Sample records for n-terminally gfp-tagged glp-1

  1. Differential structural properties of GLP-1 and exendin-4 determine their relative affinity for the GLP-1 receptor N-terminal extracellular domain.

    PubMed

    Runge, Steffen; Schimmer, Susann; Oschmann, Jan; Schiødt, Christine Bruun; Knudsen, Sanne Möller; Jeppesen, Claus Bekker; Madsen, Kjeld; Lau, Jesper; Thøgersen, Henning; Rudolph, Rainer

    2007-05-15

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and exendin-4 (Ex4) are homologous peptides with established potential for treatment of type 2 diabetes. They bind and activate the pancreatic GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) with similar affinity and potency and thereby promote insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. GLP-1R belongs to family B of the seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors. The N-terminal extracellular domain (nGLP-1R) is a ligand binding domain with differential affinity for Ex4 and GLP-1: low affinity for GLP-1 and high affinity for exendin-4. The superior affinity of nGLP-1R for Ex4 was previously explained by an additional interaction between nGLP-1R and the C-terminal Trp-cage of Ex4. In this study we have combined biophysical and pharmacological approaches thus relating structural properties of the ligands in solution to their relative binding affinity for nGLP-1R. We used both a tracer competition assay and ligand-induced thermal stabilization of nGLP-1R to measure the relative affinity of full length, truncated, and chimeric ligands for soluble refolded nGLP-1R. The ligands in solution and the conformational consequences of ligand binding to nGLP-1R were characterized by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. We found a correlation between the helical content of the free ligands and their relative binding affinity for nGLP-1R, supporting the hypothesis that the ligands are helical at least in the segment that binds to nGLP-1R. The Trp-cage of Ex4 was not necessary to maintain a superior helicity of Ex4 compared to GLP-1. The results suggest that the differential affinity of nGLP-1R is explained almost entirely by divergent residues in the central part of the ligands: Leu10-Gly30 of Ex4 and Val16-Arg36 of GLP-1. In view of our results it appears that the Trp-cage plays only a minor role for the interaction between Ex4 and nGLP-1R and for the differential affinity of nGLP-1R for GLP-1 and Ex4.

  2. Uncovering the role of the flexible C-terminal tail: A model study with Strep-tagged GFP.

    PubMed

    Lassalle, Michael W; Kondou, Shinobu

    2016-06-01

    Recently, it has been recognized that, much like an electric current in an electric circuit, dynamic disruptions from flexible, unstructured regions distal to the active region are transferred through the contact network to the active site and influence protein stability and/or function. As transmembrane proteins frequently possess the β-barrel structure, studies of proteins with this topology are required. The unstructured lid segments of the β-barrel GFP protein are conserved and could play a role in the backbone stabilization required for chromophore function. A study of the disordered C-terminus and the function within the lid is necessary. In this study, we entirely truncated the flexible C-terminal tail and investigated the N-terminal Strep-tagged GFP by fluorescence spectroscopy, and the temperature- and GdnHCl-induced unfolding by circular dichroism. The introduction of the unstructured Strep-tag itself changed the unfolding pathway. Truncating the entire flexible tail did not decrease the fluorescence intensity to a large extent; however, the protein stability changed dramatically. The temperature for half-denaturation T 1/2 changed significantly from 79 °C for the wild-type to 72.8 °C for the mutant. Unfolding kinetics at different temperatures have been induced by 4 M GdnHCl, and the apparent Arrhenius activation energy decreased by 40% as compared to the wild-type.

  3. Plasmids for C-terminal tagging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that contain improved GFP proteins, Envy and Ivy.

    PubMed

    Slubowski, Christian J; Funk, Alyssa D; Roesner, Joseph M; Paulissen, Scott M; Huang, Linda S

    2015-04-01

    Green fluorescent protein (GFP) has become an invaluable tool in biological research. Many GFP variants have been created that differ in brightness, photostability, and folding robustness. We have created two hybrid GFP variants, Envy and Ivy, which we placed in a vector for the C-terminal tagging of yeast proteins by PCR-mediated recombination. The Envy GFP variant combines mutations found in the robustly folding SuperfolderGFP and GFPγ, while the Ivy GFP variant is a hybrid of GFPγ and the yellow-green GFP variant, Clover. We compared Envy and Ivy to EGFP, SuperfolderGFP and GFPγ and found that Envy is brighter than the other GFP variants at both 30°C and 37°C, while Ivy is the most photostable. Envy and Ivy are recognized by a commonly used anti-GFP antibody, and both variants can be immunoprecipitated using the GFP TRAP Camelidae antibody nanotrap technology. Because Envy is brighter than the other GFP variants and is as photostable as GFPγ, we suggest that Envy should be the preferred GFP variant, while Ivy may be used in cases where photostability is of the utmost importance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  4. Rate of Homologous Desensitization and Internalization of the GLP-1 Receptor.

    PubMed

    Shaaban, Ghina; Oriowo, Mabayoje; Al-Sabah, Suleiman

    2016-12-26

    The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is an important target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of agonist stimulated desensitization and internalization of GLP-1R. To this end, an N-terminally myc-tagged GLP-1R was stably expressed in HEK-293 cells. Homologous desensitization was assessed by measuring the cAMP response to agonist stimulation following pre-incubation with agonist for up to 120 min. Receptor internalization was monitored using an indirect ELISA-based method and confocal microscopy. Pre-incubation with GLP-1 resulted in a time-dependent loss of response to a second stimulation. Washing cells following pre-incubation failed to bring cAMP levels back to basal. Taking this into account, two desensitization rates were calculated: "apparent" (t 1/2 = 19.27 min) and "net" (t 1/2 = 2.99 min). Incubation of cells with GLP-1 also resulted in a time-dependent loss of receptor cell surface expression (t 1/2 = 2.05 min). Rapid agonist-stimulated internalization of GLP-1R was confirmed using confocal microscopy. Stimulation of GLP-1R with GLP-1 results in rapid desensitization and internalization of the receptor. Interestingly, the rate of "net" desensitization closely matches the rate of internalization. Our results suggest that agonist-bound GLP-1R continues to generate cAMP after it has been internalized.

  5. Use of the Nanofitin Alternative Scaffold as a GFP-Ready Fusion Tag

    PubMed Central

    Huet, Simon; Gorre, Harmony; Perrocheau, Anaëlle; Picot, Justine; Cinier, Mathieu

    2015-01-01

    With the continuous diversification of recombinant DNA technologies, the possibilities for new tailor-made protein engineering have extended on an on-going basis. Among these strategies, the use of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a fusion domain has been widely adopted for cellular imaging and protein localization. Following the lead of the direct head-to-tail fusion of GFP, we proposed to provide additional features to recombinant proteins by genetic fusion of artificially derived binders. Thus, we reported a GFP-ready fusion tag consisting of a small and robust fusion-friendly anti-GFP Nanofitin binding domain as a proof-of-concept. While limiting steric effects on the carrier, the GFP-ready tag allows the capture of GFP or its blue (BFP), cyan (CFP) and yellow (YFP) alternatives. Here, we described the generation of the GFP-ready tag from the selection of a Nanofitin variant binding to the GFP and its spectral variants with a nanomolar affinity, while displaying a remarkable folding stability, as demonstrated by its full resistance upon thermal sterilization process or the full chemical synthesis of Nanofitins. To illustrate the potential of the Nanofitin-based tag as a fusion partner, we compared the expression level in Escherichia coli and activity profile of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) constructs, fused to a SUMO or GFP-ready tag. Very similar expression levels were found with the two fusion technologies. Both domains of the GFP-ready tagged TNFα were proved fully active in ELISA and interferometry binding assays, allowing the simultaneous capture by an anti-TNFα antibody and binding to the GFP, and its spectral mutants. The GFP-ready tag was also shown inert in a L929 cell based assay, demonstrating the potent TNFα mediated apoptosis induction by the GFP-ready tagged TNFα. Eventually, we proposed the GFP-ready tag as a versatile capture and labeling system in addition to expected applications of anti-GFP Nanofitins (as

  6. Use of the Nanofitin Alternative Scaffold as a GFP-Ready Fusion Tag.

    PubMed

    Huet, Simon; Gorre, Harmony; Perrocheau, Anaëlle; Picot, Justine; Cinier, Mathieu

    2015-01-01

    With the continuous diversification of recombinant DNA technologies, the possibilities for new tailor-made protein engineering have extended on an on-going basis. Among these strategies, the use of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a fusion domain has been widely adopted for cellular imaging and protein localization. Following the lead of the direct head-to-tail fusion of GFP, we proposed to provide additional features to recombinant proteins by genetic fusion of artificially derived binders. Thus, we reported a GFP-ready fusion tag consisting of a small and robust fusion-friendly anti-GFP Nanofitin binding domain as a proof-of-concept. While limiting steric effects on the carrier, the GFP-ready tag allows the capture of GFP or its blue (BFP), cyan (CFP) and yellow (YFP) alternatives. Here, we described the generation of the GFP-ready tag from the selection of a Nanofitin variant binding to the GFP and its spectral variants with a nanomolar affinity, while displaying a remarkable folding stability, as demonstrated by its full resistance upon thermal sterilization process or the full chemical synthesis of Nanofitins. To illustrate the potential of the Nanofitin-based tag as a fusion partner, we compared the expression level in Escherichia coli and activity profile of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) constructs, fused to a SUMO or GFP-ready tag. Very similar expression levels were found with the two fusion technologies. Both domains of the GFP-ready tagged TNFα were proved fully active in ELISA and interferometry binding assays, allowing the simultaneous capture by an anti-TNFα antibody and binding to the GFP, and its spectral mutants. The GFP-ready tag was also shown inert in a L929 cell based assay, demonstrating the potent TNFα mediated apoptosis induction by the GFP-ready tagged TNFα. Eventually, we proposed the GFP-ready tag as a versatile capture and labeling system in addition to expected applications of anti-GFP Nanofitins (as

  7. Carboxy-terminal truncation activates glp-1 protein to specify vulval fates in Caenorhabditis elegans.

    PubMed

    Mango, S E; Maine, E M; Kimble, J

    1991-08-29

    The glp-1 and lin-12 genes encode homologous transmembrane proteins that may act as receptors for cell interactions during development. The glp-1 product is required for induction of germ-line proliferation and for embryogenesis. By contrast, lin-12 mediates somatic cell interactions, including those between the precursor cells that form the vulval hypodermis (VPCs). Here we analyse an unusual allele of glp-1, glp-1(q35), which displays a semidominant multivulva phenotype (Muv), as well as the typical recessive, loss-of-function Glp phenotypes (sterility and embryonic lethality). We find that the effects of glp-1(q35) on VPC development mimic those of dominant lin-12 mutations, even in the absence of lin-12 activity. The glp-1(q35) gene bears a nonsense mutation predicted to eliminate the 122 C-terminal amino acids, including a ProGluSerThr (PEST) sequence thought to destabilize proteins. We suggest that the carboxy terminus bears a negative regulatory domain which normally inactivates glp-1 in the VPCs. We propose that inappropriate glp-1(q35) activity can substitute for lin-12 to determine vulval fate, perhaps by driving the VPCs to proliferate.

  8. Bioaugmentation with GFP-Tagged Pseudomonas migulae AN-1 in Aniline-Contaminated Aquifer Microcosms: Cellular Responses, Survival and Effect on Indigenous Bacterial Community.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yongsheng; Qu, Dan; Zhou, Rui; Ma, Yunge; Wang, Hao; Ren, Hejun

    2016-05-28

    The recently isolated aniline-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas migulae AN-1 was tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) to investigate its bioaugmentation potential against anilinecontaminated groundwater through microcosm experiments. The survival and cellular response of GFP-tagged AN-1 introduced in a lab-scale aquifer corresponded directly with aniline consumption. During the process, the GFP-tagged AN-1 biomass increased from 7.52 × 10⁵ cells/ml to 128 × 10⁵ cells/ml and the degradation rate of aniline was 6.04 mg/l/h. GFP-tagged AN-1 was moderately hydrophobic (41.74%-47.69%) when treated with 20- 100 mg/l aniline and exhibited relatively strong hydrophobicity (55.25%-65.78%) when the concentration of aniline was ≥100 mg/l. The membrane permeability of AN-1 increased followed by a rise in aniline below 100 mg/l and was invariable with aniline above 100 mg/l. Pyrosequencing analysis showed that the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (accounted for 99.22% in the non-bioaugmentation samples) changed to 89.23% after bioaugmentation with GFP-tagged AN-1. Actinobacteria increased from 0.29% to 2.01%, whereas the abundance of Firmicutes barely changed. These combined findings demonstrate the feasibility of removing aniline in aquifers by introducing the strain AN-1 and provide valuable information on the changes in the diversity of dominant populations during bioaugmentation.

  9. deGradFP: A System to Knockdown GFP-Tagged Proteins.

    PubMed

    Caussinus, Emmanuel; Affolter, Markus

    2016-01-01

    Protein depletion by genetic means, in a very general sense including the use of RNA interference [1, 2] or CRISPR/Cas9-based methods, represents a central paradigm of modern biology to study protein functions in vivo. However, acting upstream the proteic level is a limiting factor if the turnover of the target protein is slow or the existing pool of the target protein is important (for instance, in insect embryos, as a consequence of a strong maternal contribution). In order to circumvent these problems, we developed deGradFP [3, 4]. deGradFP harnesses the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to achieve direct depletion of GFP-tagged proteins. deGradFP is in essence a universal method because it relies on an evolutionarily conserved machinery for protein catabolism in eukaryotic cells; see refs. 5, 6 for review. deGradFP is particularly convenient in Drosophila melanogaster where it is implemented by a genetically encoded effector expressed under the control of the Gal4 system. deGradFP is a ready-to-use solution to perform knockdowns at the protein level if a fly line carrying a functional GFP-tagged version of the gene of interest is available. Many such lines have already been generated by the Drosophila community through different technologies allowing to make genomic rescue constructs or direct GFP knockins: protein-trap stock collections [7, 8] ( http://cooley.medicine.yale.edu/flytrap/ , http://www.flyprot.org/ ), P[acman] system [9], MiMIC lines [10, 11], and CRISPR/Cas9-driven homologous recombination.Two essential controls of a protein knockdown experiment are easily achieved using deGradFP. First, the removal of the target protein can be assessed by monitoring the disappearance of the GFP tag by fluorescence microscopy in parallel to the documentation of the phenotype of the protein knockdown (see Note 1 ). Second, the potential nonspecific effects of deGradFP can be assessed in control fly lacking a GFP-tagged target protein. So far, no nonspecific effects of

  10. Genetically encoded photocross-linkers determine the biological binding site of exendin-4 peptide in the N-terminal domain of the intact human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R)

    PubMed Central

    Koole, Cassandra; Reynolds, Christopher A.; Mobarec, Juan C.; Hick, Caroline; Sexton, Patrick M.; Sakmar, Thomas P.

    2017-01-01

    The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a key therapeutic target in the management of type II diabetes mellitus, with actions including regulation of insulin biosynthesis and secretion, promotion of satiety, and preservation of β-cell mass. Like most class B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), there is limited knowledge linking biological activity of the GLP-1R with the molecular structure of an intact, full-length, and functional receptor·ligand complex. In this study, we have utilized genetic code expansion to site-specifically incorporate the photoactive amino acid p-azido-l-phenylalanine (azF) into N-terminal residues of a full-length functional human GLP-1R in mammalian cells. UV-mediated photolysis of azF was then carried out to induce targeted photocross-linking to determine the proximity of the azido group in the mutant receptor with the peptide exendin-4. Cross-linking data were compared directly with the crystal structure of the isolated N-terminal extracellular domain of the GLP-1R in complex with exendin(9–39), revealing both similarities as well as distinct differences in the mode of interaction. Generation of a molecular model to accommodate the photocross-linking constraints highlights the potential influence of environmental conditions on the conformation of the receptor·peptide complex, including folding dynamics of the peptide and formation of dimeric and higher order oligomeric receptor multimers. These data demonstrate that crystal structures of isolated receptor regions may not give a complete reflection of peptide/receptor interactions and should be combined with additional experimental constraints to reveal peptide/receptor interactions occurring in the dynamic, native, and full-length receptor state. PMID:28283573

  11. A scalable strategy for high-throughput GFP tagging of endogenous human proteins.

    PubMed

    Leonetti, Manuel D; Sekine, Sayaka; Kamiyama, Daichi; Weissman, Jonathan S; Huang, Bo

    2016-06-21

    A central challenge of the postgenomic era is to comprehensively characterize the cellular role of the ∼20,000 proteins encoded in the human genome. To systematically study protein function in a native cellular background, libraries of human cell lines expressing proteins tagged with a functional sequence at their endogenous loci would be very valuable. Here, using electroporation of Cas9 nuclease/single-guide RNA ribonucleoproteins and taking advantage of a split-GFP system, we describe a scalable method for the robust, scarless, and specific tagging of endogenous human genes with GFP. Our approach requires no molecular cloning and allows a large number of cell lines to be processed in parallel. We demonstrate the scalability of our method by targeting 48 human genes and show that the resulting GFP fluorescence correlates with protein expression levels. We next present how our protocols can be easily adapted for the tagging of a given target with GFP repeats, critically enabling the study of low-abundance proteins. Finally, we show that our GFP tagging approach allows the biochemical isolation of native protein complexes for proteomic studies. Taken together, our results pave the way for the large-scale generation of endogenously tagged human cell lines for the proteome-wide analysis of protein localization and interaction networks in a native cellular context.

  12. Facile manipulation of protein localization in fission yeast through binding of GFP-binding protein to GFP.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ying-Hui; Wang, Gao-Yuan; Hao, Hao-Chao; Chao, Chun-Jiang; Wang, Yamei; Jin, Quan-Wen

    2017-03-01

    GFP-binding protein (or GBP) has been recently developed in various systems and organisms as an efficient tool to purify GFP-fusion proteins. Due to the high affinity between GBP and GFP or GFP variants, this GBP-based approach is also ideally suited to alter the localization of functional proteins in live cells. In order to facilitate the wide use of the GBP-targeting approach in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe , we developed a set of pFA6a-, pJK148- and pUC119-based vectors containing GBP- or GBP-mCherry-coding sequences and variants of inducible nmt1 or constitutive adh1 promoters that result in different levels of expression. The GBP or GBP-mCherry fragments can serve as cassettes for N- or C-terminal genomic tagging of genes of interest. We illustrated the application of these vectors in the construction of yeast strains with Dma1 or Cdc7 tagged with GBP-mCherry and efficient targeting of Dma1- or Cdc7-GBP-mCherry to the spindle pole body by Sid4-GFP. This series of vectors should help to facilitate the application of the GBP-targeting approach in manipulating protein localization and the analysis of gene function in fission yeast, at the level of single genes, as well as at a systematic scale. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  13. Properties of GluR3 receptors tagged with GFP at the amino or carboxyl terminus

    PubMed Central

    Limon, Agenor; Reyes-Ruiz, Jorge Mauricio; Eusebi, Fabrizio; Miledi, Ricardo

    2007-01-01

    Anatomical visualization of neurotransmitter receptor localization is facilitated by tagging receptors, but this process can alter their functional properties. We have evaluated the distribution and properties of WT glutamate receptor 3 (GluR3) α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors (WT GluR3) and two receptors in which GFP was tagged to the amino terminus (GFP-GluR3) or to the carboxyl terminus (GluR3-GFP). Although the fluorescence in Xenopus oocytes was stronger in the vegetal hemisphere because of localization of internal structures (probable sites of production, storage or recycling of receptors), the insertion of receptors into the plasma membrane was polarized to the animal hemisphere. The fluorescence intensity of oocytes injected with GluR3-GFP RNA was approximately double that of oocytes injected with GFP-GluR3 RNA. Accordingly, GluR3-GFP oocytes generated larger kainate-induced currents than GFP-GluR3 oocytes, with similar EC50 values. Currents elicited by glutamate, or AMPA coapplied with cyclothiazide, were also larger in GluR3-GFP oocytes. The glutamate- to kainate-current amplitude ratios differed, with GluR3-GFP being activated more efficiently by glutamate than the WT or GFP-GluR3 receptors. This pattern correlates with the slower decay of glutamate-induced currents generated by GluR3-GFP receptors. These changes were not observed when GFP was tagged to the amino terminus, and these receptors behaved like the WT. The antagonistic effects of 6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione (NBQX) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) were not altered in any of the tagged receptors. We conclude that GFP is a useful and convenient tag for visualizing these proteins. However, the effects of different sites of tag insertion on receptor characteristics must be taken into account in assessing the roles played by these receptor proteins. PMID:17881566

  14. Properties of GluR3 receptors tagged with GFP at the amino or carboxyl terminus.

    PubMed

    Limon, Agenor; Reyes-Ruiz, Jorge Mauricio; Eusebi, Fabrizio; Miledi, Ricardo

    2007-09-25

    Anatomical visualization of neurotransmitter receptor localization is facilitated by tagging receptors, but this process can alter their functional properties. We have evaluated the distribution and properties of WT glutamate receptor 3 (GluR3) alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors (WT GluR3) and two receptors in which GFP was tagged to the amino terminus (GFP-GluR3) or to the carboxyl terminus (GluR3-GFP). Although the fluorescence in Xenopus oocytes was stronger in the vegetal hemisphere because of localization of internal structures (probable sites of production, storage or recycling of receptors), the insertion of receptors into the plasma membrane was polarized to the animal hemisphere. The fluorescence intensity of oocytes injected with GluR3-GFP RNA was approximately double that of oocytes injected with GFP-GluR3 RNA. Accordingly, GluR3-GFP oocytes generated larger kainate-induced currents than GFP-GluR3 oocytes, with similar EC(50) values. Currents elicited by glutamate, or AMPA coapplied with cyclothiazide, were also larger in GluR3-GFP oocytes. The glutamate- to kainate-current amplitude ratios differed, with GluR3-GFP being activated more efficiently by glutamate than the WT or GFP-GluR3 receptors. This pattern correlates with the slower decay of glutamate-induced currents generated by GluR3-GFP receptors. These changes were not observed when GFP was tagged to the amino terminus, and these receptors behaved like the WT. The antagonistic effects of 6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione (NBQX) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) were not altered in any of the tagged receptors. We conclude that GFP is a useful and convenient tag for visualizing these proteins. However, the effects of different sites of tag insertion on receptor characteristics must be taken into account in assessing the roles played by these receptor proteins.

  15. In vitro antagonistic activity and the protective effect of probiotic Bacillus licheniformis Dahb1 in zebrafish challenged with GFP tagged Vibrio parahaemolyticus Dahv2.

