotransposon were distributed closer to the nuclear periphery than regions without the gypsy retrotransposon. However, transgenes containing a functional 340 bp suHw insulator did not exhibit such biased distribution towards the nuclear periphery, which suggests that the suHw insulator sequence is not responsible for the peripheral localization of the gypsy retrotransposon. Antibody stains showed that the two proteins essential for the suHw insulator activity, SUHW and MOD(MDG4), are not restricted to the nuclear periphery. The enhancer-blocking activity of suHw remained intact under the heat shock conditions, which was shown to disrupt the association of gypsy, SUHW and MOD(MDG4) with the nuclear periphery. Our results indicate that the suHw insulator can function in the nuclear interior, possibly through local interactions with chromatin components or other nuclear structures.

Tumor necrosis factor-α promotes the lymphangiogenesis of gallbladder carcinoma through nuclear factor-κB-mediated upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-C

PubMed Central

Du, Qiang; Jiang, Lei; Wang, Xiaoqian; Wang, Meiping; She, Feifei; Chen, Yanling

2014-01-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C is an important lymphangiogenic factor involved in the lymphangiogenesis of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and the lymph node metastasis of the tumor. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a key inflammatory cytokine responding to chronic inflammation of GBC, has been reported to stimulate the expression of VEGF-C in some nonneoplastic cells. But whether TNF-α promotes the expression of VEGF-C in GBC has yet to be determined. Therefore, in the present study, the concentration of TNF-α and VEGF-C and the lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in the clinical GBC specimens were analyzed, and a linear correlation was found between the concentration of TNF-α and that of VEGF-C, the lymphatic vessel density (LVD); The transcription and protein level of VEGF-C in NOZ cell line were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and TNF-α enhanced the expression of VEGF-C in NOZ cell lines in a dose and time-dependent manner. Lymphatic tube formation in vitro was observed in a three-dimensional coculture system consisting of HDLECs and NOZ cell lines, and lymphatic vessels of GBC in nude mice model was detected by immunohistochemistry. TNF-α promoted the tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro and the lymphangiogenesis of GBC in nude mice; The nuclear factor (NF)-κB binding site on the VEGF-C promoter was identified using Site-directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). Taken together, TNF-α can upregulate the expression of VEGF-C and promote the lymphangiogenesis of GBC via NF-κB combining with the promoter of VEGF-C. PMID:25154789

Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 is a major determinant of bile acid homeostasis in the liver and intestine

PubMed Central

Weerachayaphorn, Jittima; Mennone, Albert; Soroka, Carol J.; Harry, Kathy; Hagey, Lee R.; Kensler, Thomas W.

2012-01-01

The transcription factor nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator for induction of hepatic detoxification and antioxidant mechanisms, as well as for certain hepatobiliary transporters. To examine the role of Nrf2 in bile acid homeostasis and cholestasis, we assessed the determinants of bile secretion and bile acid synthesis and transport before and after bile duct ligation (BDL) in Nrf2−/− mice. Our findings indicate reduced rates of biliary bile acid and GSH excretion, higher levels of intrahepatic bile acids, and decreased expression of regulators of bile acid synthesis, Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1, in Nrf2−/− compared with wild-type control mice. The mRNA expression of the bile acid transporters bile salt export pump (Bsep) and organic solute transporter (Ostα) were increased in the face of impaired expression of the multidrug resistance-associated proteins Mrp3 and Mrp4. Deletion of Nrf2 also decreased ileal apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (Asbt) expression, leading to reduced bile acid reabsorption and increased loss of bile acid in feces. Finally, when cholestasis is induced by BDL, liver injury was not different from that in wild-type BDL mice. These Nrf2−/− mice also had increased pregnane X receptor (Pxr) and Cyp3a11 mRNA expression in association with enhanced hepatic bile acid hydroxylation. In conclusion, this study finds that Nrf2 plays a major role in the regulation of bile acid homeostasis in the liver and intestine. Deletion of Nrf2 results in a cholestatic phenotype but does not augment liver injury following BDL. PMID:22345550

What Happens to Deterrence as Nuclear Weapons Decrease Toward Zero?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drell, Sidney

2011-04-01

Steps reducing reliance on deployed nuclear weapons en route to zero will be discussed. They include broadly enhancing cooperation and transparency agreements beyond the provisions for verifying limits on deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems in the New START treaty. Two questions that will be addressed are: What conditions would have to be established in order to maintain strategic stability among nations as nuclear weapons recede in importance? What would nuclear deterrence be like in a world without nuclear weapons?

Differential Sox10 Genomic Occupancy in Myelinating Glia

PubMed Central

Lopez-Anido, Camila; Sun, Guannan; Koenning, Matthias; Srinivasan, Rajini; Hung, Holly A.; Emery, Ben; Keles, Sunduz; Svaren, John

2015-01-01

Myelin is formed by specialized myelinating glia: oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively. While there are distinct developmental aspects and regulatory pathways in these two cell types, myelination in both systems requires the transcriptional activator Sox10. Sox10 interacts with cell type-specific transcription factors at some loci to induce myelin gene expression, but it is largely unknown how Sox10 transcriptional networks globally compare between oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. We used in vivo ChIP-Seq analysis of spinal cord and peripheral nerve (sciatic nerve) to identify unique and shared Sox10 binding sites and assess their correlation with active enhancers and transcriptional profiles in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. Sox10 binding sites overlap with active enhancers and critical cell type-specific regulators of myelination, such as Olig2 and Myrf in oligodendrocytes, and Egr2/Krox20 in Schwann cells. Sox10 sites also associate with genes critical for myelination in both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, and are found within super-enhancers previously defined in brain. In Schwann cells, Sox10 sites contain binding motifs of putative partners in the Sp/Klf, Tead, and nuclear receptor protein families. Specifically, siRNA analysis of nuclear receptors Nr2f1 and Nr2f2 revealed downregulation of myelin genes Mbp and Ndrg1 in primary Schwann cells. Our analysis highlights different mechanisms that establish cell type-specific genomic occupancy of Sox10, which reflects the unique characteristics of oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell differentiation. PMID:25974668

Nuclear magnetic resonance of laser-polarized noble gases in molecules, materials and organisms

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

Goodson, Boyd McLean

1999-12-01

Conventional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are fundamentally challenged by the insensitivity that stems from the ordinarily low spin polarization achievable in even the strongest NMR magnets. However, by transferring angular momentum from laser light to electronic and nuclear spins, optical pumping methods can increase the nuclear spin polarization of noble gases by several orders of magnitude, thereby greatly enhancing their NMR sensitivity. This dissertation is primarily concerned with the principles and practice of optically pumped nuclear magnetic resonance (OPNMR). The enormous sensitivity enhancement afforded by optical pumping noble gases can be exploited to permitmore » a variety of novel NMR experiments across many disciplines. Many such experiments are reviewed, including the void-space imaging of organisms and materials, NMR and MRI of living tissues, probing structure and dynamics of molecules in solution and on surfaces, and zero-field NMR and MRI.« less

Solar System Exploration Augmented by In-Situ Resource Utilization: Human Mercury and Saturn Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palaszewski, Bryan

2015-01-01

Human and robotic missions to Mercury and Saturn are presented and analyzed. Unique elements of the local planetary environments are discussed and included in the analyses and assessments. Using historical studies of space exploration, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and industrialization all point to the vastness of natural resources in the solar system. Advanced propulsion benefitted from these resources in many way. While advanced propulsion systems were proposed in these historical studies, further investigation of nuclear options using high power nuclear thermal and nuclear pulse propulsion as well as advanced chemical propulsion can significantly enhance these scenarios. Updated analyses based on these historical visions will be presented. Nuclear thermal propulsion and ISRU enhanced chemical propulsion landers are assessed for Mercury missions. At Saturn, nuclear pulse propulsion with alternate propellant feed systems and Titan exploration with chemical propulsion options are discussed.

Fuel bundle design for enhanced usage of plutonium fuel

DOEpatents

Reese, Anthony P.; Stachowski, Russell E.

1995-01-01

A nuclear fuel bundle includes a square array of fuel rods each having a concentration of enriched uranium and plutonium. Each rod of an interior array of the rods also has a concentration of gadolinium. The interior array of rods is surrounded by an exterior array of rods void of gadolinium. By this design, usage of plutonium in the nuclear reactor is enhanced.

Fuel bundle design for enhanced usage of plutonium fuel

DOEpatents

Reese, A.P.; Stachowski, R.E.

1995-08-08

A nuclear fuel bundle includes a square array of fuel rods each having a concentration of enriched uranium and plutonium. Each rod of an interior array of the rods also has a concentration of gadolinium. The interior array of rods is surrounded by an exterior array of rods void of gadolinium. By this design, usage of plutonium in the nuclear reactor is enhanced. 10 figs.

Functional characterization of transcription factor binding sites for HNF1-alpha, HNF3-beta (FOXA2), HNF4-alpha, Sp1 and Sp3 in the human prothrombin gene enhancer.