    PubMed

    Girija, Vairavan; Malaikozhundan, Balasubramanian; Vaseeharan, Baskaralingam; Vijayakumar, Sekar; Gobi, Narayanan; Del Valle Herrera, Marian; Chen, Jiann-Chu; Santhanam, Perumal

    2018-01-01

    In vitro antagonistic activity and the protective effect of probiotic Bacillus licheniformis Dahb1 in zebrafish (Danio rerio) challenged with GFP tagged Vibrio parahaemolyticus Dahv2 was studied. The cell free extract of probiotic B. licheniformis Dahb1 at 100 μg mL -1 showed growth inhibition of V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 in vitro. B. licheniformis Dahb1 also inhibited the biofilm growth of GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 at 100 μg mL -1 in vitro. The growth and survival of zebrafish was tested using probiotic B. licheniformis Dahb1. Weight (1.28 g) of zebrafish that received the cell free extract was much higher than in control (1.04 g). The mortality of zebrafish infected with GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 at 10 7 Cfu mL -1 (Group IV) was 100%, whereas a complete survival of zebrafish that received the cell free extract of B. licheniformis Dahb1 at 10 7 Cfu mL -1 (Group VII) was observed after 30 days. The number of GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 colonies in the intestine and gills significantly reduced after treatment with the cell free extract of B. licheniformis Dahb1. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the fluorescent colonies of GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 was observed after treatment with the cell free extract of B. licheniformis Dahb1 under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In conclusion, the cell free extract of B. licheniformis Dahb1 could prevent Vibrio infection by enhancing the growth and survival of zebrafish. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Illuminating the Sites of Enterovirus Replication in Living Cells by Using a Split-GFP-Tagged Viral Protein

    PubMed Central

    van der Schaar, H. M.; Melia, C. E.; van Bruggen, J. A. C.; Strating, J. R. P. M.; van Geenen, M. E. D.; Koster, A. J.; Bárcena, M.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Like all other positive-strand RNA viruses, enteroviruses generate new organelles (replication organelles [ROs]) with a unique protein and lipid composition on which they multiply their viral genome. Suitable tools for live-cell imaging of enterovirus ROs are currently unavailable, as recombinant enteroviruses that carry genes that encode RO-anchored viral proteins tagged with fluorescent reporters have not been reported thus far. To overcome this limitation, we used a split green fluorescent protein (split-GFP) system, comprising a large fragment [strands 1 to 10; GFP(S1-10)] and a small fragment [strand 11; GFP(S11)] of only 16 residues. The GFP(S11) (GFP with S11 fragment) fragment was inserted into the 3A protein of the enterovirus coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), while the large fragment was supplied by transient or stable expression in cells. The introduction of GFP(S11) did not affect the known functions of 3A when expressed in isolation. Using correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM), we showed that GFP fluorescence was detected at ROs, whose morphologies are essentially identical to those previously observed for wild-type CVB3, indicating that GFP(S11)-tagged 3A proteins assemble with GFP(S1-10) to form GFP for illumination of bona fide ROs. It is well established that enterovirus infection leads to Golgi disintegration. Through live-cell imaging of infected cells expressing an mCherry-tagged Golgi marker, we monitored RO development and revealed the dynamics of Golgi disassembly in real time. Having demonstrated the suitability of this virus for imaging ROs, we constructed a CVB3 encoding GFP(S1-10) and GFP(S11)-tagged 3A to bypass the need to express GFP(S1-10) prior to infection. These tools will have multiple applications in future studies on the origin, location, and function of enterovirus ROs. IMPORTANCE Enteroviruses induce the formation of membranous structures (replication organelles [ROs]) with a unique protein and lipid composition

  17. Illuminating the Sites of Enterovirus Replication in Living Cells by Using a Split-GFP-Tagged Viral Protein.

    PubMed

    van der Schaar, H M; Melia, C E; van Bruggen, J A C; Strating, J R P M; van Geenen, M E D; Koster, A J; Bárcena, M; van Kuppeveld, F J M

    2016-01-01

    Like all other positive-strand RNA viruses, enteroviruses generate new organelles (replication organelles [ROs]) with a unique protein and lipid composition on which they multiply their viral genome. Suitable tools for live-cell imaging of enterovirus ROs are currently unavailable, as recombinant enteroviruses that carry genes that encode RO-anchored viral proteins tagged with fluorescent reporters have not been reported thus far. To overcome this limitation, we used a split green fluorescent protein (split-GFP) system, comprising a large fragment [strands 1 to 10; GFP(S1-10)] and a small fragment [strand 11; GFP(S11)] of only 16 residues. The GFP(S11) (GFP with S11 fragment) fragment was inserted into the 3A protein of the enterovirus coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), while the large fragment was supplied by transient or stable expression in cells. The introduction of GFP(S11) did not affect the known functions of 3A when expressed in isolation. Using correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM), we showed that GFP fluorescence was detected at ROs, whose morphologies are essentially identical to those previously observed for wild-type CVB3, indicating that GFP(S11)-tagged 3A proteins assemble with GFP(S1-10) to form GFP for illumination of bona fide ROs. It is well established that enterovirus infection leads to Golgi disintegration. Through live-cell imaging of infected cells expressing an mCherry-tagged Golgi marker, we monitored RO development and revealed the dynamics of Golgi disassembly in real time. Having demonstrated the suitability of this virus for imaging ROs, we constructed a CVB3 encoding GFP(S1-10) and GFP(S11)-tagged 3A to bypass the need to express GFP(S1-10) prior to infection. These tools will have multiple applications in future studies on the origin, location, and function of enterovirus ROs. IMPORTANCE Enteroviruses induce the formation of membranous structures (replication organelles [ROs]) with a unique protein and lipid composition specialized for

  18. Specific In Vivo Labeling of Tyrosinated α-Tubulin and Measurement of Microtubule Dynamics Using a GFP Tagged, Cytoplasmically Expressed Recombinant Antibody

    PubMed Central

    Cassimeris, Lynne; Guglielmi, Laurence; Denis, Vincent; Larroque, Christian; Martineau, Pierre

    2013-01-01

    GFP-tagged proteins are used extensively as biosensors for protein localization and function, but the GFP moiety can interfere with protein properties. An alternative is to indirectly label proteins using intracellular recombinant antibodies (scFvs), but most antibody fragments are insoluble in the reducing environment of the cytosol. From a synthetic hyperstable human scFv library we isolated an anti-tubulin scFv, 2G4, which is soluble in mammalian cells when expressed as a GFP-fusion protein. Here we report the use of this GFP-tagged scFv to label microtubules in fixed and living cells. We found that 2G4-GFP localized uniformly along microtubules and did not disrupt binding of EB1, a protein that binds microtubule ends and serves as a platform for binding by a complex of proteins regulating MT polymerization. TOGp and CLIP-170 also bound microtubule ends in cells expressing 2G4-GFP. Microtubule dynamic instability, measured by tracking 2G4-GFP labeled microtubules, was nearly identical to that measured in cells expressing GFP-α-tubulin. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching demonstrated that 2G4-GFP turns over rapidly on microtubules, similar to the turnover rates of fluorescently tagged microtubule-associated proteins. These data indicate that 2G4-GFP binds relatively weakly to microtubules, and this conclusion was confirmed in vitro. Purified 2G4 partially co-pelleted with microtubules, but a significant fraction remained in the soluble fraction, while a second anti-tubulin scFv, 2F12, was almost completely co-pelleted with microtubules. In cells, 2G4-GFP localized to most microtubules, but did not co-localize with those composed of detyrosinated α-tubulin, a post-translational modification associated with non-dynamic, more stable microtubules. Immunoblots probing bacterially expressed tubulins confirmed that 2G4 recognized α-tubulin and required tubulin’s C-terminal tyrosine residue for binding. Thus, a recombinant antibody with weak affinity for its

  19. N-terminal processing of affinity-tagged recombinant proteins purified by IMAC procedures.

    PubMed

    Mooney, Jane T; Fredericks, Dale P; Christensen, Thorkild; Bruun Schiødt, Christine; Hearn, Milton T W

    2015-07-01

    The ability of a new class of metal binding tags to facilitate the purification of recombinant proteins, exemplified by the tagged glutathione S-transferase and human growth hormone, from Escherichia coli fermentation broths and lysates has been further investigated. These histidine-containing tags exhibit high affinity for borderline metal ions chelated to the immobilised ligand, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn). The use of this tag-tacn immobilised metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) system engenders high selectivity with regard to host cell protein removal and permits facile tag removal from the E. coli-expressed recombinant protein. In particular, these tags were specifically designed to enable their efficient removal by the dipeptidyl aminopeptidase 1 (DAP-1), thus capturing the advantages of high substrate specificity and rates of cleavage. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the cleaved products from the DAP-1 digestion of the recombinant N-terminally tagged proteins confirmed the complete removal of the tag within 4-12 h under mild experimental conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates that the use of tags specifically designed to target tacn-based IMAC resins offers a comprehensive and flexible approach for the purification of E. coli-expressed recombinant proteins, where complete removal of the tag is an essential prerequisite for subsequent application of the purified native proteins in studies aimed at delineating the molecular and cellular basis of specific biological processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. GFP tagging sheds light on protein translocation: implications for key methods in cell biology.

    PubMed

    Deponte, Marcel

    2012-04-01

    Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a powerful tool for studying gene expression, protein localization, protein-protein interactions, calcium concentrations, and redox potentials owing to its intrinsic fluorescence. However, GFP not only contains a chromophore but is also tightly folded in a temperature-dependent manner. The latter property of GFP has recently been exploited (1) to characterize the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane and (2) to discriminate between protein transport across and into biomembranes in vivo. I therefore suggest that GFP could be a valuable tool for the general analysis of protein transport machineries and pathways in a variety of organisms. Moreover, results from such studies could be important for the interpretation and optimization of classical experiments using GFP tagging.

  1. Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis by GLP-1

    PubMed Central

    Nadkarni, Prashant; Chepurny, Oleg G.; Holz, George G.

    2014-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1(7–36)amide (GLP-1) is a secreted peptide that acts as a key determinant of blood glucose homeostasis by virtue of its abilities to slow gastric emptying, to enhance pancreatic insulin secretion, and to suppress pancreatic glucagon secretion. GLP-1 is secreted from L cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa in response to a meal, and the blood glucose-lowering action of GLP-1 is terminated due to its enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). Released GLP-1 activates enteric and autonomic reflexes while also circulating as an incretin hormone to control endocrine pancreas function. The GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is activated directly or indirectly by blood glucose-lowering agents currently in use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These therapeutic agents include GLP-1R agonists (exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, and langlenatide) and DPP-IV inhibitors (sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin). Investigational agents for use in the treatment of T2DM include GPR119 and GPR40 receptor agonists that stimulate the release of GLP-1 from L cells. Summarized here is the role of GLP-1 to control blood glucose homeo-stasis, with special emphasis on the advantages and limitations of GLP-1-based therapeutics. PMID:24373234

  2. Effect of Starvation and the Viable-but-Nonculturable State on Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) Fluorescence in GFP-Tagged Pseudomonas fluorescens A506

    PubMed Central

    Lowder, M.; Unge, A.; Maraha, N.; Jansson, J. K.; Swiggett, J.; Oliver, J. D.

    2000-01-01

    The green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, gfp, of the jellyfish Aequorea victoria is being used as a reporter system for gene expression and as a marker for tracking prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Cells that have been genetically altered with the gfp gene produce a protein that fluoresces when it is excited by UV light. This unique phenotype allows gfp-tagged cells to be specifically monitored by nondestructive means. In this study we determined whether a gfp-tagged strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens continued to fluoresce under conditions under which the cells were starved, viable but nonculturable (VBNC), or dead. Epifluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and spectrofluorometry were used to measure fluorescence intensity in starved, VBNC, and dead or dying cells. Results obtained by using flow cytometry indicated that microcosms containing VBNC cells, which were obtained by incubation under stress conditions (starvation at 37.5°C), fluoresced at an intensity that was at least 80% of the intensity of nonstressed cultures. Similarly, microcosms containing starved cells incubated at 5 and 30°C had fluorescence intensities that were 90 to 110% of the intensity of nonstressed cells. VBNC cells remained fluorescent during the entire 6-month incubation period. In addition, cells starved at 5 or 30°C remained fluorescent for at least 11 months. Treatment of the cells with UV light or incubation at 39 or 50°C resulted in a loss of GFP from the cells. There was a strong correlation between cell death and leakage of GFP from the cells, although the extent of leakage varied depending on the treatment. Most dead cells were not GFP fluorescent, but a small proportion of the dead cells retained some GFP at a lower concentration than the concentration in live cells. Our results suggest that gfp-tagged cells remain fluorescent following starvation and entry into the VBNC state but that fluorescence is lost when the cells die, presumably because membrane integrity is lost. PMID

  3. GFP tagged Vibrio parahaemolyticus Dahv2 infection and the protective effects of the probiotic Bacillus licheniformis Dahb1 on the growth, immune and antioxidant responses in Pangasius hypophthalmus.

    PubMed

    Gobi, Narayanan; Malaikozhundan, Balasubramanian; Sekar, Vijayakumar; Shanthi, Sathappan; Vaseeharan, Baskaralingam; Jayakumar, Rengarajan; Khudus Nazar, Abdul

    2016-05-01

    In this study, the pathogenicity of GFP tagged Vibrio parahaemolyticus Dahv2 and the protective effect of the probiotic strain, Bacillus licheniformis Dahb1 was studied on the Asian catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus. The experiment was carried out for 24 days with three groups and one group served as the control (without treatment). In the first group, P. hypophthalmus was orally infected with 1 mL of GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 at two different doses (10(5) and 10(7) cfu mL(-1)). In the second group, P. hypophthalmus was orally administrated with 1 ml of the probiotic B. licheniformis Dahb1 at two different doses (10(5) and 10(7) cfu mL(-1)). In the third group, P. hypophthalmus was orally infected first with 1 mL of GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 followed by the administration of 1 mL of B. licheniformis Dahb1 (combined treatment) at two different doses (10(5) and 10(7) cfu mL(-1)). The growth, immune (myeloperoxidase, respiratory burst, natural complement haemolytic and lysozyme activity) and antioxidant (glutathione-S-transferase, reduced glutathione and total glutathione) responses of P. hypophthalmus were reduced after post infection of GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 compared to control. However, after administration with the probiotic B. licheniformis Dahb1 at 10(5) cfu mL(-1), P. hypophthalmus showed significant increase in the growth, immune and antioxidant responses compared to 10(7) cfu mL(-1). On the otherhand, the growth, immune and antioxidant responses of P. hypophthalmus infected and administrated with combined GFP tagged Vibrio + Bacillus at 10(5) cfu mL(-1) were relatively higher than that of GFP tagged V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 and control groups but lower than that of probiotic B. licheniformis Dahb1 groups. The results of the present study conclude that the probiotic B. licheniformis Dahb1 at 10(5) cfu mL(-1) has the potential to protect the P. hypophthalmus against V. parahaemolyticus Dahv2 infection by enhancing the growth

  4. Synthesis of potent agonists of substance P by replacement of Met11 with Glu(OBzl) and N-terminal glutamine with Glp of the C-terminal hexapeptide and heptapeptide of substance P.

    PubMed

    Stavropoulos, G; Karagiannis, K; Anagnostides, S; Ministrouski, I; Selinger, Z; Chorev, M

    1995-06-01

    The analogues [Glp6,Glu(OBzl)11]SP(6-11) and [Glp5,Glu(OBzl)11]SP(5-11) of the C-terminal hexapeptide and heptapeptide of Substance P have been synthesized by conventional solution methods. In each analogue the N-terminal glutamine has been replaced by pyroglutamic acid, while the COOCH2C6H5 ester group has replaced the SCH3 group of the Met11 side chain. The in vitro activity of both analogues has been determined on three biological preparations: guinea pig ileum (GPI), rat vas deferens (RVD) and rat portal vein (RPV). The results showed that both analogues are highly potent and selective agonists on GPI through the NK-1 receptor. They are more potent than SP itself, with 1.54 and 1.25 respective values of relative potency on GPI. Their selectivity has been studied by utilizing atropine-treated guinea pig ileum (GPI+At). The analogues showed low activity on RVD and RPV tissues, which represent NK-2 and NK-3 monoreceptor assay, respectively.

  5. Conformational Dynamics inside Amino-Terminal Disease Hotspot of Ryanodine Receptor

    PubMed Central

    Zhong, Xiaowei; Liu, Ying; Zhu, Li; Meng, Xing; Wang, Ruiwu; Van Petegem, Filip; Wagenknecht, Terence; Wayne Chen, S. R.; Liu, Zheng

    2013-01-01

    Summary The N-terminal region of both skeletal and cardiac ryanodine receptor is a disease mutation hotspot. Recently, a crystal structure of the RyR1 fragment (residues 1-559) was solved. This N-terminal structure contains three separate domains, A, B, and C, and was docked into a central vestibule in a full-length RyR1 cryo-EM map. Here we reconstructed 3D cryo-EM structures of two GFP-tagged RyR2s with GFP inserted after residue Glu-310 and Ser-437, respectively. The structures of RyR2E310-GFP and RyR2S437-GFP displayed an extra mass on domain B and C, directly validating the predicted docking model. Next, we revealed domain movements in molecular dynamics flexible fitting models in both the closed and open state cryo-EM maps. To further probe the conformational changes, we generated FRET pairs by inserting CFP or YFP in two selected domains, FRET studies of three dual-insertion pairs and three co-expressed single-insertion pairs showed the dynamic structural changes within the N-terminal domains. PMID:24139989

  6. C-Terminal Fluorescent Labeling Impairs Functionality of DNA Mismatch Repair Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Brieger, Angela; Plotz, Guido; Hinrichsen, Inga; Passmann, Sandra; Adam, Ronja; Zeuzem, Stefan

    2012-01-01

    The human DNA mismatch repair (MMR) process is crucial to maintain the integrity of the genome and requires many different proteins which interact perfectly and coordinated. Germline mutations in MMR genes are responsible for the development of the hereditary form of colorectal cancer called Lynch syndrome. Various mutations mainly in two MMR proteins, MLH1 and MSH2, have been identified so far, whereas 55% are detected within MLH1, the essential component of the heterodimer MutLα (MLH1 and PMS2). Most of those MLH1 variants are pathogenic but the relevance of missense mutations often remains unclear. Many different recombinant systems are applied to filter out disease-associated proteins whereby fluorescent tagged proteins are frequently used. However, dye labeling might have deleterious effects on MutLα's functionality. Therefore, we analyzed the consequences of N- and C-terminal fluorescent labeling on expression level, cellular localization and MMR activity of MutLα. Besides significant influence of GFP- or Red-fusion on protein expression we detected incorrect shuttling of single expressed C-terminal GFP-tagged PMS2 into the nucleus and found that C-terminal dye labeling impaired MMR function of MutLα. In contrast, N-terminal tagged MutLαs retained correct functionality and can be recommended both for the analysis of cellular localization and MMR efficiency. PMID:22348133

  7. Molecular evolution of GPCRs: GLP1/GLP1 receptors.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Jong-Ik; Yun, Seongsik; Moon, Mi Jin; Park, Cho Rong; Seong, Jae Young

    2014-06-01

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) is an intestinal incretin that regulates glucose homeostasis through stimulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and inhibits appetite by acting on the brain. Thus, it is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Studies using synteny and reconstructed ancestral chromosomes suggest that families for GLP1 and its receptor (GLP1R) have emerged through two rounds (2R) of whole genome duplication and local gene duplications before and after 2R. Exon duplications have also contributed to the expansion of the peptide family members. Specific changes in the amino acid sequence following exon/gene/genome duplications have established distinct yet related peptide and receptor families. These specific changes also confer selective interactions between GLP1 and GLP1R. In this review, we present a possible macro (genome level)- and micro (gene/exon level)-evolution mechanisms of GLP1 and GLP1R, which allows them to acquire selective interactions between this ligand-receptor pair. This information may provide critical insight for the development of potent therapeutic agents targeting GLP1R. © 2014 Society for Endocrinology.

  8. Colonization of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) by GFP-tagged verticillium dahliae.

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The soilborne fungus, Verticillium dahliae, causes wilt in a wide range of hosts, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). The interaction between a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged V. dahliae strain and spinach was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The roots of spinach seedlings...

  9. Astrocytes Regulate GLP-1 Receptor-Mediated Effects on Energy Balance

    PubMed Central

    Reiner, David J.; Mietlicki-Baase, Elizabeth G.; McGrath, Lauren E.; Zimmer, Derek J.; Bence, Kendra K.; Sousa, Gregory L.; Konanur, Vaibhav R.; Krawczyk, Joanna; Burk, David H.; Kanoski, Scott E.; Hermann, Gerlinda E.; Rogers, Richard C.

    2016-01-01

    Astrocytes are well established modulators of extracellular glutamate, but their direct influence on energy balance-relevant behaviors is largely understudied. As the anorectic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are partly mediated by central modulation of glutamatergic signaling, we tested the hypothesis that astrocytic GLP-1R signaling regulates energy balance in rats. Central or peripheral administration of a fluorophore-labeled GLP-1R agonist, exendin-4, localizes within astrocytes and neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), a hindbrain nucleus critical for energy balance control. This effect is mediated by GLP-1R, as the uptake of systemically administered fluorophore-tagged exendin-4 was blocked by central pretreatment with the competitive GLP-1R antagonist exendin-(9–39). Ex vivo analyses show prolonged exendin-4-induced activation (live cell calcium signaling) of NTS astrocytes and neurons; these effects are also attenuated by exendin-(9–39), indicating mediation by the GLP-1R. In vitro analyses show that the application of GLP-1R agonists increases cAMP levels in astrocytes. Immunohistochemical analyses reveal that endogenous GLP-1 axons form close synaptic apposition with NTS astrocytes. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of NTS astrocytes attenuates the anorectic and body weight-suppressive effects of intra-NTS GLP-1R activation. Collectively, data demonstrate a role for NTS astrocytic GLP-1R signaling in energy balance control. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists reduce food intake and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity, but the cellular mechanisms underlying the anorectic effects of GLP-1 require further investigation. Astrocytes represent a major cellular population in the CNS that regulates neurotransmission, yet the role of astrocytes in mediating energy balance is largely unstudied. The current data provide novel evidence that

  10. Distinct Motion of GFP-Tagged Histone Expressing Cells Under AC Electrokinetics in Electrode-Multilayered Microfluidic Device.

    PubMed

    Yao, Jiafeng; Sugawara, Michiko; Obara, Hiromichi; Mizutani, Takeomi; Takei, Masahiro

    2017-12-01

    The distinct motion of GFP-tagged histone expressing cells (Histone-GFP type cells) has been investigated under ac electrokinetics in an electrode-multilayered microfluidic device as compared with Wild type cells and GFP type cells in terms of different intracellular components. The Histone-GFP type cells were modified by the transfection of green fluorescent protein-fused histone from the human lung fibroblast cell line. The velocity of the Histone-GFP type cells obtained by particle tracking velocimetry technique is faster than Wild type cells by 24.9% and GFP type cells by 57.1%. This phenomenon is caused by the more amount of proteins in the intracellular of single Histone-GFP type cell than that of the Wild type and GFP type cells. The more amount of proteins in the Histone-GFP type cells corresponds to a lower electric permittivity ϵ c of the cells, which generates a lower dielectrophoretic force exerting on the cells. The velocity of Histone-GFP type cells is well agreed with Eulerian-Lagrangian two-phase flow simulation by 4.2% mean error, which proves that the fluid motion driven by thermal buoyancy and electrothermal force dominates the direction of cells motion, while the distinct motion of Histone-GFP type cells is caused by dielectrophoretic force. The fluid motion does not generate a distinct drag motion for Histone-GFP type cells because the Histone-GFP type cells have the same size to the Wild type and GFP type cells. These results clarified the mechanism of cells motion in terms of intracellular components, which helps to improve the cell manipulation efficiency with electrokinetics.

  11. Characterization and assembly of a GFP-tagged cylindriform silk into hexameric complexes.

    PubMed

    Öster, Carl; Svensson Bonde, Johan; Bülow, Leif; Dicko, Cedric

    2014-04-01

    Spider silk has been studied extensively for its attractive mechanical properties and potential applications in medicine and industry. The production of spider silk, however, has been lagging behind for lack of suitable systems. Our approach focuses on solving the production of spider silk by designing, expressing, purifying and characterizing the silk from cylindriform glands. We show that the cylindriform silk protein, in contrast to the commonly used dragline silk protein, is fully folded and stable in solution. With the help of GFP as a fusion tag we enhanced the expression of the silk protein in Escherichia coli and could optimize the downstream processing. Secondary structures analysis by circular dichroism and FTIR shows that the GFP-silk fusion protein is predominantly α-helical, and that pH can trigger a α- to β-transition resulting in aggregation. Structural analysis by small angle X-ray scattering suggests that the GFP-Silk exists in the form of a hexamer in solution. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. GFP's Mechanical Intermediate States

    PubMed Central

    Saeger, John; Hytönen, Vesa P.; Klotzsch, Enrico; Vogel, Viola

    2012-01-01

    Green fluorescent protein (GFP) mutants have become the most widely used fluorescence markers in the life sciences, and although they are becoming increasingly popular as mechanical force or strain probes, there is little direct information on how their fluorescence changes when mechanically stretched. Here we derive high-resolution structural models of the mechanical intermediate states of stretched GFP using steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations. These structures were used to produce mutants of EGFP and EYFP that mimic GFP's different mechanical intermediates. A spectroscopic analysis revealed that a population of EGFP molecules with a missing N-terminal α-helix was significantly dimmed, while the fluorescence lifetime characteristic of the anionic chromophore state remained unaffected. This suggests a mechanism how N-terminal deletions can switch the protonation state of the chromophore, and how the fluorescence of GFP molecules in response to mechanical disturbance might be turned off. PMID:23118864

  13. An intein with genetically selectable markers provides a new approach to internally label proteins with GFP.

    PubMed

    Ramsden, Richard; Arms, Luther; Davis, Trisha N; Muller, Eric G D

    2011-06-27

    Inteins are proteins that catalyze their own removal from within larger precursor proteins. In the process they splice the flanking protein sequences, termed the N-and C-terminal exteins. Large inteins frequently have a homing endonuclease that is involved in maintaining the intein in the host. Splicing and nuclease activity are independent and distinct domains in the folded structure. We show here that other biochemical activities can be incorporated into an intein in place of the endonuclease without affecting splicing and that these activities can provide genetic selection for the intein. We have coupled such a genetically marked intein with GFP as the N-terminal extein to create a cassette to introduce GFP within the interior of a targeted protein. The Pch PRP8 mini-intein of Penicillium chrysogenum was modified to include: 1) aminoglycoside phosphotransferase; 2) imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase, His5 from S. pombe ; 3) hygromycin B phosphotransferase; and 4) the transcriptional activator LexA-VP16. The proteins were inserted at the site of the lost endonuclease. When expressed in E. coli, all of the modified inteins spliced at high efficiency. Splicing efficiency was also greater than 96% when expressed from a plasmid in S. cerevisiae. In addition the inteins conferred either G418 or hygromycin resistance, or histidine or leucine prototropy, depending on the inserted marker and the yeast genetic background. DNA encoding the marked inteins coupled to GFP as the N-terminal extein was PCR amplified with ends homologous to an internal site in the yeast calmodulin gene CMD1. The DNA was transformed into yeast and integrants obtained by direct selection for the intein's marker. The His5-marked intein yielded a fully functional calmodulin that was tagged with GFP within its central linker. Inteins continue to show their flexibility as tools in molecular biology. The Pch PRP8 intein can successfully tolerate a variety of genetic markers and still retain high

  14. Recombinant human GLP-1(rhGLP-1) alleviating renal tubulointestitial injury in diabetic STZ-induced rats.

    PubMed

    Yin, Weiqin; Xu, Shiqing; Wang, Zai; Liu, Honglin; Peng, Liang; Fang, Qing; Deng, Tingting; Zhang, Wenjian; Lou, Jinning

    2018-01-01

    GLP-1-based treatment improves glycemia through stimulation of insulin secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion. Recently, more and more findings showed that GLP-1 could also protect kidney from diabetic nephropathy. Most of these studies focused on glomeruli, but the effect of GLP-1 on tubulointerstitial and tubule is not clear yet. In this study, we examined the renoprotective effect of recombinant human GLP-1 (rhGLP-1), and investigated the influence of GLP-1 on inflammation and tubulointerstitial injury using diabetic nephropathy rats model of STZ-induced. The results showed that rhGLP-1 reduced urinary albumin without influencing the body weight and food intake. rhGLP-1 could increased the serum C-peptide slightly but not lower fasting blood glucose significantly. In diabetic nephropathy rats, beside glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was very serious. These lesions could be alleviated by rhGLP-1. rhGLP-1 decreased the expression of profibrotic factors collagen I, α-SMA, fibronectin, and inflammation factors MCP-1 and TNFα in tubular tissue and human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells). Furthermore, rhGLP-1 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB, MAPK in both diabetic tubular tissue and HK-2 cells. The inhibition of the expression of TNFα, MCP-1, collagen I and α-SMA in HK-2 cells by GLP-1 could be mimicked by blocking NF-κB or MAPK. These results indicate that rhGLP-1 exhibit renoprotective effect by alleviation of tubulointerstitial injury via inhibiting phosphorylation of MAPK and NF-κB. Therefore, rhGLP-1 may be a potential drug for treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Following the infection process of vibriosis in Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) larvae through GFP-tagged pathogenic Vibrio species.

    PubMed

    Dubert, Javier; Nelson, David R; Spinard, Edward J; Kessner, Linda; Gomez-Chiarri, Marta; da Costa, Fiz; Prado, Susana; Barja, Juan L

    2016-01-01

    Vibriosis represents the main bottleneck for the larval production process in shellfish aquaculture. While the signs of this disease in bivalve larvae are well known, the infection process by pathogenic Vibrio spp. during episodes of vibriosis has not been elucidated. To investigate the infection process in bivalves, the pathogens of larvae as V. tubiashii subsp. europaensis, V. neptunius and V. bivalvicida were tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Larvae of Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) were inoculated with the GFP-labeled pathogens in different infection assays and monitored by microscopy. Manila clam larvae infected by distinct GFP-tagged Vibrio spp. in different challenges showed the same progression in the infection process, defining three infection stages. GFP-tagged Vibrio spp. were filtered by the larvae through the vellum and entered in the digestive system through the esophagus and stomach and colonized the digestive gland and particularly the intestine, where they proliferated during the first 2h of contact (Stage I), suggesting a chemotactic response. Then, GFP-tagged Vibrio spp. expanded rapidly to the surrounding organs in the body cavity from the dorsal to ventral region (Stage II; 6-8h), colonizing the larvae completely at the peak of infection (Stage III) (14-24h). Results demonstrated for the first time that the vibriosis is asymptomatic in Manila clam larvae during the early infection stages. Thus, the early colonization and the rapid proliferation of Vibrio pathogens within the body cavity supported the sudden and fatal effect of the vibriosis, since the larvae exhibited the first signs of disease when the infection process is advanced. As a first step in the elucidation of the potential mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis in bivalve larvae the enzymatic activities of the extracellular products released from the wild type V. neptunius, V. tubiashii subsp. europaensis and V. bivalvicida were determined and their cytotoxicity was

  16. Insulin chains as efficient fusion tags for prokaryotic expression of short peptides.

    PubMed

    Deng, Ligang; Xue, Xiaoying; Shen, Cangjie; Song, Xiaohan; Wang, Chunyang; Wang, Nan

    2017-10-01

    Insulin chains are usually expressed in Escherichia coli as fusion proteins with different tags, including various low molecular weight peptide tags. The objective of this study was to determine if insulin chains could facilitate the recombinant expression of other target proteins, with an emphasis on low molecular weight peptides. A series of short peptides were fused to mini-proinsulin, chain B or chain A, and induced for expression in Escherichia coli. All the tested peptides including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a C-terminal extended GLP-1, oxyntomodulin, enfuvirtide, linaclotide, and an unstructured artificial peptide were expressed with reasonable yields, identified by Tricine-SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. All recombinant products were expressed in inclusion bodies. The effective accumulation of products was largely attributed to the insoluble expression induced by fusion with insulin chains, and was confirmed by the fusion expression of transthyretin. Insulin chains thus show promise as efficient fusion tags for mass production of heterologous peptides in prokaryotes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Helixconstraints and amino acid substitution in GLP-1 increase cAMP and insulin secretion but not beta-arrestin 2 signaling.

    PubMed

    Plisson, Fabien; Hill, Timothy A; Mitchell, Justin M; Hoang, Huy N; de Araujo, Aline D; Xu, Weijun; Cotterell, Adam; Edmonds, David J; Stanton, Robert V; Derksen, David R; Loria, Paula M; Griffith, David A; Price, David A; Liras, Spiros; Fairlie, David P

    2017-02-15

    Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is an endogenous hormone that induces insulin secretion from pancreatic islets and modified forms are used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2. Understanding how GLP-1 interacts with its receptor (GLP-1R) can potentially lead to more effective drugs. Modeling and NMR studies of the N-terminus of GLP-1 suggest a β-turn between residues Glu9-Phe12 and a kinked alpha helix between Val16-Gly37. N-terminal turn constraints attenuated binding affinity and activity (compounds 1-8). Lys-Asp (i, i+4) crosslinks in the middle and at the C-terminus increased alpha helicity and cAMP stimulation without much effect on binding affinity or beta-arrestin 2 recruitment (compounds 9-18). Strategic positioning of helix-inducing constraints and amino acid substitutions (Tyr16, Ala22) increased peptide helicity and produced ten-fold higher cAMP potency (compounds 19-28) over GLP-1(7-37)-NH 2 . The most potent cAMP activator (compound 23) was also the most potent inducer of insulin secretion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  18. The Aquaporin Splice Variant NbXIP1;1α Is Permeable to Boric Acid and Is Phosphorylated in the N-terminal Domain

    PubMed Central

    Ampah-Korsah, Henry; Anderberg, Hanna I.; Engfors, Angelica; Kirscht, Andreas; Norden, Kristina; Kjellstrom, Sven; Kjellbom, Per; Johanson, Urban

    2016-01-01

    Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane channel proteins that transport water and uncharged solutes across different membranes in organisms in all kingdoms of life. In plants, the AQPs can be divided into seven different subfamilies and five of these are present in higher plants. The most recently characterized of these subfamilies is the XIP subfamily, which is found in most dicots but not in monocots. In this article, we present data on two different splice variants (α and β) of NbXIP1;1 from Nicotiana benthamiana. We describe the heterologous expression of NbXIP1;1α and β in the yeast Pichia pastoris, the subcellular localization of the protein in this system and the purification of the NbXIP1;1α protein. Furthermore, we investigated the functionality and the substrate specificity of the protein by stopped-flow spectrometry in P. pastoris spheroplasts and with the protein reconstituted in proteoliposomes. The phosphorylation status of the protein and localization of the phosphorylated amino acids were verified by mass spectrometry. Our results show that NbXIP1;1α is located in the plasma membrane when expressed in P. pastoris, that it is not permeable to water but to boric acid and that the protein is phosphorylated at several amino acids in the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of the protein. A growth assay showed that the yeast cells expressing the N-terminally His-tagged NbXIP1;1α were more sensitive to boric acid as compared to the cells expressing the C-terminally His-tagged isoform. This might suggest that the N-terminal His-tag functionally mimics the phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain and that the N-terminal domain is involved in gating of the channel. PMID:27379142

  19. The long N-terminus of the human monocarboxylate transporter 8 is a target of ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation which regulates protein expression and oligomerization capacity.

    PubMed

    Zwanziger, Denise; Schmidt, Mathias; Fischer, Jana; Kleinau, Gunnar; Braun, Doreen; Schweizer, Ulrich; Moeller, Lars Christian; Biebermann, Heike; Fuehrer, Dagmar

    2016-10-15

    Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) equilibrates thyroid hormones between the extra- and the intracellular sides. MCT8 exists either with a short or a long N-terminus, but potential functional differences between both variants are yet not known. We, therefore, generated MCT8 constructs which are different in N-terminal length: MCT8(1-613), MCT8(25-613), MCT8(49-613) and MCT8(75-613). The M75G substitution prevents translation of MCT8(75-613) and ensures expression of full-length MCT8 protein. The K56G substitution was made to prevent ubiquitinylation. Cell-surface expression, localization and proteasomal degradation were investigated using C-terminally GFP-tagged MCT8 constructs (HEK293 and MDCK1 cells) and oligomerization capacity was determined using N-terminally HA- and C-terminally FLAG-tagged MCT8 constructs (COS7 cells). MCT8(1-613)-GFP showed a lower protein expression than the shorter MCT8(75-613)-GFP protein. The proteasome inhibitor lactacystin increased MCT8(1-613)-GFP protein amount, suggesting proteasomal degradation of MCT8 with the long N-terminus. Ubiquitin conjugation of MCT8(1-613)-GFP was found by immuno-precipitation. A diminished ubiquitin conjugation caused by K56G substitution resulted in increased MCT8(1-613)-GFP protein expression. Sandwich ELISA was performed to investigate if the bands at higher molecular weight observed in Western blot analysis are due to MCT8 oligomerization, which was indeed shown. Our data imply a role of the long N-terminus of MCT8 as target of ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation affecting MCT8 amount and subsequently oligomerization capacity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. GLP-1 nanomedicine alleviates gut inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Anbazhagan, Arivarasu N.; Thaqi, Mentor; Priyamvada, Shubha; Jayawardena, Dulari; Kumar, Anoop; Gujral, Tarunmeet; Chatterjee, Ishita; Mugarza, Edurne; Saksena, Seema; Onyuksel, Hayat; Dudeja, Pradeep K.

    2017-01-01

    The gut hormone, glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) exerts anti-inflammatory effects. However, its clinical use is limited by its short half-life. Previously, we have shown that GLP-1 as a nanomedicine (GLP-1 in sterically stabilized phospholipid micelles, GLP-1-SSM) has increased in vivo stability. The current study was aimed at testing the efficacy of this GLP-1 nanomedicine in alleviating colonic inflammation and associated diarrhea in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced mouse colitis model. Our results show that GLP-1-SSM treatment markedly alleviated the colitis phenotype by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, increasing goblet cells and preserving intestinal epithelial architecture in colitis model. Further, GLP-1-SSM alleviated diarrhea (as assessed by luminal fluid) by increasing protein expression of intestinal chloride transporter DRA (down regulated in adenoma). Our results indicate thatGLP-1 nanomedicine may act as a novel therapeutic tool in alleviating gut inflammation and associated diarrhea in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PMID:27553076

  1. Characterization of signal bias at the GLP-1 receptor induced by backbone modification of GLP-1.

    PubMed

    Hager, Marlies V; Clydesdale, Lachlan; Gellman, Samuel H; Sexton, Patrick M; Wootten, Denise

    2017-07-15

    The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor that is a major therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Activation of this receptor promotes insulin secretion and blood glucose regulation. The GLP-1R can initiate signaling through several intracellular pathways upon activation by GLP-1. GLP-1R ligands that preferentially stimulate subsets among the natural signaling pathways ("biased agonists") could be useful as tools for elucidating the consequences of specific pathways and might engender therapeutic agents with tailored effects. Using HEK-293 cells recombinantly expressing human GLP-1R, we have previously reported that backbone modification of GLP-1, via replacement of selected α-amino acid residues with β-amino acid residues, generates GLP-1 analogues with distinctive preferences for promoting G protein activation versus β-arrestin recruitment. Here, we have explored the influence of cell background across these two parameters and expanded our analysis to include affinity and other key signaling pathways (intracellular calcium mobilization and ERK phosphorylation) using recombinant human GLP-1R expressed in a CHO cell background, which has been used extensively to demonstrate biased agonism of GLP-1R ligands. The new data indicate that α/β-peptide analogues of GLP-1 exhibit a range of distinct bias profiles relative to GLP-1 and that broad assessment of signaling endpoints is required to reveal the spectrum of behavior of modified peptides. These results support the view that backbone modification via α→β amino acid replacement can enable rapid discovery of peptide hormone analogues that display substantial signal bias at a cognate GPCR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Involvement of gut microbiota in association between GLP-1/GLP-1 receptor expression and gastrointestinal motility.

    PubMed

    Yang, Mo; Fukui, Hirokazu; Eda, Hirotsugu; Xu, Xin; Kitayama, Yoshitaka; Hara, Ken; Kodani, Mio; Tomita, Toshihiko; Oshima, Tadayuki; Watari, Jiro; Miwa, Hiroto

    2017-04-01

    The microbiota in the gut is known to play a pivotal role in host physiology by interacting with the immune and neuroendocrine systems in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone, is involved in metabolism as well as GI motility. We examined how gut microbiota affects the link between GLP-1/GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression and motility of the GI tract. Germ-free (GF) mice (6 wk old) were orally administered a fecal bacterial suspension prepared from specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice, and then after fecal transplantation (FT) GI tissues were obtained from the GF mice at various time points. The expression of GLP-1 and its receptor was examined by immunohistochemistry, and gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) was measured by administration of carmine red solution. GLP-1 was expressed in endocrine cells in the colonic mucosa, and GLP-1R was expressed in myenteric neural cells throughout the GI wall. GLP-1R-positive cells throughout the GI wall were significantly fewer in GF mice with FT than in GF mice without gut microbiota reconstitution. GITT was significantly shorter in GF mice with FT than in control GF mice without FT and correlated with the number of GLP-1R-positive cells throughout the GI wall. GITT was significantly longer in GF control mice than in SPF mice. When those mice were treated with GLP-1 agonist extendin4, GITT was significantly longer in the GF mice. The gut microbiota may accelerate or at least modify GI motility while suppressing GLP-1R expression in myenteric neural cells throughout the GI tract. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The gut microbiota has been intensively studied, because it plays a pivotal role in various aspects of host physiology. On the other hand, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) plays important roles in metabolism as well as gastrointestinal motility. In the present study, we have suggested that the gut microbiota accelerates gastrointestinal motility while suppressing the expression of GLP-1 receptor in

  3. A new protein-protein interaction sensor based on tripartite split-GFP association.

    PubMed

    Cabantous, Stéphanie; Nguyen, Hau B; Pedelacq, Jean-Denis; Koraïchi, Faten; Chaudhary, Anu; Ganguly, Kumkum; Lockard, Meghan A; Favre, Gilles; Terwilliger, Thomas C; Waldo, Geoffrey S

    2013-10-04

    Monitoring protein-protein interactions in living cells is key to unraveling their roles in numerous cellular processes and various diseases. Previously described split-GFP based sensors suffer from poor folding and/or self-assembly background fluorescence. Here, we have engineered a micro-tagging system to monitor protein-protein interactions in vivo and in vitro. The assay is based on tripartite association between two twenty amino-acids long GFP tags, GFP10 and GFP11, fused to interacting protein partners, and the complementary GFP1-9 detector. When proteins interact, GFP10 and GFP11 self-associate with GFP1-9 to reconstitute a functional GFP. Using coiled-coils and FRB/FKBP12 model systems we characterize the sensor in vitro and in Escherichia coli. We extend the studies to mammalian cells and examine the FK-506 inhibition of the rapamycin-induced association of FRB/FKBP12. The small size of these tags and their minimal effect on fusion protein behavior and solubility should enable new experiments for monitoring protein-protein association by fluorescence.

  4. A New Protein-Protein Interaction Sensor Based on Tripartite Split-GFP Association

    PubMed Central

    Cabantous, Stéphanie; Nguyen, Hau B.; Pedelacq, Jean-Denis; Koraïchi, Faten; Chaudhary, Anu; Ganguly, Kumkum; Lockard, Meghan A.; Favre, Gilles; Terwilliger, Thomas C.; Waldo, Geoffrey S.

    2013-01-01

    Monitoring protein-protein interactions in living cells is key to unraveling their roles in numerous cellular processes and various diseases. Previously described split-GFP based sensors suffer from poor folding and/or self-assembly background fluorescence. Here, we have engineered a micro-tagging system to monitor protein-protein interactions in vivo and in vitro. The assay is based on tripartite association between two twenty amino-acids long GFP tags, GFP10 and GFP11, fused to interacting protein partners, and the complementary GFP1-9 detector. When proteins interact, GFP10 and GFP11 self-associate with GFP1-9 to reconstitute a functional GFP. Using coiled-coils and FRB/FKBP12 model systems we characterize the sensor in vitro and in Escherichia coli. We extend the studies to mammalian cells and examine the FK-506 inhibition of the rapamycin-induced association of FRB/FKBP12. The small size of these tags and their minimal effect on fusion protein behavior and solubility should enable new experiments for monitoring protein-protein association by fluorescence. PMID:24092409

  5. Brain GLP-1 and insulin sensitivity

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Type 2 diabetes is often treated with a class of drugs referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs. GLP-1 is a peptide secreted by the gut that acts through only one known receptor, the GLP-1 receptor. The primary function of GLP-1 is thought to be lowering of postprandial glucose levels....

  6. Structures of the N-acetyltransferase domain of Xylella fastidiosa N-acetyl-L-glutamate synthase/kinase with and without a His tag bound to N-acetyl-L-glutamate.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Gengxiang; Jin, Zhongmin; Allewell, Norma M; Tuchman, Mendel; Shi, Dashuang

    2015-01-01

    Structures of the catalytic N-acetyltransferase (NAT) domain of the bifunctional N-acetyl-L-glutamate synthase/kinase (NAGS/K) from Xylella fastidiosa bound to N-acetyl-L-glutamate (NAG) with and without an N-terminal His tag have been solved and refined at 1.7 and 1.4 Å resolution, respectively. The NAT domain with an N-terminal His tag crystallized in space group P4(1)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a=b=51.72, c=242.31 Å. Two subunits form a molecular dimer in the asymmetric unit, which contains ∼41% solvent. The NAT domain without an N-terminal His tag crystallized in space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a=63.48, b=122.34, c=75.88 Å, β=107.6°. Eight subunits, which form four molecular dimers, were identified in the asymmetric unit, which contains ∼38% solvent. The structures with and without the N-terminal His tag provide an opportunity to evaluate how the His tag affects structure and function. Furthermore, multiple subunits in different packing environments allow an assessment of the plasticity of the NAG binding site, which might be relevant to substrate binding and product release. The dimeric structure of the X. fastidiosa N-acetytransferase (xfNAT) domain is very similar to that of human N-acetyltransferase (hNAT), reinforcing the notion that mammalian NAGS is evolutionally derived from bifunctional bacterial NAGS/K.

  7. Tryptophan tags and de novo designed complementary affinity ligands for the expression and purification of recombinant proteins.

    PubMed

    Pina, Ana Sofia; Carvalho, Sara; Dias, Ana Margarida G C; Guilherme, Márcia; Pereira, Alice S; Caraça, Luciana T; Coroadinha, Ana Sofia; Lowe, Christopher R; Roque, A Cecília A

    2016-11-11

    A common strategy for the production and purification of recombinant proteins is to fuse a tag to the protein terminal residues and employ a "tag-specific" ligand for fusion protein capture and purification. In this work, we explored the effect of two tryptophan-based tags, NWNWNW and WFWFWF, on the expression and purification of Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) used as a model fusion protein. The titers obtained with the expression of these fusion proteins in soluble form were 0.11mgml -1 and 0.48mgml -1 for WFWFWF and NWNWNW, respectively. A combinatorial library comprising 64 ligands based on the Ugi reaction was prepared and screened for binding GFP-tagged and non-tagged proteins. Complementary ligands A2C2 and A3C1 were selected for the effective capture of NWNWNW and WFWFWF tagged proteins, respectively, in soluble forms. These affinity pairs displayed 10 6 M -1 affinity constants and Qmax values of 19.11±2.60ugg -1 and 79.39ugg -1 for the systems WFWFWF AND NWNWNW, respectively. GFP fused to the WFWFWF affinity tag was also produced as inclusion bodies, and a refolding-on column strategy was explored using the ligand A4C8, selected from the combinatorial library of ligands but in presence of denaturant agents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. The role of the GLP-1/GLP-1R signaling pathway in regulating seizure susceptibility in rats.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yusong; Fang, Jian; Feng, Wen; Sun, Qi; Xu, Jian; Xia, Qingxin

    2018-06-27

    This study aimed to investigate the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/GLP-1 receptor(R) signaling in the regulation of seizure susceptibility and to explore the potential mechanism in rats. Hyperthermia-induced seizures in SD rats were generated using hot bath methods, and seizure severity was measured according to Racine scores and electroencephalogram (EEG). Protein levels of GLP-1 and GLP-1R in the brain tissues of rats were evaluated through ELISA, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry to explore the possible roles of each in FS. Neuronal excitability, spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1(TRPV1) currents were tested using the patch-clamp method in cultured hippocampal neurons. Significant decreases in the levels of GLP-1 and GLP-1R were observed in the hippocampi of rats compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, treatment with the GLP-1R pharmacological inhibitor exendin9-39 increased hyperthermia- induced seizure severity in rats and promoted neuronal firing activity in cultured neurons. Importantly, exendin9-39 and GLP-1R knockdown decreased the amplitude and frequency of sIPSCs in cultured neurons. In addition, GLP-1R knockdown elevated downstream TRPV1 expression and promoted capsaicin-induced TRPV1 function, which may regulate inhibitory neurotransmission to affect seizure susceptibility. The present study suggests that inhibition of GLP-1R signaling promotes seizure activity, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of FS. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  9. A novel human-based receptor antagonist of sustained action reveals body weight control by endogenous GLP-1.