PubMed

Ceelie, H; Spaargaren-Van Riel, C C; De Jong, M; Bertina, R M; Vos, H L

2003-08-01

Prothrombin is a key component in blood coagulation. Overexpression of prothrombin leads to an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Therefore, the study of the transcriptional regulation of the prothrombin gene may help to identify mechanisms of overexpression. The aim of our study was to localize the regions within the prothrombin enhancer responsible for its activity, to identify the proteins binding to these regions, and to establish their functional importance. We constructed a set of prothrombin promoter 5' deletion constructs containing the firefly luciferase reporter gene, which were transiently transfected in HepG2, HuH7 and HeLa cells. Putative transcription factor (TF) binding sites were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The functional importance of each TF binding site was evaluated by site directed mutagenesis and transient transfection of the mutant constructs. We confirmed the major contribution of the enhancer region to the transcriptional activity of the prothrombin promoter. Analysis of this region revealed putative binding sites for hepatocyte nuclear factor HNF4, HNF3-beta and specificity protein(Sp)1. We identified six different TFs binding to three evolutionary conserved sites in the enhancer: HNF4-alpha (site 1), HNF1-alpha, HNF3-beta and an as yet unidentified TF (site 2) and the ubiquitously expressed TFs Sp1 and Sp3 (site 3). Mutagenesis studies showed that loss of binding of HNF3-beta resulted in a considerable decrease of enhancer activity, whereas loss of HNF4-alpha or Sp1/Sp3 resulted in milder reductions. The prothrombin enhancer plays a major role in regulation of prothrombin expression. Six different TFs are able to bind to this region. At least three of these TFs, HNF4-alpha, HNF3-beta and Sp1/Sp3, are important in regulation of prothrombin expression.

Negative modulation of the chicken infectious anemia virus promoter by COUP-TF1 and an E box-like element at the transcription start site binding deltaEF1.

PubMed

Miller, Myrna M; Jarosinski, Keith W; Schat, Karel A

2008-12-01

Expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under control of the promoter-enhancer of chicken infectious anemia virus (CAV) is increased in an oestrogen receptor-enhanced cell line when treated with oestrogen and the promoter-enhancer binds unidentified proteins that recognize a consensus oestrogen response element (ERE). Co-transfection assays with the CAV promoter and the nuclear receptor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor 1 (COUP-TF1) showed that expression of EGFP was decreased by 50 to 60 % in DF-1 and LMH cells. The CAV promoter that included sequences at and downstream of the transcription start point had less expression than a short promoter construct. Mutation of a putative E box at this site restored expression levels. Electromobility shift assays showed that the transcription regulator delta-EF1 (deltaEF1) binds to this E box region. These findings indicate that the CAV promoter activity can be affected directly or indirectly by COUP-TF1 and deltaEF1.

Baculovirus p35 gene is oppositely regulated by P53 and AP-1 like factors in Spodoptera frugiperda

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

Mohareer, Krishnaveni; Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500046; Sahdev, Sudhir

2011-11-04

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Baculovirus p35 is regulated by both viral and host factors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Baculovirus p35 is negatively regulated by SfP53-like factor. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Baculovirus p35 is positively regulated by SfAP-1-like factor. -- Abstract: Baculovirus p35 belongs to the early class of genes of AcMNPV and requires viral factors like Immediate Early protein-1 for its transcription. To investigate the role of host factors in regulating p35 gene expression, the putative transcription factor binding sites were examined in silico and the role of these factors in influencing the transcription of p35 gene was assessed. We focused our studies on AP-1 and P53-like factors,more » which are activated under oxidative stress conditions. The AP-1 motif is located at -1401 while P53 motif is at -1912 relative to p35 translation start site. The predicted AP-1 and P53 elements formed specific complexes with Spodoptera frugiperda nuclear extracts. Both AP-1 and P53 motif binding proteins were down regulated as a function of AcMNPV infection in Spodoptera cells. To address the question whether during an oxidative outburst, the p35 transcription is enhanced; we investigated the role of these oxidative stress induced host transcription factors in influencing p35 gene transcription. Reporter assays revealed that AP-1 element enhances the transcription of p35 by a factor of two. Interestingly, P53 element appears to repress the transcription of p35 gene.« less

5-Hydroxy-3,6,7,8,3'4'-hexamethoxyflavone inhibits nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia via NF-κB suppression and Nrf-2-dependent heme oxygenase-1 induction.