    PubMed

    Patterson, James T; Ottaway, Nickki; Gelfanov, Vasily M; Smiley, David L; Perez-Tilve, Diego; Pfluger, Paul T; Tschöp, Matthias H; Dimarchi, Richard D

    2011-02-18

    Ex-4 (9-39)a is a well characterized GLP-1 receptor antagonist that suffers from two notable limitations, its nonhuman amino acid sequence and its relatively short in vivo duration of action. Comparable N-terminal shortening of human GLP-1 lessens agonism but does not provide a high potency antagonist. Through a series of GLP-1/Ex-4 hybrid peptides, the minimal structural changes required to generate a pure GLP-1-based antagonist were identified as Glu16, Val19, and Arg20, yielding an antagonist of approximately 3-fold greater in vitro potency compared with Ex-4 (9-39)a. The structural basis of antagonism appears to result from stabilization of the α helix combined with enhanced electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with the extracellular domain of the receptor. Site-specific acylation of the human-based antagonist yielded a peptide of increased potency as a GLP-1 receptor antagonist and 10-fold greater selectivity relative to the GIP receptor. The acylated antagonist demonstrated sufficient duration of action to maintain inhibitory activity when administered as a daily subcutaneous injection. The sustained pharmacokinetics and enhanced human sequence combine to form an antagonist optimized for clinical study. Daily administration of this antagonist by subcutaneous injection to diet-induced obese mice for 1 week caused a significant increase in food intake, body weight, and glucose intolerance, demonstrating endogenous GLP-1 as a relevant hormone in mammalian energy balance in the obese state.

  10. Direct observation of nucleocytoplasmic transport by microinjection of GFP-tagged proteins in living cells.

    PubMed

    Rosorius, O; Heger, P; Stelz, G; Hirschmann, N; Hauber, J; Stauber, R H

    1999-08-01

    We established a straightforward experimental system to investigate directly the requirements for nucleocytoplasmic transport in live cells. For this purpose, substrates were created containing nuclear localization signals (NLS) or nuclear export signals (NES) linked to a chimeric protein composed of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The combination of GST/GFP-tagging allowed us to control protein expression in bacteria and to monitor protein purification during chromatography. Following microinjection into somatic cells, nuclear export/import of the highly fluorescent substrates could be observed directly by fluorescence microscopy. This system sets the stage to quantitate, in real time, the kinetics of nuclear import/export in living cells and to evaluate qualitative differences in various NLS/NES signals and pathways.

  11. CORRELATION BETWEEN PRE AND POSTOPERATIVE LEVELS OF GLP-1/GLP-2 AND WEIGHT LOSS AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

    PubMed

    Cazzo, Everton; Gestic, Martinho Antonio; Utrini, Murillo Pimentel; Pareja, José Carlos; Chaim, Elinton Adami; Geloneze, Bruno; Barreto, Maria Rita Lazzarini; Magro, Daniéla Oliveira

    2016-01-01

    The role of gut hormones in glucose homeostasis and weight loss achievement and maintenance after bariatric surgery appears to be a key point in the understanding of the beneficial effects observed following these procedures. To determine whether there is a correlation between the pre and postoperative levels of both GLP-1 and GLP-2 and the excess weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). An exploratory prospective study which enrolled 11 individuals who underwent RYGB and were followed-up for 12 months. GLP-1 and GLP-2 after standard meal tolerance test (MTT) were determined before and after surgery and then correlated with the percentage of excess loss (%EWL). GLP-2 AUC presented a significant postoperative increase (945.3±449.1 vs.1787.9±602.7; p=0.0037); GLP-1 AUC presented a non-significant trend towards increase after RYGB (709.6±320.4 vs. 1026.5±714.3; p=0.3808). Mean %EWL was 66.7±12.2%. There was not any significant correlation between both the pre and postoperative GLP-1 AUCs and GLP-2 AUCs and the %EWL achieved after one year. There was no significant correlation between the pre and postoperative levels of the areas under the GLP-1 and GLP-2 curves with the percentage of weight loss reached after one year. O papel de hormônios gastrointestinais sobre a homeostase glicêmica e a obtenção e manutenção da perda de peso após a cirurgia bariátrica parece ser elemento fundamental na compreensão dos benefícios observados após estes procedimentos. Determinar se há correlação entre os níveis pré e pós-operatórios de GLP-1 e GLP-2 com a perda do excesso de peso após o bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux. Estudo prospectivo exploratório que envolveu 11 indivíduos submetidos ao bypass gástrico, acompanhados por 12 meses. Os níveis GLP-1 e GLP-2 após um teste de refeição padrão foram determinados antes e 12 meses após a operação e então foram correlacionados com o percentual de perda do excesso de peso. Houve aumento

  12. Identification of Secretory Odontoblasts Using DMP1-GFP Transgenic Mice

    PubMed Central

    Balic, Anamaria; Mina, Mina

    2011-01-01

    Terminal differentiation of odontoblasts from dental papilla is a long process involving several intermediate steps and changes in the transcriptional profile and expression of proteins secreted by cells in the odontoblast lineage. Transgenic mouse lines in which GFP expression is under the control of tissue-and stage specific promoters have provided powerful experimental tools for identification and isolation of cells at specific stages of differentiation along a lineage. Our previous studies showed utilization of pOBCol3.6GFP and pOBCol2.3GFP animals for identification of odontoblasts at early and late stages of polarization respectively. In the present study we used the DMP1-GFP transgenic animal as an experimental model to examine its expression during the differentiation of odontoblasts from progenitor cells in vivo and in vitro. Our observations showed that DMP1-GFP transgene is first activated in secretory/functional odontoblasts engaged in secretion of predentin and then transiently expressed at high levels in newly differentiated odontoblasts. Expression of DMP1-GFP was down-regulated in highly differentiated odontoblasts. The temporal and spatial pattern of expression of DMP1-GFP transgene closely mimics the expression of endogenous DMP1. This transgenic animal will facilitate studies of gene expression and biological functions in secretory/functional odontoblasts. PMID:21172466

  13. CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated GFP Knock-in at the MAP1LC3B Locus in 293FT Cells Is Better for Bona Fide Monitoring Cellular Autophagy.

    PubMed

    Wu, Zhiqiang; Zhao, Jinlin; Qiu, Minghan; Mi, Zeyun; Meng, Maobin; Guo, Yu; Wang, Hui; Yuan, Zhiyong

    2018-04-19

    Accurately identifying and quantifying cellular autophagy is very important as the significance of autophagy in physiological and pathological processes becomes increasingly evident. Ectopically expressed fluorescent-tagged microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (MAP1LC3B, LC3) is the most widely used reporter for monitoring autophagy activity thus far. However, this approach ignores the influence of constitutively overexpressed LC3 on autophagy itself and autophagy-related processes and its accuracy in indicating autophagy is questionable. Here, we generated a knock-in GFP-LC3 reporter via the CRISPR/Cas9 system in 293FT cells to add GFP to the N-terminal of and in frame with endogenous LC3. We proved that this knock-in GFP-LC3 was expressed at biological level driven by the endogenous transcriptional regulatory elements as the wild type alleles. Compared with the ectopically expressed GFP-LC3, the endogenous knock-in reporter exhibited much higher sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of GFP-LC3 puncta upon the induction or inhibition of autophagy at certain step for monitoring autophagy activity. Thus, according to the previous reported concerning and the results presented here, we suggest that this knock-in GFP-LC3 reporter is better for bona fide monitoring cellular autophagy and should be employed for further study of autophagy in vitro and in vivo. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. GLP-1 is both anxiogenic and antidepressant; divergent effects of acute and chronic GLP-1 on emotionality.

    PubMed

    Anderberg, Rozita H; Richard, Jennifer E; Hansson, Caroline; Nissbrandt, Hans; Bergquist, Filip; Skibicka, Karolina P

    2016-03-01

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), produced in the intestine and hindbrain, is known for its glucoregulatory and appetite suppressing effects. GLP-1 agonists are in clinical use for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1, however, may also affect brain areas associated with emotionality regulation. Here we aimed to characterize acute and chronic impact of GLP-1 on anxiety and depression-like behavior. Rats were subjected to anxiety and depression behavior tests following acute or chronic intracerebroventricular or intra-dorsal raphe (DR) application of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Serotonin or serotonin-related genes were also measured in the amygdala, DR and the hippocampus. We demonstrate that both GLP-1 and its long lasting analog, Exendin-4, induce anxiety-like behavior in three rodent tests of this behavior: black and white box, elevated plus maze and open field test when acutely administered intraperitoneally, into the lateral ventricle, or directly into the DR. Acute central GLP-1 receptor stimulation also altered serotonin signaling in the amygdala. In contrast, chronic central administration of Exendin-4 did not alter anxiety-like behavior but significantly reduced depression-like behavior in the forced swim test. Importantly, this positive effect of Exendin-4 was not due to significant body weight loss and reduced food intake, since rats pair-fed to Exendin-4 rats did not show altered mood. Collectively we show a striking impact of central GLP-1 on emotionality and the amygdala serotonin signaling that is divergent under acute versus chronic GLP-1 activation conditions. We also find a novel role for the DR GLP-1 receptors in regulation of behavior. These results may have direct relevance to the clinic, and indicate that Exendin-4 may be especially useful for obese patients manifesting with comorbid depression. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  15. GLP-1 Treatment Improves Diabetic Retinopathy by Alleviating Autophagy through GLP-1R-ERK1/2-HDAC6 Signaling Pathway.

    PubMed

    Cai, Xiangsheng; Li, Jingjing; Wang, Mingzhu; She, Miaoqin; Tang, Yongming; Li, Jinlong; Li, Hongwei; Hui, Hongxiang

    2017-01-01

    Objective: Apoptosis and autophagy of retinal cells, which may be induced by oxidative stress, are tightly associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The autophagy induced by oxidative stress is considered as excessively stimulated autophagy, which accelerates the progression of DR. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of GLP-1 treatment on alleviating apoptosis and autophagy of retinal cells in type 2 diabetic rats and reveals its possible mechanism. Methods: Type 2 diabetic rats were induced by fed with high sugar, high fat diet and followed with streptozotocin injection. GLP-1 was applied to treat the diabetic rats for one week after the onset of diabetes. The expressions of oxidative stress-related enzymes, retinal GLP-1R, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis- related genes, autophagy markers, and autophagy-associated pathway genes were studied by Western blotting or immunohistochemistry analysis. Results: GLP-1treatment reduced the levels of NOX3 and SOD2 in DR. The expression of BCL2 was increased, while the levels of caspase3 and LC3B were reduced through GLP-1 treatment in DR . GLP-1 treatment restored the GLP-1R expression and decreased the levels of phosphorylated AKT and phosphorylated ERK1/2, which was accompanied with the reduction of the HDAC6 levels in DR. Conclusions: GLP-1 treatment can alleviate autophagy which may be induced by oxidative stress; this protective effect is likely through GLP-1R-ERK1/2-HDAC6 signaling pathway.

  16. Linked Production of Pyroglutamate-Modified Proteins via Self-Cleavage of Fusion Tags with TEV Protease and Autonomous N-Terminal Cyclization with Glutaminyl Cyclase In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Shih, Yan-Ping; Chou, Chi-Chi; Chen, Yi-Ling; Huang, Kai-Fa; Wang, Andrew H.- J.

    2014-01-01

    Overproduction of N-terminal pyroglutamate (pGlu)-modified proteins utilizing Escherichia coli or eukaryotic cells is a challenging work owing to the fact that the recombinant proteins need to be recovered by proteolytic removal of fusion tags to expose the N-terminal glutaminyl or glutamyl residue, which is then converted into pGlu catalyzed by the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase. Herein we describe a new method for production of N-terminal pGlu-containing proteins in vivo via intracellular self-cleavage of fusion tags by tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease and then immediate N-terminal cyclization of passenger target proteins by a bacterial glutaminyl cyclase. To combine with the sticky-end PCR cloning strategy, this design allows the gene of target proteins to be efficiently inserted into the expression vector using two unique cloning sites (i.e., SnaB I and Xho I), and the soluble and N-terminal pGlu-containing proteins are then produced in vivo. Our method has been successfully applied to the production of pGlu-modified enhanced green fluorescence protein and monocyte chemoattractant proteins. This design will facilitate the production of protein drugs and drug target proteins that possess an N-terminal pGlu residue required for their physiological activities. PMID:24733552

  17. Immuno-detection of dioxins using a recombinant protein of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) fused with sfGFP.

    PubMed

    Faiad, Walaa; Hanano, Abdulsamie; Kabakibi, Mohamed Maher; Abbady, Abdul Qader

    2016-06-21

    Dioxins are one of the most toxic groups of persistent organic pollutants. Their bioaccumulation through the food chain constitutes a potential risk for human health. Upon cell entry, dioxins bind specifically and firmly to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), leading to the stimulation of several enzymes responsible for its detoxification. Dioxin/AhR interaction could be exploited as an affordable alternative to a variety of analytical methods for detecting dioxin contamination in the environment. In this work, the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the AhR was cloned downstream a superfolder form of the green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), resulting in the construct pRSET-sfGFP-AhR. High level of expressed sfGFP-AhR fusion protein (50 kDa) was recovered from the inclusion bodies of E. coli by simple solubilization with the Arginine, and purified by affinity chromatography via its N-terminal 6 × His tag. Its purity was confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis and immunoblotting with anti-His or anti-GFP antibodies. Indirect ELISA revealed the ability of the sfGFP-AhR, but not the sfGFP, to bind to the immobilized dioxin with the possibility to detect such interaction by both its 6 × His and GFP tags,Competitive ELISA showed that anti-dioxin antibody was more sensitive to low dioxin concentrations than sfGFP-AhR. Nevertheless,the detection range of sfGFP-AhR fusion was much wider and the detection limit was of about 10 ppt (parts per trillion) of free dioxin in the tested artificial samples. this highly expressed and functional sfGFP-AhR fusion protein provides a promising molecular tool for detecting and quantifying different congeners of dioxins.

  18. MLF1-interacting protein is mainly localized in nucleolus through N-terminal bipartite nuclear localization signal.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Hideaki; Arakawa, Yasuhiro; Ito, Masaki; Saito, Shinobu; Takeda, Nobuakira; Yamada, Hisashi; Horiguchi-Yamada, Junko

    2007-01-01

    The myelodysplasia/myeloid leukemia factor 1-interacting protein (MLF1LP, also called KLIP1 and CENP-50) is reported to localize in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. To investigate the functions of MLF1IP, its subnuclear localization was studied. MLF1IP was tagged with green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Fibrillarin was tagged with red fluorescent protein (DsRed). EGFP-tagged MLF1IP deletion vectors were also constructed. Plasmid-constructs were transfected into human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells or monkey kidney fibroblast COS-7 cells, and the localization was studied by either confocal fluorescence microscopy or fluorescence microscopy. Ectopically expressed MLF1IP was localized mainly in the nucleolus. In some cells, small dot-like particles of MLF1IP fluorescence were observed in the nucleoplasm. Co-staining of fibrillarin disclosed that MLF1IP was co-localized with fibrillarin in the nucleolus. Deletion mutants of MLF1IP revealed that the N-terminal bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) was responsible for nucleolar targeting. MLF1IP was localized mainly in the nucleolus through the N-terminal bipartite NLS and partly in the nucleoplasm featuring small dot-like particles. These findings suggest that MLF1IP may have multi-functions and its different localizations may contribute to carcinogenesis.

  19. Linear {GLP}-algebras and their elementary theories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pakhomov, F. N.

    2016-12-01

    The polymodal provability logic {GLP} was introduced by Japaridze in 1986. It is the provability logic of certain chains of provability predicates of increasing strength. Every polymodal logic corresponds to a variety of polymodal algebras. Beklemishev and Visser asked whether the elementary theory of the free {GLP}-algebra generated by the constants \\mathbf{0}, \\mathbf{1} is decidable [1]. For every positive integer n we solve the corresponding question for the logics {GLP}_n that are the fragments of {GLP} with n modalities. We prove that the elementary theory of the free {GLP}_n-algebra generated by the constants \\mathbf{0}, \\mathbf{1} is decidable for all n. We introduce the notion of a linear {GLP}_n-algebra and prove that all free {GLP}_n-algebras generated by the constants \\mathbf{0}, \\mathbf{1} are linear. We also consider the more general case of the logics {GLP}_α whose modalities are indexed by the elements of a linearly ordered set α: we define the notion of a linear algebra and prove the latter result in this case.

  20. Sepsis-induced activation of endogenous GLP-1 system is enhanced in type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Perl, Sivan H; Bloch, Olga; Zelnic-Yuval, Dana; Love, Itamar; Mendel-Cohen, Lior; Flor, Hadar; Rapoport, Micha J

    2018-05-01

    High levels of circulating GLP-1 are associated with severity of sepsis in critically ill nondiabetic patients. Whether patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) display different activation of the endogenous GLP-1 system during sepsis and whether it is affected by diabetes-related metabolic parameters are not known. Serum levels of GLP-1 (total and active forms) and its inhibitor enzyme sDPP-4 were determined by ELISA on admission and after 2 to 4 days in 37 sepsis patients with (n = 13) and without T2D (n = 24) and compared to normal healthy controls (n = 25). Correlations between GLP-1 system activation and clinical, inflammatory, and diabetes-related metabolic parameters were performed. A 5-fold (P < .001) and 2-fold (P < .05) increase in active and total GLP-1 levels, respectively, were found on admission as compared to controls. At 2 to 4 days from admission, the level of active GLP-1 forms in surviving patients were decreased significantly (P < .005), and positively correlated with inflammatory marker CRP (r = 0.33, P = .05). T2D survivors displayed a similar but more enhanced pattern of GLP-1 response than nondiabetic survivors. Nonsurvivors demonstrate an early extreme increase of both total and active GLP-1 forms, 9.5-fold and 5-fold, respectively (P < .05). The initial and late levels of circulating GLP-1 inhibitory enzyme sDPP-4 were twice lower in all studied groups (P < .001), compared with healthy controls. Taken together, these data indicate that endogenous GLP-1 system is activated during sepsis. Patients with T2D display an enhanced and prolonged activation as compared to nondiabetic patients. Extreme early increased GLP-1 levels during sepsis indicate poor prognosis. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  1. Expression and purification of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli tagged with the metal-binding protein CusF.

    PubMed

    Cantu-Bustos, J Enrique; Vargas-Cortez, Teresa; Morones-Ramirez, Jose Ruben; Balderas-Renteria, Isaias; Galbraith, David W; McEvoy, Megan M; Zarate, Xristo

    2016-05-01

    Production of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli has been improved considerably through the use of fusion proteins, because they increase protein solubility and facilitate purification via affinity chromatography. In this article, we propose the use of CusF as a new fusion partner for expression and purification of recombinant proteins in E. coli. Using a cell-free protein expression system, based on the E. coli S30 extract, Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) was expressed with a series of different N-terminal tags, immobilized on self-assembled protein microarrays, and its fluorescence quantified. GFP tagged with CusF showed the highest fluorescence intensity, and this was greater than the intensities from corresponding GFP constructs that contained MBP or GST tags. Analysis of protein production in vivo showed that CusF produces large amounts of soluble protein with low levels of inclusion bodies. Furthermore, fusion proteins can be exported to the cellular periplasm, if CusF contains the signal sequence. Taking advantage of its ability to bind copper ions, recombinant proteins can be purified with readily available IMAC resins charged with this metal ion, producing pure proteins after purification and tag removal. We therefore recommend the use of CusF as a viable alternative to MBP or GST as a fusion protein/affinity tag for the production of soluble recombinant proteins in E. coli. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase 1 Is Regulated by Its N-Terminal Domain in Response to Allosteric Effectors.

    PubMed

    Caldo, Kristian Mark P; Acedo, Jeella Z; Panigrahi, Rashmi; Vederas, John C; Weselake, Randall J; Lemieux, M Joanne

    2017-10-01

    Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) is an integral membrane enzyme catalyzing the final and committed step in the acyl-coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent biosynthesis of triacylglycerol (TAG). The biochemical regulation of TAG assembly remains one of the least understood areas of primary metabolism to date. Here, we report that the hydrophilic N-terminal domain of Brassica napus DGAT1 (BnaDGAT1 1-113 ) regulates activity based on acyl-CoA/CoA levels. The N-terminal domain is not necessary for acyltransferase activity and is composed of an intrinsically disordered region and a folded segment. We show that the disordered region has an autoinhibitory function and a dimerization interface, which appears to mediate positive cooperativity, whereas the folded segment of the cytosolic region was found to have an allosteric site for acyl-CoA/CoA. Under increasing acyl-CoA levels, the binding of acyl-CoA with this noncatalytic site facilitates homotropic allosteric activation. Enzyme activation, on the other hand, is prevented under limiting acyl-CoA conditions (low acyl-CoA-to-CoA ratio), whereby CoA acts as a noncompetitive feedback inhibitor through interaction with the same folded segment. The three-dimensional NMR solution structure of the allosteric site revealed an α-helix with a loop connecting a coil fragment. The conserved amino acid residues in the loop interacting with CoA were identified, revealing details of this important regulatory element for allosteric regulation. Based on these results, a model is proposed illustrating the role of the N-terminal domain of BnaDGAT1 as a positive and negative modulator of TAG biosynthesis. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

  3. Assimilable organic carbon (AOC) determination using GFP-tagged Pseudomonas fluorescens P-17 in water by flow cytometry.

    PubMed

    Tang, Peng; Wu, Jie; Liu, Hou; Liu, Youcai; Zhou, Xingding

    2018-01-01

    One of the newly developed methods for Assimilable organic carbon (AOC) determination is leveraged on the cell enumeration by flow cytometry (FC) which could provide a rapid and automated solution for AOC measurement. However, cell samples staining with fluorescence dye is indispensable to reduce background and machine noise. This step would bring additional cost and time consuming for this method. In this study, a green fluorescence protein (GFP) tagged strain derived of AOC testing strain Pseudomonas fluorescens P-17 (GFP-P17) was generated using Tn5 transposon mutagenesis. Continuous culture of this mutant GFP-P17 showed stable expression of eGFP signal detected by flow cytometry without staining step. In addition, this GFP-P17 strain displayed faster growth rate and had a wider range of carbon substrate utilization patterns as compared with P17 wild-type. With this strain, the capability of a new FC method with no dye staining was explored in standard acetate solution, which suggests linear correlation of counts with acetate carbon concentration. Furthermore, this FC method with GFP-P17 strain is applicable in monitoring GAC/BAC efficiency and condition as similar trends of AOC level in water treatment process were measured by both FC method and conventional spread plating count method. Therefore, this fast and easily applicable GFP-P17 based FC method could serve as a tool for routine microbiological drinking water monitoring.

  4. A role of PLC/PKC-dependent pathway in GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion.

    PubMed

    Shigeto, Makoto; Cha, Chae Young; Rorsman, Patrik; Kaku, Kohei

    2017-04-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous glucose-lowering hormone and GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently being used as antidiabetic drugs clinically. The canonical signalling pathway (including cAMP, Epac2, protein kinase A (PKA) and K ATP channels) is almost universally accepted as the main mechanism of GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion. This belief is based on in vitro studies that used nanomolar (1-100 nM) concentrations of GLP-1. Recently, it was found that the physiological concentrations (1-10 pM) of GLP-1 also stimulate insulin secretion from isolated islets, induce membrane depolarization and increase of intracellular [Ca 2+ ] in isolated β cells/pancreatic islets. These responses were unaffected by PKA inhibitors and occurred without detectable increases in intracellular cAMP and PKA activity. These PKA-independent actions of GLP-1 depend on protein kinase C (PKC), involve activation of the standard GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) and culminate in activation of phospholipase C (PLC), leading to an elevation of diacylglycerol (DAG), increased L-type Ca 2+ and TRPM4/TRPM5 channel activities. Here, we review these recent data and contrast them against the effects of nanomolar concentrations of GLP-1. The differential intracellular signalling activated by low and high concentrations of GLP-1 could provide a clue to explain how GLP-1 exerts different function in the central nervous system and peripheral organs.

  5. Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

    PubMed Central

    Filippatos, Theodosios D.; Panagiotopoulou, Thalia V.; Elisaf, Moses S.

    2014-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of injective anti-diabetic drugs that improve glycemic control and many other atherosclerosis-related parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the use of this relatively new class of drugs may be associated with certain adverse effects. Concerns have been expressed regarding the effects of these drugs on pancreatic and thyroid tissue, since animal studies and analyses of drug databases indicate an association of GLP-1 receptor agonists with pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer. However, several meta-analyses failed to confirm a cause-effect relation between GLP-1 receptor agonists and the development of these adverse effects. One benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists is that they do not cause hypoglycemia when combined with metformin or thiazolidinediones, but the dose of concomitant sulphonylurea or insulin may have to be decreased to reduce the risk of hypoglycemic episodes. On the other hand, several case reports have linked the use of these drugs, mainly exenatide, with the occurrence of acute kidney injury, primarily through hemodynamic derangement due to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most common symptoms associated with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists are gastrointestinal symptoms, mainly nausea. Other common adverse effects include injection site reactions, headache, and nasopharyngitis, but these effects do not usually result in discontinuation of the drug. Current evidence shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists have no negative effects on the cardiovascular risk of patients with T2D. Thus, GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to have a favorable safety profile, but ongoing trials will further assess their cardiovascular effects. The aim of this review is to analyze critically the available data regarding adverse events of GLP-1 receptor agonists in different anatomic systems published in Pubmed and Scopus. Whenever possible, certain differences between GLP-1

  6. Expression, purification, and C-terminal site-specific PEGylation of cysteine-mutated glucagon-like peptide-1.

    PubMed

    Gao, Mingming; Tian, Hong; Ma, Chen; Gao, Xiangdong; Guo, Wei; Yao, Wenbing

    2010-09-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is attracting increasing interest on account of its prominent benefits in type 2 diabetes. However, its clinical application is limited because of short biological half-life. This study was designed to produce a C-terminal site-specific PEGylated analog of cysteine-mutated GLP-1 (cGLP-1) to prolong its action. The gene of cGLP-1 was inserted into pET32a to construct a thioredoxinA fusion protein. After expression in BL21 (DE3) strain, the fusion protein was purified with Ni-affinity chromatography and then was PEGylated with methoxy-polyethylene glycol-maleimide (mPEG(10K)-MAL). The PEGylated fusion protein was purified with anion exchange chromatography and then was cleaved by enterokinase. The digested product was further purified with reverse-phase chromatography. Finally, 8.7 mg mPEG(10K)-cGLP-1 with a purity of up to 98% was obtained from the original 500 ml culture. The circular dichroism spectra indicated that mPEG(10K)-cGLP-1 maintained the secondary structure of native GLP-1. As compared with that of native GLP-1, the plasma glucose lowering activity of mPEG(10K)-cGLP-1 was significantly extended. These results suggest that our method will be useful in obtaining a large quantity of mPEG(10K)-cGLP-1 for further study and mPEG(10K)-cGLP-1 might find a role in the therapy of type 2 diabetes through C-terminal site-specific PEGylation.

  7. Targeting GLP-1 receptor trafficking to improve agonist efficacy.

    PubMed

    Jones, Ben; Buenaventura, Teresa; Kanda, Nisha; Chabosseau, Pauline; Owen, Bryn M; Scott, Rebecca; Goldin, Robert; Angkathunyakul, Napat; Corrêa, Ivan R; Bosco, Domenico; Johnson, Paul R; Piemonti, Lorenzo; Marchetti, Piero; Shapiro, A M James; Cochran, Blake J; Hanyaloglu, Aylin C; Inoue, Asuka; Tan, Tricia; Rutter, Guy A; Tomas, Alejandra; Bloom, Stephen R

    2018-04-23

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, causes weight loss, and is an important pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Like other G protein-coupled receptors, the GLP-1R undergoes agonist-mediated endocytosis, but the functional and therapeutic consequences of modulating GLP-1R endocytic trafficking have not been clearly defined. Here, we investigate a series of biased GLP-1R agonists with variable propensities for GLP-1R internalization and recycling. Compared to a panel of FDA-approved GLP-1 mimetics, compounds that retain GLP-1R at the plasma membrane produce greater long-term insulin release, which is dependent on a reduction in β-arrestin recruitment and faster agonist dissociation rates. Such molecules elicit glycemic benefits in mice without concomitant increases in signs of nausea, a common side effect of GLP-1 therapies. Our study identifies a set of agents with specific GLP-1R trafficking profiles and the potential for greater efficacy and tolerability as T2D treatments.

  8. Duodenal GLP-1 signaling regulates hepatic glucose production through a PKC-δ-dependent neurocircuitry

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Mengliu; Wang, Jinzhi; Wu, Shaobo; Yuan, Lei; Zhao, Xiaodong; Liu, Chaohong; Xie, Jing; Jia, Yanjun; Lai, Yerui; Zhao, Allan Zijian; Boden, Guenther; Li, Ling; Yang, Gangyi

    2017-01-01

    Intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and acts as a neuropeptide to control glucose homeostasis, but little is known whether intestinal GLP-1 has any effect in the control of hepatic glucose production (HGP). Here we found that intraduodenal infusion of GLP-1 activated duodenal PKC-δ, lowered HGP and was accompanied by a decrease in hepatic expression of gluconeogenic enzymes and an increase in hepatic insulin signaling in rats. However, gut co-infusion of either the GLP-1 receptor antagonist Ex-9, or the PKC-δ inhibitor rottlerin with GLP-1, negated the ability of gut GLP-1 to lower HGP and to increase hepatic insulin signaling during clamps. The metabolic and molecular signal effects of duodenal GLP-1 were also negated by co-infusion with tetracaine, pharmacologic inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors within the dorsalvagal complex, or hepatic vagotomy in rats. In summary, we identified a neural glucoregulatory function of gut GLP-1 signaling. PMID:28182013

  9. PSCs and GLP-1R: occurrence in normal pancreas, acute/chronic pancreatitis and effect of their activation by a GLP-1R agonist

    PubMed Central

    Nakamura, Taichi; Ito, Tetsuhide; Uchida, Masahiko; Hijioka, Masayuki; Igarashi, Hisato; Oono, Takamasa; Kato, Masaki; Nakamura, Kazuhiko; Suzuki, Koichi; Jensen, Robert T.; Takayanagi, Ryoichi

    2013-01-01

    Background and Aims There is increasing concern about the development of pancreatitis in patients with diabetes mellitus who received long-term GLP-1 analog treatment. Its pathogenesis is unknown. The effects of GLP-1 agonists on pancreatic endocrine cells is well studied, however there is little information on effects on other pancreatic tissues that might be involved in inflammatory processes. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) can play an important role in pancreatitis, secreting various inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, as well as collagen. In this study, we investigated GLP-1R occurrence in normal pancreas, acute/chronic pancreatitis, and the effects of GLP-1 analog on normal PSCs, their ability to stimulate inflammatory mediator secretion or proliferation. Methods GLP-1R expression/localization in normal pancreas and pancreatitis (acute/chronic) tissues were evaluated with histological/immunohistochemical analysis. PSCs were isolated from male Wistar rats. GLP1R expression and effects of GLP-1 analog on activated PSCs was examined with realtime PCR, MTS assays and Western Blotting. Results In normal pancreas, pancreatic β cells expressed GLP-1R, with only low expression in acinar cells, whereas in acute or chronic pancreatitis, acinar cells, ductal cells and activated PSCs expressed GLP-1R. With activation of normal PSCs, GLP-1R is markedly increased, as is multiple other incretin-related receptors. The GLP-1 analog, liraglutide, did not induce inflammatory genes expression in activated PSCs, but induced proliferation. Liraglutide activated multiple signaling cascades in PSCs, and the ERK pathway mediated the PSCs proliferation. Conclusions GLP-1Rs are expressed in normal pancreas and there is marked enhanced expression in acute/chronic pancreatitis. GLP-1-agonist induced cell proliferation of activated PSCs without increasing release of inflammatory mediators. These results suggest chronic treatment with GLP-1R agonists could lead to proliferation

  10. Circulating GLP-1 in infants born small-for-gestational-age: breast-feeding versus formula-feeding.

    PubMed

    Díaz, M; Bassols, J; Sebastiani, G; López-Bermejo, A; Ibáñez, L; de Zegher, F

    2015-10-01

    Prenatal growth restraint associates with the risk for later diabetes, particularly if such restraint is followed by postnatal formula-feeding (FOF) rather than breast-feeding (BRF). Circulating incretins can influence the neonatal programming of hypothalamic setpoints for appetite and energy expenditure, and are thus candidate mediators of the long-term effects exerted by early nutrition. We have tested this concept by measuring (at birth and at age 4 months) the circulating concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in BRF infants born appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA; n=63) and in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants receiving either BRF (n=28) or FOF (n=26). At birth, concentrations of GLP-1 were similar in AGA and SGA infants. At 4 months, pre-feeding GLP-1 concentrations were higher than at birth; SGA-BRF infants had GLP-1 concentrations similar to those in AGA-BRF infants but SGA-FOF infants had higher concentrations. In conclusion, nutrition appears to influence the circulating GLP-1 concentrations in SGA infants and may thereby modulate long-term diabetes risk.

  11. Active metabolite of GLP-1 mediates myocardial glucose uptake and improves left ventricular performance in conscious dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Nikolaidis, Lazaros A; Elahi, Dariush; Shen, You-Tang; Shannon, Richard P

    2005-12-01

    We have shown previously that the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-(7-36) amide increases myocardial glucose uptake and improves left ventricular (LV) and systemic hemodynamics in both conscious dogs with pacing-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and humans with LV systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction. However, GLP-1-(7-36) is rapidly degraded in the plasma to GLP-1-(9-36) by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), raising the issue of which peptide is the active moiety. By way of methodology, we compared the efficacy of a 48-h continuous intravenous infusion of GLP-1-(7-36) (1.5 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) to GLP-1-(9-36) (1.5 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1)) in 28 conscious, chronically instrumented dogs with pacing-induced DCM by measuring LV function and transmyocardial substrate uptake under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. As a result, dogs with DCM demonstrated myocardial insulin resistance under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. Both GLP-1-(7-36) and GLP-1-(9-36) significantly reduced (P < 0.01) LV end-diastolic pressure [GLP-1-(7-36), 28 +/- 1 to 15 +/- 2 mmHg; GLP-1-(9-36), 29 +/- 2 to 16 +/- 1 mmHg] and significantly increased (P < 0.01) the first derivative of LV pressure [GLP-1-(7-36), 1,315 +/- 81 to 2,195 +/- 102 mmHg/s; GLP-1-(9-36), 1,336 +/- 77 to 2,208 +/- 68 mmHg] and cardiac output [GLP-1-(7-36), 1.5 +/- 0.1 to 1.9 +/- 0.1 l/min; GLP-1-(9-36), 2.0 +/- 0.1 to 2.4 +/- 0.05 l/min], whereas an equivolume infusion of saline had no effect. Both peptides increased myocardial glucose uptake but without a significant increase in plasma insulin. During the GLP-1-(9-36) infusion, negligible active (NH2-terminal) peptide was measured in the plasma. In conclusion, in DCM, GLP-1-(9-36) mimics the effects of GLP-1-(7-36) in stimulating myocardial glucose uptake and improving LV and systemic hemodynamics through insulinomimetic as opposed to insulinotropic effects. These data suggest that GLP-1-(9-36) amide is

  12. Hepatitis D virus RNA editing is inhibited by a GFP fusion protein containing a C-terminally deleted delta antigen.

    PubMed

    Shih, Ko-Nien; Chuang, Ya-Ting; Liu, Hsuan; Lo, Szecheng J

    2004-04-01

    During its life cycle, hepatitis D virus (HDV) produces two forms of delta antigen (HDAg), small delta antigen (SDAg) and large delta antigen (LDAg), which differ in their C-terminal 19 amino acids. Host enzymes termed ADARs (adenosine deaminases that act on double-stranded RNA) are required for LDAg production. These enzymes change the stop codon (UAG) of SDAg to a tryptophan codon (UGG). However, the temporal and spatial regulation of HDV RNA editing is largely unknown. In this study, we constructed three GFP fusion proteins containing different lengths of SDAg and characterized their cellular localization and effects on HDV replication. One of these fusion proteins, designated D(1-88)-GFP, inhibited LDAg but not SDAg production, suggesting that D(1-88)-GFP inhibits HDV RNA editing. Two experiments further supported this supposition: (i). RT-PCR analysis combined with NcoI restriction enzyme digestion revealed that HDV RNA editing was reduced by 42% in HeLa-D(1-88)-GFP when compared with HeLa cells; and (ii). the ratio of SDAg/LDAg production from the reporter RNAs was reduced in cells co-transfected with ADAR-expressing and reporter plasmids in the presence of D(1-88)-GFP. Double fluorescence microscopy found that D(1-88)-GFP was either associated with SC-35 or was adjacent to PML (premyelocytic leukaemia antigen) at nuclear speckles, but D(1-88)-GFP was not co-localized with ADAR, which was mainly located in the nucleolus. In situ hybridization showing co-localization of HDV RNA with D(1-88)-GFP at nuclear speckles suggested that HDV RNA editing might occur in the nuclear speckles and require other nuclear factor(s), in addition to ADAR.

  13. Modular Detection of GFP-Labeled Proteins for Rapid Screening by Electron Microscopy in Cells and Organisms.

    PubMed

    Ariotti, Nicholas; Hall, Thomas E; Rae, James; Ferguson, Charles; McMahon, Kerrie-Ann; Martel, Nick; Webb, Robyn E; Webb, Richard I; Teasdale, Rohan D; Parton, Robert G

    2015-11-23

    Reliable and quantifiable high-resolution protein localization is critical for understanding protein function. However, the time required to clone and characterize any protein of interest is a significant bottleneck, especially for electron microscopy (EM). We present a modular system for enzyme-based protein tagging that allows for improved speed and sampling for analysis of subcellular protein distributions using existing clone libraries to EM-resolution. We demonstrate that we can target a modified soybean ascorbate peroxidase (APEX) to any GFP-tagged protein of interest by engineering a GFP-binding peptide (GBP) directly to the APEX-tag. We demonstrate that APEX-GBP (1) significantly reduces the time required to characterize subcellular protein distributions of whole libraries to less than 3 days, (2) provides remarkable high-resolution localization of proteins to organelle subdomains, and (3) allows EM localization of GFP-tagged proteins, including proteins expressed at endogenous levels, in vivo by crossing existing GFP-tagged transgenic zebrafish lines with APEX-GBP transgenic lines. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Conditional and constitutive expression of a Tbx1-GFP fusion protein in mice

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Velo-cardio-facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome (VCFS/DGS) is caused by a 1.5-3 Mb microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2, frequently referred to as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). This region includes TBX1, a T-box transcription factor gene that contributes to the etiology of 22q11DS. The requirement for TBX1 in mammalian development is dosage-sensitive, such that loss-of-function (LOF) and gain-of-function (GOF) of TBX1 in both mice and humans results in disease relevant congenital malformations. Results To further gain insight into the role of Tbx1 in development, we have targeted the Rosa26 locus to generate a new GOF mouse model in which a Tbx1-GFP fusion protein is expressed conditionally using the Cre/LoxP system. Tbx1-GFP expression is driven by the endogenous Rosa26 promoter resulting in ectopic and persistent expression. Tbx1 is pivotal for proper ear and heart development; ectopic activation of Tbx1-GFP in the otic vesicle by Pax2-Cre and Foxg1-Cre represses neurogenesis and produces morphological defects of the inner ear. Overexpression of a single copy of Tbx1-GFP using Tbx1Cre/+ was viable, while overexpression of both copies resulted in neonatal lethality with cardiac outflow tract defects. We have partially rescued inner ear and heart anomalies in Tbx1Cre/- null embryos by expression of Tbx1-GFP. Conclusions We have generated a new mouse model to conditionally overexpress a GFP-tagged Tbx1 protein in vivo. This provides a useful tool to investigate in vivo direct downstream targets and protein binding partners of Tbx1. PMID:23971992

  15. Cellular GFP Toxicity and Immunogenicity: Potential Confounders in in Vivo Cell Tracking Experiments.

    PubMed

    Ansari, Amir Mehdi; Ahmed, A Karim; Matsangos, Aerielle E; Lay, Frank; Born, Louis J; Marti, Guy; Harmon, John W; Sun, Zhaoli

    2016-10-01

    Green Fluorescent protein (GFP), used as a cellular tag, provides researchers with a valuable method of measuring gene expression and cell tracking. However, there is evidence to suggest that the immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of GFP potentially confounds the interpretation of in vivo experimental data. Studies have shown that GFP expression can deteriorate over time as GFP tagged cells are prone to death. Therefore, the cells that were originally marked with GFP do not survive and cannot be accurately traced over time. This review will present current evidence for the immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of GFP in in vivo studies by characterizing these responses.

  16. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Ligand Interactions: Structural Cross Talk between Ligands and the Extracellular Domain

    PubMed Central

    West, Graham M.; Willard, Francis S.; Sloop, Kyle W.; Showalter, Aaron D.; Pascal, Bruce D.; Griffin, Patrick R.

    2014-01-01

    Activation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in pancreatic β-cells potentiates insulin production and is a current therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Like other class B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the GLP-1R contains an N-terminal extracellular ligand binding domain. N-terminal truncations on the peptide agonist generate antagonists capable of binding to the extracellular domain, but not capable of activating full length receptor. The main objective of this study was to use Hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) to identify how the amide hydrogen bonding network of peptide ligands and the extracellular domain of GLP-1R (nGLP-1R) were altered by binding interactions and to then use this platform to validate direct binding events for putative GLP-1R small molecule ligands. The HDX studies presented here for two glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) peptide ligands indicates that the antagonist exendin-4[9-39] is significantly destabilized in the presence of nonionic detergents as compared to the agonist exendin-4. Furthermore, HDX can detect stabilization of exendin-4 and exendin-4[9-39] hydrogen bonding networks at the N-terminal helix [Val19 to Lys27] upon binding to the N-terminal extracellular domain of GLP-1R (nGLP-1R). In addition we show hydrogen bonding network stabilization on nGLP-1R in response to ligand binding, and validate direct binding events with the extracellular domain of the receptor for putative GLP-1R small molecule ligands. PMID:25180755

  17. Novel role of GLP-1 receptor signaling in energy expenditure during chronic high fat diet feeding in rats.

    PubMed

    Krieger, Jean-Philippe; Langhans, Wolfgang; Lee, Shin J

    2018-04-11

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secreted from intestinal L-cells plays a major role in meal termination and glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Several lines of evidence indicate, however, that the acute satiating and incretin effects of GLP-1 are attenuated with high fat diet (HFD) exposure. Here we tested the hypothesis that endogenous GLP-1 differentially affects energy balance and glucose homeostasis dependent on whether rats are fed chow or HFD (60% energy from fat). We blocked GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling by daily intraperitoneal (IP) injection of the GLP-1R antagonist exendin (9-39) (Ex9, 10 μg/kg) or vehicle for 5 weeks in male Sprague-Dawley rats fed either chow or HFD, recorded body weight (BW) and food intake throughout, and assessed energy expenditure (3rd week) and glucose tolerance (4th week). Five week daily Ex9 injections reduced BW gain in HFD-fed rats, but did not affect BW in chow-fed rats. On the other hand, chronic Ex9 treatment did not affect daily food intake in either chow or HFD-fed rats during the entire study. The reduced BW gain in HFD-fed rats was associated with an increase in energy expenditure. Interestingly, chronic Ex9 treatment induced glucose intolerance in chow-fed rats, but not in HFD-fed rats, suggesting a differential role of GLP-1R signaling in glucose metabolism during chow and HFD feeding. Our findings reveal a novel role of GLP-1R signaling, modulating energy expenditure rather than eating behavior during HFD feeding. Furthermore, these results suggest a previously unrecognized contribution of GLP-1R signaling to the pathophysiology of obesity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. The endocrine disrupting potential of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on secretion of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) gut hormone and GLP-1 receptor interaction.

    PubMed

    Shannon, Maeve; Green, Brian; Willars, Gary; Wilson, Jodie; Matthews, Natalie; Lamb, Joanna; Gillespie, Anna; Connolly, Lisa

    2017-01-04

    Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a suspected obesogen with epidemiological evidence positively correlating consumption to increased body mass index and higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. ELISA and high content analysis (HCA) were employed to examine the disruptive effects of MSG on the secretion of enteroendocrine hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), respectively. Following 3h MSG exposure of the enteroendocrine pGIP/neo: STC-1 cell line model (500μg/ml) significantly increased GLP-1 secretion (1.8 fold; P≤0.001), however, 72h exposure (500μg/ml) caused a 1.8 fold decline (P≤0.05). Also, 3h MSG exposure (0.5-500μg/ml) did not induce any cytotoxicity (including multiple pre-lethal markers) but 72h exposure at 250-500μg/ml, decreased cell number (11.8-26.7%; P≤0.05), increased nuclear area (23.9-29.8%; P≤0.001) and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (13-21.6%; P≤0.05). At 500μg/ml, MSG increased mitochondrial mass by 16.3% (P≤0.01). MSG did not agonise or antagonise internalisation of the GLP-1R expressed recombinantly in U2OS cells, following GLP-1 stimulation. In conclusion, 72h exposure of an enteroendocrine cell line at dietary levels of MSG, results in pre-lethal cytotoxicity and decline in GLP-1 secretion. These adverse events may play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity as outlined in the obesogen hypothesis by impairing GLP-1 secretion, related satiety responses and glucose-stimulated insulin release. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Central GLP-1 receptor activation modulates cocaine-evoked phasic dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens core.

    PubMed

    Fortin, Samantha M; Roitman, Mitchell F

    2017-07-01

    Drugs of abuse increase the frequency and magnitude of brief (1-3s), high concentration (phasic) dopamine release events in terminal regions. These are thought to be a critical part of drug reinforcement and ultimately the development of addiction. Recently, metabolic regulatory peptides, including the satiety signal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), have been shown to modulate cocaine reward-driven behavior and sustained dopamine levels after cocaine administration. Here, we use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to explore GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) modulation of dynamic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) during cocaine administration. We analyzed dopamine release events in both the NAc shell and core, as these two subregions are differentially affected by cocaine and uniquely contribute to motivated behavior. We found that central delivery of the GLP-1R agonist Exendin-4 suppressed the induction of phasic dopamine release events by intravenous cocaine. This effect was selective for dopamine signaling in the NAc core. Suppression of phasic signaling in the core by Exendin-4 could not be attributed to interference with cocaine binding to one of its major substrates, the dopamine transporter, as cocaine-induced increases in reuptake were unaffected. The results suggest that GLP-1R activation, instead, exerts its suppressive effects by altering dopamine release - possibly by suppressing the excitability of dopamine neurons. Given the role of NAc core dopamine in the generation of conditioned responses based on associative learning, suppression of cocaine-induced dopamine signaling in this subregion by GLP-1R agonism may decrease the reinforcing properties of cocaine. Thus, GLP-1Rs remain viable targets for the treatment and prevention of cocaine seeking, taking and relapse. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Immobilized palladium(II) ion affinity chromatography for recovery of recombinant proteins with peptide tags containing histidine and cysteine.

    PubMed

    Kikot, Pamela; Polat, Aise; Achilli, Estefania; Fernandez Lahore, Marcelo; Grasselli, Mariano

    2014-11-01

    Fusion of peptide-based tags to recombinant proteins is currently one of the most used tools for protein production. Also, immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) has a huge application in protein purification, especially in research labs. The combination of expression systems of recombinant tagged proteins with this robust chromatographic system has become an efficient and rapid tool to produce milligram-range amounts of proteins. IMAC-Ni(II) columns have become the natural partners of 6xHis-tagged proteins. The Ni(II) ion is considered as the best compromise of selectivity and affinity for purification of a recombinant His-tagged protein. The palladium(II) ion is also able to bind to side chains of amino acids and form ternary complexes with iminodiacetic acid and free amino acids and other sulfur-containing molecules. In this work, we evaluated two different cysteine- and histidine-containing six amino acid tags linked to the N-terminal group of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and studied the adsorption and elution conditions using novel eluents. Both cysteine-containing tagged GFPs were able to bind to IMAC-Pd(II) matrices and eluted successfully using a low concentration of thiourea solution. The IMAC-Ni(II) system reaches less than 20% recovery of the cysteine-containing tagged GFP from a crude homogenate of recombinant Escherichia coli, meanwhile the IMAC-Pd(II) yields a recovery of 45% with a purification factor of 13. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  1. Use of green fluorescent protein fusions to analyse the N- and C-terminal signal peptides of GPI-anchored cell wall proteins in Candida albicans.