PubMed

Kang, Chang-Hee; Kim, Min Jeong; Seo, Min Jeong; Choi, Yung Hyun; Jo, Wol Soon; Lee, Kyung-Tae; Jeong, Yong Kee; Kim, Gi-Young

2013-07-01

In this study, we found that 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,3'4'-hexamethoxyflavone (5HHMF) from Hizikia fusiforme considerably inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NO production by suppressing the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in BV2 microglia. In addition, 5HHMF blocked LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκB, resulting in suppression of the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits, namely p65 and p50, which are important molecules involved in the regulation of iNOS expression. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a specific NF-κB inhibitor, along with 20S proteasome inhibitor (PSI) significantly inhibited LPS-induced iNOS expression, which indirectly suggested that 5HHMF downregulated iNOS expression by suppressing NF-κB activity. Thus, we found that 5HHMF enhances heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression via nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. In addition, cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), a specific HO-1 inducer, predominantly suppressed LPS-induced NO production. In contrast, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a specific HO-1 inhibitor, showed a partial suppressive effect of 5HHMF on LPS-induced NO production. Further, 5HHMF increased specific DNA-binding activity of Nrf2, and transient knockdown with Nrf2 siRNA subsequently reversed 5HHMF-induced NO inhibition, which was followed by suppression of HO-1 activity. Taken together, our findings indicate that 5HHMF suppresses NO production through modulation of iNOS, consequently suppressing NF-κB activity and induction of Nrf2-dependent HO-1 activity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Toll-like receptor 4 promotes proliferation and apoptosis resistance in human papillomavirus-related cervical cancer cells through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB pathway.

PubMed

Jiang, Ninghong; Xie, Feng; Guo, Qisang; Li, Ming-Qing; Xiao, Jingjing; Sui, Long

2017-06-01

Toll-like receptor 4 is overexpressed in various tumors, including cervical carcinoma. However, the role of Toll-like receptor 4 in cervical cancer remains controversial, and the underlying mechanisms are largely elusive. Therefore, Toll-like receptor 4 in cervical cancer and related mechanisms were investigated in this study. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to detect messenger RNA and protein levels in HeLa, Caski, and C33A cells with different treatments. Proliferation was quantified using Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Higher levels of Toll-like receptor 4 expression were found in human papillomavirus-positive cells compared to human papillomavirus-negative cells. Proliferation of HeLa and Caski cells was promoted in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated groups but suppressed in short hairpin RNA-transfected groups. Apoptosis rates were lower in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated groups relative to short hairpin RNA-transfected groups. In addition, G2-phase distribution was enhanced when Toll-like receptor 4 was downregulated. Moreover, the pNF-κBp65 level was positively correlated with the Toll-like receptor 4 level in HeLa and Caski cells, though when an nuclear factor-κB inhibitor was applied to lipopolysaccharide-stimulated groups, the patterns of proliferation and apoptosis were opposite to those of the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated groups without inhibitor treatment. In conclusion, these data suggest that Toll-like receptor 4 promotes proliferation and apoptosis resistance in human papillomavirus-related cervical cancer cells at least in part through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB pathway, which may be correlated with the occurrence and development of cervical carcinoma.

Defense mechanism of heme oxygenase-1 against cytotoxic and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand inducing effects of hydrogen peroxide in human periodontal ligament cells.

PubMed

Pi, S-H; Kim, S-C; Kim, H-T; Lee, H-J; Lee, S-K; Kim, E-C

2007-08-01

Although induction of heme oxygenase-1 by H2O2 has been reported, the protective role of heme oxygenase-1 against the cytotoxic and osteoclastogenic effects of H2O2 have not been elucidated in human periodontal ligament cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the defense mechanism of heme oxygenase-1 on H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and to analyze the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin as markers for osteoclast differentiation in periodontal ligament cells. Using human periodontal ligament cells, cytotoxicity was measured by the 3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and expression of heme oxygenase-1, RANKL, and osteoprotegerin mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. H2O2 produced a cytotoxic effect by reducing the cell viability and enhancing the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and RANKL mRNAs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Additional experiments revealed that heme oxygenase-1 inducer (hemin), a membrane-permeable cGMP analog (8-bromo-cGMP), carbon monoxide, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, protein kinase inhibitor (KT5823), and nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) also blocked the effects of H2O2 on cell viability and RANKL mRNA expression in periodontal ligament cells. These data suggest that heme oxygenase-1 induction plays a protective role in periodontal ligament cells against the cytotoxic and RANKL-inducing effects of H2O2, through multiple signaling pathways.

The Protective Effect of Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Chronic Liver Fibrosis in Mice via Upregulation of Nrf2

PubMed Central

Chen, Shaoru; Zou, Liyi; Li, Li; Wu, Tie

2013-01-01

This study was designed to investigate the potentially protective effects of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and the role of transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2(NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling in the regulation of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice. The potentially protective effects of GA on CCl4-induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice were depicted histologically and biochemically. Firstly, histopathological changes including regenerative nodules, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis were induced by CCl4.Then, CCl4 administration caused a marked increase in the levels of serum aminotransferases (GOT, GPT), serum monoamine oxidase (MAO) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) as well as MAO in the mice liver homogenates. Also, decreased nuclear Nrf2 expression, mRNA levels of its target genes such as superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2), and activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes were found after CCl4 exposure. All of these phenotypes were markedly reversed by the treatment of the mice with GA. In addition, GA exhibited the antioxidant effects in vitro by on FeCl2-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in mouse liver homogenates, and on DPPH scavenging activity. Taken together, these results suggested that GA can protect the liver from oxidative stress in mice, presumably through activating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, enhancing the expression of its target genes and increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, GA may be an effective hepatoprotective agent and viable candidate for treating liver fibrosis and other oxidative stress-related diseases. PMID:23341968

The effects of chromium picolinate and chromium histidinate administration on NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the brain of diabetic rats.

PubMed

Sahin, Kazim; Tuzcu, Mehmet; Orhan, Cemal; Gencoglu, Hasan; Ulas, Mustafa; Atalay, Mustafa; Sahin, Nurhan; Hayirli, Armagan; Komorowski, James R

2012-12-01

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of supplemental chromium picolinate (CrPic) and chromium histidinate (CrHis) on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB p65) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in diabetic rat brain. Nondiabetic (n = 45) and diabetic (n = 45) male Wistar rats were either not supplemented or supplemented with CrPic or CrHis via drinking water to consume 8 μg elemental chromium (Cr) per day for 12 weeks. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg i.p., for 2 weeks) and maintained by high-fat feeding (40 %). Diabetes was associated with increases in cerebral NF-κB and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adducts and decreased in cerebral nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) and Nrf2 levels. Both Cr chelates were effective to decrease levels of NF-κB and 4-HNE protein adducts and to increase levels of IκBα and Nrf2 in the brain of diabetic rats. However, responses of these increases and decreases were more notable when Cr was supplemented as CrHis than as CrPic. In conclusion, Cr may play a protective role in cerebral antioxidant defense system in diabetic subjects via the Nrf2 pathway by reducing inflammation through NF-κB p65 inhibition. Histidinate form of Cr was superior to picolinate form of Cr in reducing NF-κB expression and increasing Nrf2 expression in the brain of diabetic rats.

Frequent Nuclear/Cytoplasmic Localization of β-Catenin without Exon 3 Mutations in Malignant Melanoma

PubMed Central

Rimm, David L.; Caca, Karel; Hu, Gang; Harrison, Frank B.; Fearon, Eric R.

1999-01-01

β-Catenin has a critical role in E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion, and it also functions as a downstream signaling molecule in the wnt pathway. Mutations in the putative glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylation sites near the β-catenin amino terminus have been found in some cancers and cancer cell lines. The mutations render β-catenin resistant to regulation by a complex containing the glycogen synthase kinase 3β, adenomatous polyposis coli, and axin proteins. As a result, β-catenin accumulates in the cytosol and nucleus and activates T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancing factor transcription factors. Previously, 6 of 27 melanoma cell lines were found to have β-catenin exon 3 mutations affecting the N-terminal phosphorylation sites (Rubinfeld B, Robbins P, Elgamil M, Albert I, Porfiri E, Polakis P: Stabilization of beta-catenin by genetic defects in melanoma cell lines. Science 1997, 275:1790–1792). To assess the role of β-catenin defects in primary melanomas, we undertook immunohistochemical and DNA sequencing studies in 65 melanoma specimens. Nuclear and/or cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin, a potential indicator of wnt pathway activation, was seen focally within roughly one third of the tumors, though a clonal somatic mutation in β-catenin was found in only one case (codon 45 Ser→Pro). Our findings demonstrate that β-catenin mutations are rare in primary melanoma, in contrast to the situation in melanoma cell lines. Nonetheless, activation of β-catenin, as indicated by its nuclear and/or cytoplasmic localization, appears to be frequent in melanoma, and in some cases, it may reflect focal and transient activation of the wnt pathway within the tumor. PMID:10027390