    PubMed

    Mao, Yuxin; Zhang, Zimei; Wong, Brian

    2003-12-01

    Glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins account for 26-35% of the Candida albicans cell wall. To understand the signals that regulate these proteins' cell surface localization, green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused to the N- and C-termini of the C. albicans cell wall proteins (CWPs) Hwp1p, Als3p and Rbt5p. C. albicans expressing all three fusion proteins were fluorescent at the cell surface. GFP was released from membrane fractions by PI-PLC and from cell walls by beta-glucanase, which implied that GFP was GPI-anchored to the plasma membrane and then covalently attached to cell wall glucans. Twenty and 25 amino acids, respectively, from the N- and C-termini of Hwp1p were sufficient to target GFP to the cell surface. C-terminal substitutions that are permitted by the omega rules (G613D, G613N, G613S, G613A, G615S) did not interfere with GFP localization, whereas some non-permitted substitutions (G613E, G613Q, G613R, G613T and G615Q) caused GFP to accumulate in intracellular ER-like structures and others (G615C, G613N/G615C and G613D/G615C) did not. These results imply that (i) GFP fusions can be used to analyse the N- and C-terminal signal peptides of GPI-anchored CWPs, (ii) the omega amino acid in Hwp1p is G613, and (iii) C can function at the omega+2 position in C. albicans GPI-anchored proteins.

  2. Application of unstable Gfp variants to the kinetic study of Legionella pneumophila icm gene expression during infection.

    PubMed

    Barysheva, Oksana V; Fujii, Jun; Takaesu, Giichi; Yoshida, Shin-ichi

    2008-04-01

    An unstable type of green fluorescent protein (Gfp) tagged with a C-terminal extension, which is a target for tail-specific protease, was used as a reporter gene in Legionella pneumophila. To analyse Gfp expression in legionellae, transcriptional fusions of unstable gfp with the Legionella-specific icm (intracellular multiplication) promoters (P(icmS), P(icmT) and P(icmQ)) were constructed. Infection studies using J774.1 macrophages as the host, and L. pneumophila strains carrying P(icmS)-gfp, P(icmT)-gfp and P(icmQ)-gfp fusions, indicated that the icmS, icmT and icmQ genes could be expressed intracellularly. Expression of icmS, icmT and icmQ genes in infected cells was examined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, fluorescent intracellular legionellae were detected directly by confocal microscopy. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR revealed the differences in the gene expression of icmS, and that of icmT and icmQ, during infection. Expression of icmS was high in the late stage of infection, while that of icmT and icmQ was high in the early phase only. We show that unstable gfp is a useful reporter gene whose expression in legionellae can be followed in real-time, and that it allows analysis of promoter activities in legionellae and monitoring of the infection process.

  3. Ubiquitin–Synaptobrevin Fusion Protein Causes Degeneration of Presynaptic Motor Terminals in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yun; Li, Hongqiao; Sugiura, Yoshie; Han, Weiping; Gallardo, Gilbert; Khvotchev, Mikhail; Zhang, Yinan; Kavalali, Ege T.; Südhof, Thomas C.

    2015-01-01

    Protein aggregates containing ubiquitin (Ub) are commonly observed in neurodegenerative disorders, implicating the involvement of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in their pathogenesis. Here, we aimed to generate a mouse model for monitoring UPS function using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based substrate that carries a “noncleavable” N-terminal ubiquitin moiety (UbG76V). We engineered transgenic mice expressing a fusion protein, consisting of the following: (1) UbG76V, GFP, and a synaptic vesicle protein synaptobrevin-2 (UbG76V-GFP-Syb2); (2) GFP-Syb2; or (3) UbG76V-GFP-Syntaxin1, all under the control of a neuron-specific Thy-1 promoter. As expected, UbG76V-GFP-Syb2, GFP-Syb2, and UbG76V-GFP-Sytaxin1 were highly expressed in neurons, such as motoneurons and motor nerve terminals of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Surprisingly, UbG76V-GFP-Syb2 mice developed progressive adult-onset degeneration of motor nerve terminals, whereas GFP-Syb2 and UbG76V-GFP-Syntaxin1 mice were normal. The degeneration of nerve terminals in UbG76V-GFP-Syb2 mice was preceded by a progressive impairment of synaptic transmission at the NMJs. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that UbG76V-GFP-Syb2 interacted with SNAP-25 and Syntaxin1, the SNARE partners of synaptobrevin. Ultrastructural analyses revealed a marked reduction in synaptic vesicle density, accompanying an accumulation of tubulovesicular structures at presynaptic nerve terminals. These morphological defects were largely restricted to motor nerve terminals, as the ultrastructure of motoneuron somata appeared to be normal at the stages when synaptic nerve terminals degenerated. Furthermore, synaptic vesicle endocytosis and membrane trafficking were impaired in UbG76V-GFP-Syb2 mice. These findings indicate that UbG76V-GFP-Syb2 may compete with endogenous synaptobrevin, acting as a gain-of-function mutation that impedes SNARE function, resulting in the depletion of synaptic vesicles and degeneration of the nerve

  4. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression by nerve fibres in inflammatory bowel disease and functional effects in cultured neurons.

    PubMed

    Anand, Uma; Yiangou, Yiangos; Akbar, Ayesha; Quick, Tom; MacQuillan, Anthony; Fox, Mike; Sinisi, Marco; Korchev, Yuri E; Jones, Ben; Bloom, Steve R; Anand, Praveen

    2018-01-01

    Glucagon like-peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists diminish appetite and may contribute to the weight loss in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to determine, for the first time, the expression of GLP-1R by colon nerve fibres in patients with IBD, and functional effects of its agonists in cultured rat and human sensory neurons. GLP-1R and other nerve markers were studied by immunohistochemistry in colon biopsies from patients with IBD (n = 16) and controls (n = 8), human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissue, and in GLP-1R transfected HEK293 cells. The morphological effects of incretin hormones oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 and glucagon were studied on neurite extension in cultured DRG neurons, and their functional effects on capsaicin and ATP signalling, using calcium imaging. Significantly increased numbers of colonic mucosal nerve fibres were observed in IBD biopsies expressing GLP-1R (p = 0.0013), the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5 (p = 0.0008), and sensory neuropeptide CGRP (p = 0.0014). An increase of GLP-1R positive nerve fibres in IBD colon was confirmed with a different antibody to GLP-1R (p = 0.016). GLP-1R immunostaining was intensely positive in small and medium-sized neurons in human DRG, and in human and rat DRG cultured neurons. Co-localization of GLP-1R expression with neuronal markers in colon and DRG confirmed the neural expression of GLP-1R, and antibody specificity was confirmed in HEK293 cells transfected with the GLP-1R. Treatment with oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 and GLP-1 increased neurite length in cultured neurons compared with controls, but did not stimulate calcium influx directly, or affect capsaicin responses. However, exendin-4 significantly enhanced ATP responses in human DRG neurons. Our results show that increased GLP-1R innervation in IBD bowel could mediate enhanced visceral afferent signalling, and provide a peripheral target for therapeutic intervention. The differential effect of GLP-1R agonists on capsaicin and ATP

  5. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression by nerve fibres in inflammatory bowel disease and functional effects in cultured neurons

    PubMed Central

    Yiangou, Yiangos; Akbar, Ayesha; Quick, Tom; MacQuillan, Anthony; Fox, Mike; Sinisi, Marco; Korchev, Yuri E.; Jones, Ben; Bloom, Steve R.; Anand, Praveen

    2018-01-01

    Introduction Glucagon like-peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists diminish appetite and may contribute to the weight loss in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objectives The aim of this study was to determine, for the first time, the expression of GLP-1R by colon nerve fibres in patients with IBD, and functional effects of its agonists in cultured rat and human sensory neurons. Methods GLP-1R and other nerve markers were studied by immunohistochemistry in colon biopsies from patients with IBD (n = 16) and controls (n = 8), human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissue, and in GLP-1R transfected HEK293 cells. The morphological effects of incretin hormones oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 and glucagon were studied on neurite extension in cultured DRG neurons, and their functional effects on capsaicin and ATP signalling, using calcium imaging. Results Significantly increased numbers of colonic mucosal nerve fibres were observed in IBD biopsies expressing GLP-1R (p = 0.0013), the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5 (p = 0.0008), and sensory neuropeptide CGRP (p = 0.0014). An increase of GLP-1R positive nerve fibres in IBD colon was confirmed with a different antibody to GLP-1R (p = 0.016). GLP-1R immunostaining was intensely positive in small and medium-sized neurons in human DRG, and in human and rat DRG cultured neurons. Co-localization of GLP-1R expression with neuronal markers in colon and DRG confirmed the neural expression of GLP-1R, and antibody specificity was confirmed in HEK293 cells transfected with the GLP-1R. Treatment with oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 and GLP-1 increased neurite length in cultured neurons compared with controls, but did not stimulate calcium influx directly, or affect capsaicin responses. However, exendin-4 significantly enhanced ATP responses in human DRG neurons. Conclusion Our results show that increased GLP-1R innervation in IBD bowel could mediate enhanced visceral afferent signalling, and provide a peripheral target for therapeutic intervention. The differential

  6. Fabrication of Nanometer- and Micrometer-Scale Protein Structures by Site-Specific Immobilization of Histidine-Tagged Proteins to Aminosiloxane Films with Photoremovable Protein-Resistant Protecting Groups

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    The site-specific immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins to patterns formed by far-field and near-field exposure of films of aminosilanes with protein-resistant photolabile protecting groups is demonstrated. After deprotection of the aminosilane, either through a mask or using a scanning near-field optical microscope, the amine terminal groups are derivatized first with glutaraldehyde and then with N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl)iminodiacetic acid to yield a nitrilo-triacetic-acid-terminated surface. After complexation with Ni2+, this surface binds histidine-tagged GFP and CpcA-PEB in a site-specific fashion. The chemistry is simple and reliable and leads to extensive surface functionalization. Bright fluorescence is observed in fluorescence microscopy images of micrometer- and nanometer-scale patterns. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study quantitatively the efficiency of photodeprotection and the reactivity of the modified surfaces. The efficiency of the protein binding process is investigated quantitatively by ellipsometry and by fluorescence microscopy. We find that regions of the surface not exposed to UV light bind negligible amounts of His-tagged proteins, indicating that the oligo(ethylene glycol) adduct on the nitrophenyl protecting group confers excellent protein resistance; in contrast, exposed regions bind His-GFP very effectively, yielding strong fluorescence that is almost completely removed on treatment of the surface with imidazole, confirming a degree of site-specific binding in excess of 90%. This simple strategy offers a versatile generic route to the spatially selective site-specific immobilization of proteins at surfaces. PMID:26820378

  7. GLP-1 acts on habenular avoidance circuits to control nicotine intake.

    PubMed

    Tuesta, Luis M; Chen, Zuxin; Duncan, Alexander; Fowler, Christie D; Ishikawa, Masago; Lee, Brian R; Liu, Xin-An; Lu, Qun; Cameron, Michael; Hayes, Matthew R; Kamenecka, Theodore M; Pletcher, Matthew; Kenny, Paul J

    2017-05-01

    Tobacco smokers titrate their nicotine intake to avoid its noxious effects, sensitivity to which may influence vulnerability to tobacco dependence, yet mechanisms of nicotine avoidance are poorly understood. Here we show that nicotine activates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). The antidiabetic drugs sitagliptin and exenatide, which inhibit GLP-1 breakdown and stimulate GLP-1 receptors, respectively, decreased nicotine intake in mice. Chemogenetic activation of GLP-1 neurons in NTS similarly decreased nicotine intake. Conversely, Glp1r knockout mice consumed greater quantities of nicotine than wild-type mice. Using optogenetic stimulation, we show that GLP-1 excites medial habenular (MHb) projections to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Activation of GLP-1 receptors in the MHb-IPN circuit abolished nicotine reward and decreased nicotine intake, whereas their knockdown or pharmacological blockade increased intake. GLP-1 neurons may therefore serve as 'satiety sensors' for nicotine that stimulate habenular systems to promote nicotine avoidance before its aversive effects are encountered.

  8. The GLP-1 response to glucose does not mediate beta and alpha cell dysfunction in Hispanics with abnormal glucose metabolism.

    PubMed

    Adams, Elizabeth; Genter, Pauline; Keefe, Emma; Sandow, Kevin; Gray, Virginia; Rotter, Jerome I; Chen, Yii-Der Ida; Ipp, Eli

    2018-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) contributes to insulin secretion after meals. Though Hispanics have increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is unknown if impaired GLP-1 secretion contributes to this risk. We therefore studied plasma GLP-1 secretion and action in Hispanic adults. Hispanic (H; n = 31) and non-Hispanic (nH; n = 15) participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). All participants were categorized by glucose tolerance into four groups: normal glucose tolerant non-Hispanic (NGT-nH; n = 15), normal glucose tolerant Hispanic (NGT-H; n = 12), impaired glucose tolerant Hispanic (IGT-H; n = 11), or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus, Hispanic (T2D-H; n = 8). Glucose-induced increments in plasma GLP-1 (Δ-GLP-1) were not different in NGT-H and NGT-nH (p = .38), nor amongst Hispanic subgroups with varying degrees of glucose homeostasis (p = .6). In contrast, the insulinogenic index in T2D-H group was lower than the other groups (p = .016). Subjects with abnormal glucose homeostasis (AGH), i.e., T2D-H plus IGT-H, had a diminished glucagon suppression index compared to patients with normal glucose homeostasis (NGT-H plus NGT-nH) (p = .035). GLP-1 responses to glucose were similar in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic NGT. Despite similar glucose-induced Δ-GLP-1, insulin and glucagon responses were abnormal in T2D-H and AGH, respectively. Thus, impaired GLP-1 secretion is unlikely to play a role in islet dysfunction in T2D. Although GLP-1 therapeutics enhance insulin secretion and glucagon suppression, it is likely due to pharmacological amplification of the GLP-1 pathways rather than treatment of hormonal deficiency. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Correlative light and electron microscopic detection of GFP-labeled proteins using modular APEX.

    PubMed

    Ariotti, Nicholas; Hall, Thomas E; Parton, Robert G

    2017-01-01

    The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and related proteins has revolutionized light microscopy. Here we describe a rapid and simple method to localize GFP-tagged proteins in cells and in tissues by electron microscopy (EM) using a modular approach involving a small GFP-binding peptide (GBP) fused to the ascorbate peroxidase-derived APEX2 tag. We provide a method for visualizing GFP-tagged proteins by light and EM in cultured cells and in the zebrafish using modular APEX-GBP. Furthermore, we describe in detail the benefits of this technique over many of the currently available correlative light and electron microscopy approaches and demonstrate APEX-GBP is readily applicable to modern three-dimensional techniques. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Endogenous GLP-1 as a key self-defense molecule against lipotoxicity in pancreatic islets.

    PubMed

    Huang, Chenghu; Yuan, Li; Cao, Shuyi

    2015-07-01

    The number of pro-α cells is known to increase in response to β cell injury and these cells then generate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), thus attenuating the development of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to further examine the role and the mechanisms responsible for intra-islet GLP-1 production as a self-protective response against lipotoxicity. The levels of the key enzyme, prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), as well as the synthesis and release of GLP-1 in models of lipotoxicity were measured. Furthermore, islet viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as islet structure were assessed after altering GLP-1 receptor signaling. Both prolonged exposure to palmitate and a high-fat diet facilitated PC1/3 expression, as well as the synthesis and release of GLP-1 induced by β cell injury and the generation of pro-α cells. Prolonged exposure to palmitate increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), partially prevented the detrimental effects induced by palmitate on β cells, resulting in decreased GLP-1 levels. Furthermore, the inhibition of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling by treatment with exendin‑(9-39) further decreased cell viability, increased cell apoptosis and caused a stronger inhibition of the β cell-specific transcription factor, pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1). Moreover, treatment with the GLP-1R agonist, liraglutide, normalized islet structure and function, resulting in a decrease in cell death and in the amelioration of β cell marker expression. Importantly, liraglutide maintained the oxidative balance and decreased inflammatory factor and p65 expression. Overall, our data demonstrate that an increase in the number of pro-α cells and the activation of the intra-islet GLP-1 system comprise a self-defense mechanism for enhancing β cell survival to combat lipid overload, which is in part mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation.

  11. GLP-1 response to a mixed meal: what happens 10 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)?

    PubMed

    Dar, Moahad S; Chapman, William H; Pender, John R; Drake, Almond J; O'Brien, Kevin; Tanenberg, Robert J; Dohm, G Lynis; Pories, Walter J

    2012-07-01

    Oral meal consumption increases glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) release which maintains euglycemia by increasing insulin secretion. This effect is exaggerated during short-term follow-up of Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB). We examined the durability of this effect in patient with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) >10 years after RYGB. GLP-1 response to a mixed meal in the 10-year post-RYGB group (n = 5) was compared to lean (n = 9), obese (n = 6), and type 2 diabetic (n = 10) controls using a cross-sectional study design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate GLP-1 response to mixed meal consumption from 0 to 300 min, 0-20 min, 20-60 min, and 60-300 min, respectively. Weight, insulin resistance, and T2DM were also assessed. GLP-1 response 0-300 min in the 10-year post-RYGB showed a statistically significant overall difference (p =  0.01) compared to controls. Furthermore, GLP-1 response 0-20 min in the 10-year post-RYGB group showed a very rapid statistically significant rise (p = 0.035) to a peak of 40 pM. GLP-1 response between 20 and 60 min showed a rapid statistically significant (p = 0.041) decline in GLP-1 response from ~40 pM to 10 pM. GLP-1 response in the 10-year post-RYGB group from 60 to 300 min showed no statistically significant difference from controls. BMI, HOMA, and fasting serum glucose before and >10 years after RYGB changed from 59.9 → 40.4, 8.7 → 0.88, and 155.2 → 87.6 mg/dl, respectively, and were statistically significant (p < 0.05). An exaggerated GLP-1 response was noted 10 years after RYGB, strongly suggesting a durability of this effect. This phenomenon may play a key role in maintaining type 2 diabetes remission and weight loss after RYGB.

  12. A Split-GFP Gateway Cloning System for Topology Analyses of Membrane Proteins in Plants.

    PubMed

    Xie, Wenjun; Nielsen, Mads Eggert; Pedersen, Carsten; Thordal-Christensen, Hans

    2017-01-01

    To understand the function of membrane proteins, it is imperative to know their topology. For such studies, a split green fluorescent protein (GFP) method is useful. GFP is barrel-shaped, consisting of 11 β-sheets. When the first ten β-sheets (GFP1-10) and the 11th β-sheet (GFP11) are expressed from separate genes they will self-assembly and reconstitute a fluorescent GFP protein. However, this will only occur when the two domains co-localize in the same cellular compartment. We have developed an easy-to-use Gateway vector set for determining on which side of the membrane the N- and C-termini are located. Two vectors were designed for making N- and C-terminal fusions between the membrane proteins-of-interest and GFP11, while another three plasmids were designed to express GFP1-10 in either the cytosol, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen or the apoplast. We tested functionality of the system by applying the vector set for the transmembrane domain, CNXTM, of the ER membrane protein, calnexin, after transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. We observed GFP signal from the ER when we reciprocally co-expressed GFP11-CNXTM with GFP1-10-HDEL and CNXTM-GFP with cytosolic GFP1-10. The opposite combinations did not result in GFP signal emission. This test using the calnexin ER-membrane domain demonstrated its C-terminus to be in the cytosol and its N-terminus in the ER lumen. This result confirmed the known topology of calnexin, and we therefore consider this split-GFP system highly useful for ER membrane topology studies. Furthermore, the vector set provided is useful for detecting the topology of proteins on other membranes in the cell, which we confirmed for a plasma membrane syntaxin. The set of five Ti-plasmids are easily and efficiently used for Gateway cloning and transient transformation of N. benthamiana leaves.

  13. Loss of dorsomedial hypothalamic GLP-1 signaling reduces BAT thermogenesis and increases adiposity.

    PubMed

    Lee, Shin J; Sanchez-Watts, Graciela; Krieger, Jean-Philippe; Pignalosa, Angelica; Norell, Puck N; Cortella, Alyssa; Pettersen, Klaus G; Vrdoljak, Dubravka; Hayes, Matthew R; Kanoski, Scott; Langhans, Wolfgang; Watts, Alan G

    2018-05-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neurons in the hindbrain densely innervate the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), a nucleus strongly implicated in body weight regulation and the sympathetic control of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Therefore, DMH GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) are well placed to regulate energy balance by controlling sympathetic outflow and BAT function. We investigate this possibility in adult male rats by using direct administration of GLP-1 (0.5 ug) into the DMH, knocking down DMH GLP-1R mRNA with viral-mediated RNA interference, and by examining the neurochemical phenotype of GLP-1R expressing cells in the DMH using in situ hybridization. GLP-1 administered into the DMH increased BAT thermogenesis and hepatic triglyceride (TG) mobilization. On the other hand, Glp1r knockdown (KD) in the DMH increased body weight gain and adiposity, with a concomitant reduction in energy expenditure (EE), BAT temperature, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression. Moreover, DMH Glp1r KD induced hepatic steatosis, increased plasma TG, and elevated liver specific de-novo lipogenesis, effects that collectively contributed to insulin resistance. Interestingly, DMH Glp1r KD increased neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in the DMH. GLP-1R mRNA in the DMH, however, was found in GABAergic not NPY neurons, consistent with a GLP-1R-dependent inhibition of NPY neurons that is mediated by local GABAergic neurons. Finally, DMH Glp1r KD attenuated the anorexigenic effects of the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4, highlighting an important role of DMH GLP-1R signaling in GLP-1-based therapies. Collectively, our data show that DMH GLP-1R signaling plays a key role for BAT thermogenesis and adiposity. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.

  14. Role of N-terminal 28-amino-acid region of Rhizopus oryzae lipase in directing proteins to secretory pathway of Aspergillus oryzae.

    PubMed

    Hama, Shinji; Tamalampudi, Sriappareddy; Shindo, Naoki; Numata, Takao; Yamaji, Hideki; Fukuda, Hideki; Kondo, Akihiko

    2008-07-01

    To develop a new approach for improving heterologous protein production in Aspergillus oryzae, we focused on the functional role of the N-terminal region of Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL). Several N-terminal deletion variants of ROL were expressed in A. oryzae. Interestingly, a segment of 28 amino acids from the C-terminal region of the propeptide (N28) was found to be critical for secretion of ROL into the culture medium. To further investigate the role of N28, the ROL secretory process was visualized in vivo using ROL-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins. In cells producing ROL with N28, fluorescence observations showed that the fusion proteins are transported through endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi, and cell wall, which is one of the typical secretory processes in a eukaryotic cell. Because the expression of the mature ROL-GFP fusion protein induced fluorescence accumulation without its translocation into the ER, N28 is considered to play a crucial role in protein transport. When N28 was inserted between the secretion signal and GFP, fluorescence observations showed that GFP, which is originally a cytoplasmic protein, was efficiently translocated into the ER of A. oryzae, resulting in an enhanced secretion of mature GFP after proteolytic cleavage of N28. These findings suggest that N28 facilitates protein translocation into ER and can be a promising candidate for improving heterologous protein production in A. oryzae.

  15. Exendin-4 and GLP-1 decreases induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and RAGE in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Dorecka, Mariola; Siemianowicz, Krzysztof; Francuz, Tomasz; Garczorz, Wojciech; Chyra, Agnieszka; Klych, Agnieszka; Romaniuk, Wanda

    2013-01-01

    Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) take part in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Hyperglycemia triggers an inflammatory response in the retina. These mechanisms may lead to an enhanced expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) in human retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE). Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) functions as an incretin hormone with antidiabetogenic properties. GLP-1 also possesses vasoprotective properties. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of glycated albumin (GlyAlb; 100; 500 and 1000 mg/l) and pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α (2.5 and 10 ng/ml), on expression of RAGE, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and to evaluate the influence of GLP-1 (100 nM) and its analogue, exendin-4 (10 nM), on the expression of RAGE, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in stimulated HRPE. TNF-α increased RAGE expression in HRPE cells. The addition of GlyAlb (500 and 1000 mg/l) resulted in a decrease of RAGE expression. Both TNF-α and GlyAlb increased the secretion of both adhesion molecules. In cells co-treated with GLP-1 or exendin-4 both incretins decreased RAGE expression in TNF-α treated cells, and in GlyAlb group. The ICAM-1 expression was lowered by exendin-4 and GLP-1 in cells stimulated by TNF-α and GlyAlb. The similar results were obtained for VCAM-1. All observed alterations were statistically significant. The obtained results indicate that both GLP-1 and exendin-4 by decreasing the expression of RAGE in HRPE can make these cells more resistant to circulating AGEs, and decreased expression of circulating VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, can be the result of anti-inflammatory properties of incretins and decreased expression of RAGE.

  16. Truncated Glucagon-like Peptide-1 and Exendin-4 α-Conotoxin pl14a Peptide Chimeras Maintain Potency and α-Helicity and Reveal Interactions Vital for cAMP Signaling in Vitro*

    PubMed Central

    Swedberg, Joakim E.; Schroeder, Christina I.; Mitchell, Justin M.; Fairlie, David P.; Edmonds, David J.; Griffith, David A.; Ruggeri, Roger B.; Derksen, David R.; Loria, Paula M.; Price, David A.; Liras, Spiros; Craik, David J.

    2016-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) signaling through the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a key regulator of normal glucose metabolism, and exogenous GLP-1R agonist therapy is a promising avenue for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date, the development of therapeutic GLP-1R agonists has focused on producing drugs with an extended serum half-life. This has been achieved by engineering synthetic analogs of GLP-1 or the more stable exogenous GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4). These synthetic peptide hormones share the overall structure of GLP-1 and Ex-4, with a C-terminal helical segment and a flexible N-terminal tail. Although numerous studies have investigated the molecular determinants underpinning GLP-1 and Ex-4 binding and signaling through the GLP-1R, these have primarily focused on the length and composition of the N-terminal tail or on how to modulate the helicity of the full-length peptides. Here, we investigate the effect of C-terminal truncation in GLP-1 and Ex-4 on the cAMP pathway. To ensure helical C-terminal regions in the truncated peptides, we produced a series of chimeric peptides combining the N-terminal portion of GLP-1 or Ex-4 and the C-terminal segment of the helix-promoting peptide α-conotoxin pl14a. The helicity and structures of the chimeric peptides were confirmed using circular dichroism and NMR, respectively. We found no direct correlation between the fractional helicity and potency in signaling via the cAMP pathway. Rather, the most important feature for efficient receptor binding and signaling was the C-terminal helical segment (residues 22–27) directing the binding of Phe22 into a hydrophobic pocket on the GLP-1R. PMID:27226591

  17. Hepatic functions of GLP-1 and its based drugs: current disputes and perspectives.

    PubMed

    Jin, Tianru; Weng, Jianping

    2016-09-01

    GLP-1 and its based drugs possess extrapancreatic metabolic functions, including that in the liver. These direct hepatic metabolic functions explain their therapeutic efficiency for subjects with insulin resistance. The direct hepatic functions could be mediated by previously assumed "degradation" products of GLP-1 without involving canonic GLP-1R. Although GLP-1 analogs were created as therapeutic incretins, extrapancreatic functions of these drugs, as well as native GLP-1, have been broadly recognized. Among them, the hepatic functions are particularly important. Postprandial GLP-1 release contributes to insulin secretion, which represses hepatic glucose production. This indirect effect of GLP-1 is known as the gut-pancreas-liver axis. Great efforts have been made to determine whether GLP-1 and its analogs possess direct metabolic effects on the liver, as the determination of the existence of direct hepatic effects may advance the therapeutic theory and clinical practice on subjects with insulin resistance. Furthermore, recent investigations on the metabolic beneficial effects of previously assumed "degradation" products of GLP-1 in the liver and elsewhere, including GLP-128-36 and GLP-132-36, have drawn intensive attention. Such investigations may further improve the development and the usage of GLP-1-based drugs. Here, we have reviewed the current advancement and the existing controversies on the exploration of direct hepatic functions of GLP-1 and presented our perspectives that the direct hepatic metabolic effects of GLP-1 could be a GLP-1 receptor-independent event involving Wnt signaling pathway activation. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  18. Crystal structure of the ligand-bound glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor extracellular domain.

    PubMed

    Runge, Steffen; Thøgersen, Henning; Madsen, Kjeld; Lau, Jesper; Rudolph, Rainer

    2008-04-25

    The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) belongs to Family B1 of the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, and its natural agonist ligand is the peptide hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is involved in glucose homeostasis, and activation of GLP-1R in the plasma membrane of pancreatic beta-cells potentiates glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The N-terminal extracellular domain (nGLP-1R) is an important ligand binding domain that binds GLP-1 and the homologous peptide Exendin-4 with differential affinity. Exendin-4 has a C-terminal extension of nine amino acid residues known as the "Trp cage", which is absent in GLP-1. The Trp cage was believed to interact with nGLP-1R and thereby explain the superior affinity of Exendin-4. However, the molecular details that govern ligand binding and specificity of nGLP-1R remain undefined. Here we report the crystal structure of human nGLP-1R in complex with the antagonist Exendin-4(9-39) solved by the multiwavelength anomalous dispersion method to 2.2A resolution. The structure reveals that Exendin-4(9-39) is an amphipathic alpha-helix forming both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with nGLP-1R. The Trp cage of Exendin-4 is not involved in binding to nGLP-1R. The hydrophobic binding site of nGLP-1R is defined by discontinuous segments including primarily a well defined alpha-helix in the N terminus of nGLP-1R and a loop between two antiparallel beta-strands. The structure provides for the first time detailed molecular insight into ligand binding of the human GLP-1 receptor, an established target for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

  19. Salicylic acid interferes with GFP fluorescence in vivo.

    PubMed

    de Jonge, Jennifer; Hofius, Daniel; Hennig, Lars

    2017-03-01

    Fluorescent proteins have become essential tools for cell biologists. They are routinely used by plant biologists for protein and promoter fusions to infer protein localization, tissue-specific expression and protein abundance. When studying the effects of biotic stress on chromatin, we unexpectedly observed a decrease in GFP signal intensity upon salicylic acid (SA) treatment in Arabidopsis lines expressing histone H1-GFP fusions. This GFP signal decrease was dependent on SA concentration. The effect was not specific to the linker histone H1-GFP fusion but was also observed for the nucleosomal histone H2A-GFP fusion. This result prompted us to investigate a collection of fusion proteins, which included different promoters, subcellular localizations and fluorophores. In all cases, fluorescence signals declined strongly or disappeared after SA application. No changes were detected in GFP-fusion protein abundance when fluorescence signals were lost indicating that SA does not interfere with protein stability but GFP fluorescence. In vitro experiments showed that SA caused GFP fluorescence reduction only in vivo but not in vitro, suggesting that SA requires cellular components to cause fluorescence reduction. Together, we conclude that SA can interfere with the fluorescence of various GFP-derived reporter constructs in vivo. Assays that measure relocation or turnover of GFP-tagged proteins upon SA treatment should therefore be evaluated with caution. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

  20. Fabrication of nanometer- and micrometer-scale protein structures by site-specific immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins to aminosiloxane films with photoremovable protein-resistant protecting groups

    DOE PAGES

    Xia, Sijing; Cartron, Michael; Morby, James; ...

    2016-01-28

    The site-specific immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins to patterns formed by far-field and near-field exposure of films of aminosilanes with protein-resistant photolabile protecting groups is demonstrated. After deprotection of the aminosilane, either through a mask or using a scanning near-field optical microscope, the amine terminal groups are derivatized first with glutaraldehyde and then with N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl)iminodiacetic acid to yield a nitrilo-triacetic-acid-terminated surface. After complexation with Ni 2+, this surface binds histidine-tagged GFP and CpcA-PEB in a site-specific fashion. The chemistry is simple and reliable and leads to extensive surface functionalization. Bright fluorescence is observed in fluorescence microscopy images of micrometer- and nanometer-scalemore » patterns. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study quantitatively the efficiency of photodeprotection and the reactivity of the modified surfaces. The efficiency of the protein binding process is investigated quantitatively by ellipsometry and by fluorescence microscopy. We find that regions of the surface not exposed to UV light bind negligible amounts of His-tagged proteins, indicating that the oligo(ethylene glycol) adduct on the nitrophenyl protecting group confers excellent protein resistance; in contrast, exposed regions bind His-GFP very effectively, yielding strong fluorescence that is almost completely removed on treatment of the surface with imidazole, confirming a degree of site-specific binding in excess of 90%. As a result, this simple strategy offers a versatile generic route to the spatially selective site-specific immobilization of proteins at surfaces.« less

  1. Live Imaging of Type I Collagen Assembly Dynamics in Osteoblasts Stably Expressing GFP and mCherry-Tagged Collagen Constructs.

    PubMed

    Lu, Yongbo; Kamel-El Sayed, Suzan A; Wang, Kun; Tiede-Lewis, LeAnn M; Grillo, Michael A; Veno, Patricia A; Dusevich, Vladimir; Phillips, Charlotte L; Bonewald, Lynda F; Dallas, Sarah L

    2018-06-01

    Type I collagen is the most abundant extracellular matrix protein in bone and other connective tissues and plays key roles in normal and pathological bone formation as well as in connective tissue disorders and fibrosis. Although much is known about the collagen biosynthetic pathway and its regulatory steps, the mechanisms by which it is assembled extracellularly are less clear. We have generated GFPtpz and mCherry-tagged collagen fusion constructs for live imaging of type I collagen assembly by replacing the α2(I)-procollagen N-terminal propeptide with GFPtpz or mCherry. These novel imaging probes were stably transfected into MLO-A5 osteoblast-like cells and fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (FN-null-MEFs) and used for imaging type I collagen assembly dynamics and its dependence on fibronectin. Both fusion proteins co-precipitated with α1(I)-collagen and remained intracellular without ascorbate but were assembled into α1(I) collagen-containing extracellular fibrils in the presence of ascorbate. Immunogold-EM confirmed their ultrastuctural localization in banded collagen fibrils. Live cell imaging in stably transfected MLO-A5 cells revealed the highly dynamic nature of collagen assembly and showed that during assembly the fibril networks are continually stretched and contracted due to the underlying cell motion. We also observed that cell-generated forces can physically reshape the collagen fibrils. Using co-cultures of mCherry- and GFPtpz-collagen expressing cells, we show that multiple cells contribute collagen to form collagen fiber bundles. Immuno-EM further showed that individual collagen fibrils can receive contributions of collagen from more than one cell. Live cell imaging in FN-null-MEFs expressing GFPtpz-collagen showed that collagen assembly was both dependent upon and dynamically integrated with fibronectin assembly. These GFP-collagen fusion constructs provide a powerful tool for imaging collagen in living cells and have revealed novel

  2. The autonomic nervous system and cardiac GLP-1 receptors control heart rate in mice.

    PubMed

    Baggio, Laurie L; Ussher, John R; McLean, Brent A; Cao, Xiemin; Kabir, M Golam; Mulvihill, Erin E; Mighiu, Alexandra S; Zhang, Hangjun; Ludwig, Andreas; Seeley, Randy J; Heximer, Scott P; Drucker, Daniel J

    2017-11-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is secreted from enteroendocrine cells and exerts a broad number of metabolic actions through activation of a single GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R). The cardiovascular actions of GLP-1 have garnered increasing attention as GLP-1R agonists are used to treat human subjects with diabetes and obesity that may be at increased risk for development of heart disease. Here we studied mechanisms linking GLP-1R activation to control of heart rate (HR) in mice. The actions of GLP-1R agonists were examined on the control of HR in wild type mice (WT) and in mice with cardiomyocyte-selective disruption of the GLP-1R (Glp1r CM-/- ). Complimentary studies examined the effects of GLP-1R agonists in mice co-administered propranolol or atropine. The direct effects of GLP-1R agonism on HR and ventricular developed pressure were examined in isolated perfused mouse hearts ex vivo, and atrial depolarization was quantified in mouse hearts following direct application of liraglutide to perfused atrial preparations ex vivo. Doses of liraglutide and lixisenatide that were equipotent for acute glucose control rapidly increased HR in WT and Glp1r CM-/- mice in vivo. The actions of liraglutide to increase HR were more sustained relative to lixisenatide, and diminished in Glp1r CM-/- mice. The acute chronotropic actions of GLP-1R agonists were attenuated by propranolol but not atropine. Neither native GLP-1 nor lixisenatide increased HR or developed pressure in perfused hearts ex vivo. Moreover, liraglutide had no direct effect on sinoatrial node firing rate in mouse atrial preparations ex vivo. Despite co-localization of HCN4 and GLP-1R in primate hearts, HCN4-directed Cre expression did not attenuate levels of Glp1r mRNA transcripts, but did reduce atrial Gcgr expression in the mouse heart. GLP-1R agonists increase HR through multiple mechanisms, including regulation of autonomic nervous system function, and activation of the atrial GLP-1R. Surprisingly, the

  3. A surface plasmon resonance assay for characterisation and epitope mapping of anti-GLP-1 antibodies.

    PubMed

    Thomsen, Lasse; Gurevich, Leonid

    2018-04-19

    The incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been subject to substantial pharmaceutical research regarding the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, quantification of GLP-1 levels remains complicated due to the low circulation concentration and concurrent existence of numerous metabolites, homologous peptides, and potentially introduced GLP-1 receptor agonists. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) facilitates real-time monitoring allowing a more detailed characterisation of the interaction compared with conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In this paper, we describe the development of the first SPR assays for characterisation of anti-GLP-1 antibodies for ELISA purposes. Binding responses were obtained on covalently immobilised anti-GLP-1 antibodies at 12°C, 25°C, and 40°C and fitted to a biomolecular (1:1) interaction model showing association rates of 1.01 × 10 3 to 4.54 × 10 3  M -1  s -1 and dissociation rates of 3.56 × 10 -5 to 1.56 × 10 -3  s -1 leading to affinities of 35.2 to 344 nM, depending on the temperature. Determination of thermodynamic properties revealed an enthalpy driven interaction (ΔH < ΔS < 0) with higher affinities at lower temperatures due to the formation and stabilisation of hydrogen bonds within the binding site primarily composed of polar amino acids (ΔC p  < 0). Pair-wise epitope mapping was performed on captured anti-GLP-1 antibodies followed by subsequent interaction with GLP-1 (7-36) and other anti-GLP-1 antibodies. A global evaluation of every binding response led to an epitope map elucidating the potential of various anti-GLP-1 antibody pairs for sandwich ELISA and hence pinpointing the optimal antibody combinations. The SPR assays proved capable of providing vital information for ELISA development endorsing it as a useful optimisation tool. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  4. Short bowel syndrome: influence of nutritional therapy and incretin GLP1 on bone marrow adipose tissue.

    PubMed

    Parreiras-E-Silva, Luciana T; de Araújo, Iana M; Elias, Jorge; Nogueira-Barbosa, Marcello H; Suen, Vivian M M; Marchini, Julio S; Bonella, Jéssica; Nahas, Andressa K; Salmon, Carlos E G; de Paula, Francisco J A

    2018-03-01

    Energy deprivation leads to a decrease in white adipose tissue and bone mineral density (BMD), while simultaneously inducing the expansion of marrow adipose tissue (MAT). In short bowel syndrome (SBS), parenteral nutrition mitigates the deterioration of nutritional status, including decreases in MAT. Osteoporosis is, however, a frequent complication of SBS. The objective of our study here was to evaluate the association of fat deposit sites (subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues: intrahepatic lipid (IHL) and MAT) and the incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) with BMD in individuals with SBS. MAT was negatively correlated with lumbar spine BMD in normal individuals, but not in those in the SBS group, who otherwise showed a positive correlation between MAT and GLP1. In addition, in individuals with SBS, IHL was negatively associated with lumbar spine BMD and positively associated with C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (a serum biomarker of bone turnover). Caloric maintenance in individuals with SBS, therefore, seems to positively affect the relationship between MAT and BMD, which may be modulated, at least in part, by GLP1. © 2018 New York Academy of Sciences.

  5. Mechanisms of Action of GLP-1 in the Pancreas

    PubMed Central

    Doyle, Máire E.; Egan, Josephine M.

    2007-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 is a hormone that is encoded in the proglucagon gene. It is mainly produced in enteroendocrine L cells of the gut and is secreted into the blood stream when food containing fat, protein hydrolysate and/or glucose enters the duodenum. Its particular effects on insulin and glucagon secretion have generated a flurry of research activity over the past twenty years culminating in a naturally occurring GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4, now being used to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 engages a specific G-protein coupled receptor that is present in tissues other than the pancreas (brain, kidney, lung, heart, major blood vessels). The most widely studied cell activated by GLP-1 is the insulin-secreting beta cell where its defining action is augmentation of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Upon GLP-1 receptor activation, adenylyl cyclase is activated and cAMP generated, leading, in turn, to cAMP-dependent activation of second messenger pathways, such as the PKA and Epac pathways. As well as short-term effects of enhancing glucose-induced insulin secretion, continuous GLP-1 receptor activation also increases insulin synthesis, and beta cell proliferation and neogenesis. Although these latter effects cannot be currently monitored in humans, there are substantial improvements in glucose tolerance and increases in both first phase and plateau phase insulin secretory responses in type 2 diabetic patients treated with exendin-4. This review we will focus on the effects resulting from GLP-1 receptor activation in islets of Langerhans PMID:17306374

  6. Salicylic acid interferes with GFP fluorescence in vivo

    PubMed Central

    de Jonge, Jennifer; Hofius, Daniel

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Fluorescent proteins have become essential tools for cell biologists. They are routinely used by plant biologists for protein and promoter fusions to infer protein localization, tissue‐specific expression and protein abundance. When studying the effects of biotic stress on chromatin, we unexpectedly observed a decrease in GFP signal intensity upon salicylic acid (SA) treatment in Arabidopsis lines expressing histone H1-GFP fusions. This GFP signal decrease was dependent on SA concentration. The effect was not specific to the linker histone H1-GFP fusion but was also observed for the nucleosomal histone H2A-GFP fusion. This result prompted us to investigate a collection of fusion proteins, which included different promoters, subcellular localizations and fluorophores. In all cases, fluorescence signals declined strongly or disappeared after SA application. No changes were detected in GFP‐fusion protein abundance when fluorescence signals were lost indicating that SA does not interfere with protein stability but GFP fluorescence. In vitro experiments showed that SA caused GFP fluorescence reduction only in vivo but not in vitro, suggesting that SA requires cellular components to cause fluorescence reduction. Together, we conclude that SA can interfere with the fluorescence of various GFP‐derived reporter constructs in vivo. Assays that measure relocation or turnover of GFP‐tagged proteins upon SA treatment should therefore be evaluated with caution. PMID:28369601

  7. Liraglutide Modulates Appetite and Body Weight Via GLP-1R-Expressing Glutamatergic Neurons.

    PubMed

    Adams, Jessica M; Pei, Hongjuan; Sandoval, Darleen A; Seeley, Randy J; Chang, Rui B; Liberles, Stephen D; Olson, David P

    2018-05-18

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are FDA-approved weight loss drugs. Despite their widespread use, the sites of action through which GLP-1R agonists (GLP1RAs) impact appetite and body weight are still not fully understood. Here, we determined whether GLP-1Rs in either GABAergic or glutamatergic neurons are necessary for the acute and chronic effects of the GLP1RA liraglutide on food intake, visceral illness, body weight and neural network activation. We found that mice lacking GLP-1Rs in vGAT -expressing GABAergic neurons responded identically to controls in all parameters measured, whereas deletion of GLP-1Rs in vGlut2 -expressing glutamatergic neurons eliminated liraglutide-induced weight loss and visceral illness and severely attenuated its effects on feeding. Concomitantly, deletion of GLP-1Rs from glutamatergic neurons completely abolished the neural network activation observed after liraglutide administration. We conclude that liraglutide activates a dispersed but discrete neural network to mediate its physiological effects, and that these effects require GLP-1R expression on glutamatergic but not GABAergic neurons. © 2018 by the American Diabetes Association.

  8. Functional importance of GLP-1 receptor species and expression levels in cell lines.

    PubMed

    Knudsen, Lotte Bjerre; Hastrup, Sven; Underwood, Christina Rye; Wulff, Birgitte Schjellerup; Fleckner, Jan

    2012-04-10

    Of the mammalian species, only the GLP-1 receptors of rat and human origin have been described and characterized. Here, we report the cloning of the homologous GLP-1 receptors from mouse, rabbit, pig, cynomolgus monkey and chimp. The GLP-1 receptor is highly conserved across species, thus underlining the physiological importance of the peptide hormone and its receptor across a wide range of mammals. We expressed the receptors by stable transfection of BHK cells, both in cell lines with high expression levels of the cloned receptors, as well as in cell lines with lower expression levels, more comparable to endogenous expression of these receptors. High expression levels of cloned GLP-1 receptors markedly increased the potency of GLP-1 and other high affinity ligands, whereas the K(d) values were not affected. For a low affinity ligand like the ago-allosteric modulator Compound 2, expression levels of the human GLP-1 receptor were important for maximal efficacy as well as potency. The two natural metabolites of GLP-1, GLP-1(9-37) and GLP-1(9-36)amide were agonists when tested on a cell line with high expression of the recombinant human GLP-1 receptor, whereas they behaved as (low potent) antagonists on a cell line that expressed the receptor endogenously, as well as cells expressing a moderate level of the recombinant human GLP-1 receptor. The amide form was a more potent agonist than the free acid from. In conclusion, receptor expression level is an important parametre for selecting cell lines with cloned GLP-1 receptors for functional characterization of physiological and pharmaceutical ligands. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Hindbrain GLP-1 receptor mediation of cisplatin-induced anorexia and nausea.

    PubMed

    De Jonghe, Bart C; Holland, Ruby A; Olivos, Diana R; Rupprecht, Laura E; Kanoski, Scott E; Hayes, Matthew R

    2016-01-01

    While chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are clinically controlled in the acute (<24 h) phase following treatment, the anorexia, nausea, fatigue, and other illness-type behaviors during the delayed phase (>24 h) of chemotherapy are largely uncontrolled. As the hindbrain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) system contributes to energy balance and mediates aversive and stressful stimuli, here we examine the hypothesis that hindbrain GLP-1 signaling mediates aspects of chemotherapy-induced nausea and reductions in feeding behavior in rats. Specifically, hindbrain GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) blockade, via 4th intracerebroventricular (ICV) exendin-(9-39) injections, attenuates the anorexia, body weight reduction, and pica (nausea-induced ingestion of kaolin clay) elicited by cisplatin chemotherapy during the delayed phase (48 h) of chemotherapy-induced nausea. Additionally, the present data provide evidence that the central GLP-1-producing preproglucagon neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the caudal brainstem are activated by cisplatin during the delayed phase of chemotherapy-induced nausea, as cisplatin led to a significant increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity in NTS GLP-1-immunoreactive neurons. These data support a growing body of literature suggesting that the central GLP-1 system may be a potential pharmaceutical target for adjunct anti-emetics used to treat the delayed-phase of nausea and emesis, anorexia, and body weight loss that accompany chemotherapy treatments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Automated, high-throughput platform for protein solubility screening using a split-GFP system

    PubMed Central

    Listwan, Pawel; Terwilliger, Thomas C.

    2010-01-01

    Overproduction of soluble and stable proteins for functional and structural studies is a major bottleneck for structural genomics programs and traditional biochemistry laboratories. Many high-payoff proteins that are important in various biological processes are “difficult to handle” as protein reagents in their native form. We have recently made several advances in enabling biochemical technologies for improving protein stability (http://www.lanl.gov/projects/gfp/), allowing stratagems for efficient protein domain trapping, solubility-improving mutations, and finding protein folding partners. In particular split-GFP protein tags are a very powerful tool for detection of stable protein domains. Soluble, stable proteins tagged with the 15 amino acid GFP fragment (amino acids 216–228) can be detected in vivo and in vitro using the engineered GFP 1–10 “detector” fragment (amino acids 1–215). If the small tag is accessible, the detector fragment spontaneously binds resulting in fluorescence. Here, we describe our current and on-going efforts to move this process from the bench (manual sample manipulation) to an automated, high-throughput, liquid-handling platform. We discuss optimization and validation of bacterial culture growth, lysis protocols, protein extraction, and assays of soluble and insoluble protein in multiple 96 well plate format. The optimized liquid-handling protocol can be used for rapid determination of the optimal, compact domains from single ORFS, collections of ORFS, or cDNA libraries. PMID:19039681

  11. GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes: pharmacokinetic and toxicological considerations.

    PubMed

    Jespersen, Maria J; Knop, Filip K; Christensen, Mikkel

    2013-01-01

    Within recent years, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) have emerged as a new treatment option for type 2 diabetes. The GLP-1-RA are administered subcutaneously and differ substantially in pharmacokinetic profiles. This review describes the pharmacokinetics and safety aspects of the currently available GLP-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide (based on the structure of native GLP-1), exenatide twice daily and exenatide once weekly (based on exendin-4) in relation to the kinetics and toxicology of native GLP-1. The review is based on electronic literature searches and legal documents in the form of assessment reports from the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration. GLP-1-based therapy combines several unique mechanisms of action and have the potential to gain widespread use in the fight against diabetes and obesity. The difference in chemical structure have strong implications for key pharmacokinetic parameters such as absorption and clearance, and eventually the safety and efficacy of the individual GLP-1-RA. The main safety concerns are pancreatitis and neoplasms, for which there are no identifiable differences in risk between the available agents. Antibody formation and injection site reactions are more frequent with the exendin-4-based compounds. The efficacy with regard to Hb(A1c) reduction is superior with the longer-acting agonists, whereas the shorter-acting GLP-1-RA seems to provide greater postprandial glucose control and lower tolerability as a possible consequence of less induction of tachyphylaxis. The future place of these agents will depend on the added safety and efficacy data in the several ongoing cardiovascular outcome trials.

  12. Endogenous GLP-1 in lateral septum contributes to stress-induced hypophagia.

    PubMed

    Terrill, Sarah J; Maske, Calyn B; Williams, Diana L

    2018-03-03

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) neurons of the caudal brainstem project to many brain areas, including the lateral septum (LS), which has a known role in stress responses. Previously, we showed that endogenous GLP-1 in the LS plays a physiologic role in the control of feeding under non-stressed conditions, however, central GLP-1 is also involved in behavioral and endocrine responses to stress. Here, we asked whether LS GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) contribute to stress-induced hypophagia. Male rats were implanted with bilateral cannulas targeting the dorsal subregion of the LS (dLS). In a within-subjects design, shortly before the onset of the dark phase, rats received dLS injections of saline or the GLP-1R antagonist Exendin (9-39) (Ex9) prior to 30 min restraint stress. Food intake was measured continuously for the next 20 h. The stress-induced hypophagia observed within the first 30 min of dark was not influenced by Ex9 pretreatment, but Ex9 tended to blunt the effect of stress as early as 1 and 2 h into the dark phase. By 4-6 h, there were significant stress X drug interactions, and Ex9 pretreatment blocked the stress-induced suppression of feeding. These effects were mediated entirely through changes in average meal size; stress suppressed meal size while dLS Ex9 attenuated this effect. Using a similar design, we examined the role of dLS GLP-1R in the neuroendocrine response to acute restraint stress. As expected, stress potently increased serum corticosterone, but blockade of dLS GLP-1Rs did not affect this response. Together, these data show that endogenous GLP-1 action in the dLS plays a role in some but not all of the physiologic responses to acute stress. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Reconstitution and functional comparison of purified GlpF and AqpZ, the glycerol and water channels from Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Borgnia, M J; Agre, P

    2001-02-27

    A large family of membrane channel proteins selective for transport of water (aquaporins) or water plus glycerol (aquaglyceroporins) has been found in diverse life forms. Escherichia coli has two members of this family-a water channel, AqpZ, and a glycerol facilitator, GlpF. Despite having similar primary amino acid sequences and predicted structures, the oligomeric state and solute selectivity of AqpZ and GlpF are disputed. Here we report biochemical and functional characterizations of affinity-purified GlpF and compare it to AqpZ. Histidine-tagged (His-GlpF) and hemagglutinin-tagged (HA-GlpF) polypeptides encoded by a bicistronic construct were expressed in bacteria. HA-GlpF and His-GlpF appear to form oligomers during Ni-nitrilotriacetate affinity purification. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analyses showed that the oligomeric state of octyl glucoside-solubilized GlpF varies: low ionic strength favors subunit dissociation, whereas Mg(2+) stabilizes tetrameric assembly. Reconstitution of affinity-purified GlpF into proteoliposomes increases glycerol permeability more than 100-fold and water permeability up to 10-fold compared with control liposomes. Glycerol and water permeability of GlpF both occur with low Arrhenius activation energies and are reversibly inhibited by HgCl(2). Our studies demonstrate that, unlike AqpZ, a water-selective stable tetramer, purified GlpF exists in multiple oligomeric forms under nondenaturing conditions and is highly permeable to glycerol but less well permeated by water.

  14. Fluorescent proteins such as eGFP lead to catalytic oxidative stress in cells.

    PubMed

    Ganini, Douglas; Leinisch, Fabian; Kumar, Ashutosh; Jiang, JinJie; Tokar, Erik J; Malone, Christine C; Petrovich, Robert M; Mason, Ronald P

    2017-08-01

    Fluorescent proteins are an important tool that has become omnipresent in life sciences research. They are frequently used for localization of proteins and monitoring of cells [1,2]. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was the first and has been the most used fluorescent protein. Enhanced GFP (eGFP) was optimized from wild-type GFP for increased fluorescence yield and improved expression in mammalian systems [3]. Many GFP-like fluorescent proteins have been discovered, optimized or created, such as the red fluorescent protein TagRFP [4]. Fluorescent proteins are expressed colorless and immature and, for eGFP, the conversion to the fluorescent form, mature, is known to produce one equivalent of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) per molecule of chromophore [5,6]. Even though it has been proposed that this process is non-catalytic and generates nontoxic levels of H 2 O 2 [6], this study investigates the role of fluorescent proteins in generating free radicals and inducing oxidative stress in biological systems. Immature eGFP and TagRFP catalytically generate the free radical superoxide anion (O 2 •- ) and H 2 O 2 in the presence of NADH. Generation of the free radical O 2 •- and H 2 O 2 by eGFP in the presence of NADH affects the gene expression of cells. Many biological pathways are altered, such as a decrease in HIF1α stabilization and activity. The biological pathways altered by eGFP are known to be implicated in the pathophysiology of many diseases associated with oxidative stress; therefore, it is critical that such experiments using fluorescent proteins are validated with alternative methodologies and the results are carefully interpreted. Since cells inevitably experience oxidative stress when fluorescent proteins are expressed, the use of this tool for cell labeling and in vivo cell tracing also requires validation using alternative methodologies. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  15. Modulation of taste sensitivity by GLP-1 signaling in taste buds.

    PubMed

    Martin, Bronwen; Dotson, Cedrick D; Shin, Yu-Kyong; Ji, Sunggoan; Drucker, Daniel J; Maudsley, Stuart; Munger, Steven D

    2009-07-01

    Modulation of sensory function can help animals adjust to a changing external and internal environment. Even so, mechanisms for modulating taste sensitivity are poorly understood. Using immunohistochemical, biochemical, and behavioral approaches, we found that the peptide hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor (GLP-1R) are expressed in mammalian taste buds. Furthermore, we found that GLP-1 signaling plays an important role in the modulation of taste sensitivity: GLP-1R knockout mice exhibit a dramatic reduction in sweet taste sensitivity as well as an enhanced sensitivity to umami-tasting stimuli. Together, these findings suggest a novel paracrine mechanism for the hormonal modulation of taste function in mammals.

  16. The truncated metabolite GLP-2 (3-33) interacts with the GLP-2 receptor as a partial agonist.

    PubMed

    Thulesen, Jesper; Knudsen, Lotte Bjerre; Hartmann, Bolette; Hastrup, Sven; Kissow, Hannelouise; Jeppesen, Palle Bekker; Ørskov, Cathrine; Holst, Jens Juul; Poulsen, Steen Seier

    2002-01-15

    The therapeutic potential of the intestinotrophic mediator glucagon-like peptide-2 (1-33) [GLP-2 (1-33)] has increased interest in the pharmacokinetics of the peptide. This study was undertaken to investigate whether the primary degradation product GLP-2 (3-33) interacts with the GLP-2 receptor. Functional (cAMP) and binding in vitro studies were carried out in cells expressing the transfected human GLP-2 receptor. Furthermore, a biologic response of GLP-2 (3-33) was tested in vivo. Mice were allocated to groups treated for 10 days (twice daily) with: (1) 5 microg GLP-2 (1-33), (2) 25 microg GLP-2 (3-33), (3) 5 microg GLP-2 (1-33)+100 microg GLP-2 (3-33), or (4) 5 microg GLP-2 (1-33)+500 microg GLP-2 (3-33). The intestine was investigated for growth changes. GLP-2 (3-33) bound to the GLP-2 receptor with a binding affinity of 7.5% of that of GLP-2 (1-33). cAMP accumulation was stimulated with an efficacy of 15% and a potency more than two orders of magnitude lower than that of GLP-2 (1-33). Increasing doses of GLP-2 (3-33) (10(-7)-10(-5) M) caused a shift to the right in the dose-response curve of GLP-2 (1-33). Treatment of mice with either GLP-2 (1-33) or (3-33) induced significant growth responses in both the small and large intestines, but the response induced by GLP-2 (3-33) was much smaller. Co-administration of 500 microg of GLP-2 (3-33) and 5 microg GLP-2 (1-33) resulted in a growth response that was smaller than that of 5 microg GLP-2 (1-33) alone. Consistent with the observed in vivo activities, our functional studies and binding data indicate that GLP-2 (3-33) acts as a partial agonist with potential competitive antagonistic properties on the GLP-2 receptor.

  17. Aspergillus glaucus Aquaglyceroporin Gene glpF Confers High Osmosis Tolerance in Heterologous Organisms.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiao-Dan; Wei, Yi; Zhou, Xiao-Yang; Pei, Xue; Zhang, Shi-Hong

    2015-10-01

    Aquaglyceroporins (GlpFs) that transport glycerol along with water and other uncharged solutes are involved in osmoregulation in myriad species. Fungal species form a large group of eukaryotic organisms, and their GlpFs may be diverse, exhibiting various activities. However, few filamentous fungal GlpFs have been biologically investigated. Here, a glpF gene from the halophilic fungus Aspergillus glaucus (AgglpF) was verified to be a channel of water or glycerol in Xenopus laevis oocytes and was further functionally analyzed in three heterologous systems. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cells overexpressing AgglpF possessed significant tolerance of drought, salt, and certain metal ions. AgglpF was then characterized in the filamentous fungus of Neurospora crassa. Based on the N. crassa aquaporin gene (NcAQP) disruption mutant (the Δaqp mutant), a series of complementary strains carrying NcAQP and AgglpF and three asparagine-proline-alanine-gene (NPA)-deleted AgglpF fragments were created. As revealed by salt resistance analysis, the AgglpF complementary strain possessed the highest salt resistance among the tested strains. In addition, the intracellular glycerol content in the AgglpF complementary strain was markedly higher than that in the other strains. The AgGlpF-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was subcellularly localized in the plasma membrane of onion epidermal cells, suggesting that AgglpF functions in plants. Indeed, when AgglpF was expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, transgenic lines survived under conditions of high osmotic stress and under conditions of drought stress in particular. Overall, our results revealed that AgGlpF as a water/glycerol transporter is required for survival of both fungi and plants under conditions of high osmotic stress and may have value in applications in genetic engineering for generating high salt and drought resistance. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  18. Aspergillus glaucus Aquaglyceroporin Gene glpF Confers High Osmosis Tolerance in Heterologous Organisms

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Xiao-Dan; Wei, Yi; Zhou, Xiao-Yang; Pei, Xue

    2015-01-01

    Aquaglyceroporins (GlpFs) that transport glycerol along with water and other uncharged solutes are involved in osmoregulation in myriad species. Fungal species form a large group of eukaryotic organisms, and their GlpFs may be diverse, exhibiting various activities. However, few filamentous fungal GlpFs have been biologically investigated. Here, a glpF gene from the halophilic fungus Aspergillus glaucus (AgglpF) was verified to be a channel of water or glycerol in Xenopus laevis oocytes and was further functionally analyzed in three heterologous systems. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cells overexpressing AgglpF possessed significant tolerance of drought, salt, and certain metal ions. AgglpF was then characterized in the filamentous fungus of Neurospora crassa. Based on the N. crassa aquaporin gene (NcAQP) disruption mutant (the Δaqp mutant), a series of complementary strains carrying NcAQP and AgglpF and three asparagine-proline-alanine-gene (NPA)-deleted AgglpF fragments were created. As revealed by salt resistance analysis, the AgglpF complementary strain possessed the highest salt resistance among the tested strains. In addition, the intracellular glycerol content in the AgglpF complementary strain was markedly higher than that in the other strains. The AgGlpF-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was subcellularly localized in the plasma membrane of onion epidermal cells, suggesting that AgglpF functions in plants. Indeed, when AgglpF was expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, transgenic lines survived under conditions of high osmotic stress and under conditions of drought stress in particular. Overall, our results revealed that AgGlpF as a water/glycerol transporter is required for survival of both fungi and plants under conditions of high osmotic stress and may have value in applications in genetic engineering for generating high salt and drought resistance. PMID:26209670

  19. Serodiagnosis of Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever with Glycerophosphodiester Phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) from Borrelia recurrentis

    PubMed Central

    Porcella, Stephen F.; Raffel, Sandra J.; Schrumpf, Merry E.; Schriefer, Martin E.; Dennis, David T.; Schwan, Tom G.

    2000-01-01

    Human louse-borne relapsing fever occurs in sporadic outbreaks in central and eastern Africa that are characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Isolates of the causative agent, Borrelia recurrentis, were obtained from the blood of four patients during a recent epidemic of the disease in southern Sudan. The glpQ gene, encoding glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase, from these isolates was sequenced and compared with the glpQ sequences obtained from other relapsing-fever spirochetes. Previously we showed that GlpQ of Borrelia hermsii is an immunogenic protein with utility as a serological test antigen for discriminating tick-borne relapsing fever from Lyme disease. In the present work, we cloned and expressed the glpQ gene from B. recurrentis and used recombinant GlpQ in serological tests. Acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples obtained from 42 patients with louse-borne relapsing fever were tested with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that used whole cells of B. recurrentis and with immunoblotting to whole-cell lysates of the spirochete and Escherichia coli producing recombinant GlpQ. The geometric mean titers of the acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples measured by IFA were 1:83 and 1:575, respectively. The immunoblot analysis identified a high level of reactivity and seroconversion to GlpQ, and the assay was more sensitive than the whole-cell IFA and ELISA using purified, recombinant histidine-tagged GlpQ. Serum antibodies to GlpQ and other antigens persisted for 27 years in one patient. We conclude that assessment of anti-GlpQ antibodies will allow serological confirmation of louse-borne relapsing fever and determination of disease prevalence. PMID:11015364

  20. Glycosylatable GFP as a compartment-specific membrane topology reporter

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

    Lee, Hunsang; Min, Jisoo; Heijne, Gunnar von

    2012-11-02

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An N-linked glycosylation site is introduced near the GFP fluorophore. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer gGFP is not glycosylated and is fully fluorescent in the cytosol. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer gGFP is glycosylated and non-fluorescent in the lumen of the ER. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer gGFP is fused to membrane proteins of known topology. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Its applicability as a membrane topology reporter is demonstrated. -- Abstract: Determination of the membrane topology is an essential step in structural and functional studies of integral membrane proteins, yet the choices of membrane topology reporters are limited and the experimental analysis can be laborious, especially in eukaryotic cells. Here, we present amore » robust membrane topology reporter, glycosylatable green fluorescent protein (gGFP). gGFP is fully fluorescent in the yeast cytosol but becomes glycosylated and does not fluoresce in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Thus, by assaying fluorescence and the glycosylation status of C-terminal fusions of gGFP to target membrane proteins in whole-cell lysates, the localization of the gGFP moiety (and hence the fusion joint) relative to the ER membrane can be unambiguously determined.« less

  1. Glycoproteomics enabled by tagging sialic acid- or galactose-terminated glycans

    PubMed Central

    Ramya, T N C; Weerapana, Eranthie; Cravatt, Benjamin F; Paulson, James C

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, we present two complementary strategies for enrichment of glycoproteins on living cells that combine the desirable attributes of “robust enrichment” afforded by covalent-labeling techniques and “specificity for glycoproteins” typically provided by lectin or antibody affinity reagents. Our strategy involves the selective introduction of aldehydes either into sialic acids by periodate oxidation (periodate oxidation and aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation (PAL)) or into terminal galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine residues by galactose oxidase (galactose oxidase and aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation (GAL)), followed by aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation with aminooxy-biotin to biotinylate the glycans of glycoprotein subpopulations with high efficiency and cell viability. As expected, the two methods exhibit reciprocal tagging efficiencies when applied to fully sialylated cells compared with sialic acid-deficient cells. To assess the utility of these labeling methods for glycoproteomics, we enriched the PAL- and GAL-labeled (biotinylated) glycoproteome by adsorption onto immobilized streptavidin. Glycoprotein identities (IDs) and N-glycosylation site information were then obtained by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry on total tryptic peptides and on peptides subsequently released from N-glycans still bound to the beads using peptide N-glycosidase F. A total of 175 unique N-glycosylation sites were identified, belonging to 108 nonredundant glycoproteins. Of the 108 glycoproteins, 48 were identified by both methods of labeling and the remainder was identified using PAL on sialylated cells (40) or GAL on sialic acid-deficient cells (20). Our results demonstrate that PAL and GAL can be employed as complementary methods of chemical tagging for targeted proteomics of glycoprotein subpopulations and identification of glycosylation sites of proteins on cells with an altered sialylation status. PMID:23070960

  2. IL-6-Type Cytokine Signaling in Adipocytes Induces Intestinal GLP-1 Secretion.

    PubMed

    Wueest, Stephan; Laesser, Céline I; Böni-Schnetzler, Marianne; Item, Flurin; Lucchini, Fabrizio C; Borsigova, Marcela; Müller, Werner; Donath, Marc Y; Konrad, Daniel

    2018-01-01

    We recently showed that interleukin (IL)-6-type cytokine signaling in adipocytes induces free fatty acid release from visceral adipocytes, thereby promoting obesity-induced hepatic insulin resistance and steatosis. In addition, IL-6-type cytokines may increase the release of leptin from adipocytes and by those means induce glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion. We thus hypothesized that IL-6-type cytokine signaling in adipocytes may regulate insulin secretion. To this end, mice with adipocyte-specific knockout of gp130, the signal transducer protein of IL-6, were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Compared with control littermates, knockout mice showed impaired glucose tolerance and circulating leptin, GLP-1, and insulin levels were reduced. In line, leptin release from isolated adipocytes was reduced, and intestinal proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 ( Pcsk1 ) expression, the gene encoding PC1/3, which controls GLP-1 production, was decreased in knockout mice. Importantly, treatment with the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin 9-39 abolished the observed difference in glucose tolerance between control and knockout mice. Ex vivo, supernatant collected from isolated adipocytes of gp130 knockout mice blunted Pcsk1 expression and GLP-1 release from GLUTag cells. In contrast, glucose- and GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion was not affected in islets of knockout mice. In conclusion, adipocyte-specific IL-6 signaling induces intestinal GLP-1 release to enhance insulin secretion, thereby counteracting insulin resistance in obesity. © 2017 by the American Diabetes Association.

  3. Critical role for GLP-1 in symptomatic post-bariatric hypoglycaemia.

    PubMed

    Craig, Colleen M; Liu, Li-Fen; Deacon, Carolyn F; Holst, Jens J; McLaughlin, Tracey L

    2017-03-01

    Post-bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH) is a rare, but severe, metabolic disorder arising months to years after bariatric surgery. It is characterised by symptomatic postprandial hypoglycaemia, with inappropriately elevated insulin concentrations. The relative contribution of exaggerated incretin hormone signalling to dysregulated insulin secretion and symptomatic hypoglycaemia is a subject of ongoing inquiry. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that PBH and associated symptoms are primarily mediated by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). We conducted a double-blinded crossover study wherein eight participants with confirmed PBH were assigned in random order to intravenous infusion of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1r) antagonist. Exendin (9-39) (Ex-9), or placebo during an OGTT on two separate days at the Stanford University Clinical and Translational Research Unit. Metabolic, symptomatic and pharmacokinetic variables were evaluated. Results were compared with a cohort of BMI- and glucose-matched non-surgical controls (NSCs). Infusion of Ex-9 decreased the time to peak glucose and rate of glucose decline during OGTT, and raised the postprandial nadir by over 70%, normalising it relative to NSCs and preventing hypoglycaemia in all PBH participants. Insulin AUC and secretion rate decreased by 57% and 71% respectively, and peak postprandial insulin was normalised relative to NSCs. Autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms were significantly reduced during Ex-9 infusion. GLP-1r blockade prevented hypoglycaemia in 100% of individuals, normalised beta cell function and reversed neuroglycopenic symptoms, supporting the conclusion that GLP-1 plays a primary role in mediating hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in PBH. Competitive antagonism at the GLP-1r merits consideration as a therapeutic strategy. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02550145.

  4. Subcellular Localization of a Plant Catalase-Phenol Oxidase, AcCATPO, from Amaranthus and Identification of a Non-canonical Peroxisome Targeting Signal

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ning; Teng, Xiao-Lu; Xiao, Xing-Guo

    2017-01-01

    AcCATPO is a plant catalase-phenol oxidase recently identified from red amaranth. Its physiological function remains unexplored. As the starting step of functional analysis, here we report its subcellular localization and a non-canonical targeting signal. Commonly used bioinformatics programs predicted a peroxisomal localization for AcCATPO, but failed in identification of canonical peroxisomal targeting signals (PTS). The C-terminal GFP tagging led the fusion protein AcCATPO-GFP to the cytosol and the nucleus, but N-terminal tagging directed the GFP-AcCATPO to peroxisomes and nuclei, in transgenic tobacco. Deleting the tripeptide (PTM) at the extreme C-terminus almost ruled out the peroxisomal localization of GFP-AcCATPOΔ3, and removing the C-terminal decapeptide completely excluded peroxisomes as the residence of GFP-AcCATPOΔ10. Furthermore, this decapeptide as a targeting signal could import GFP-10aa to the peroxisome exclusively. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AcCATPO is localized to the peroxisome and the nucleus, and its peroxisomal localization is attributed to a non-canonical PTS1, the C-terminal decapeptide which contains an internal SRL motif and a conserved tripeptide P-S/T-I/M at the extreme of C-terminus. This work may further the study as to the physiological function of AcCATPO, especially clarify its involvement in betalain biosynthesis, and provide a clue to elucidate more non-canonic PTS. PMID:28824680

  5. Subcellular Localization of a Plant Catalase-Phenol Oxidase, AcCATPO, from Amaranthus and Identification of a Non-canonical Peroxisome Targeting Signal.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ning; Teng, Xiao-Lu; Xiao, Xing-Guo

    2017-01-01

    AcCATPO is a plant catalase-phenol oxidase recently identified from red amaranth. Its physiological function remains unexplored. As the starting step of functional analysis, here we report its subcellular localization and a non-canonical targeting signal. Commonly used bioinformatics programs predicted a peroxisomal localization for AcCATPO, but failed in identification of canonical peroxisomal targeting signals (PTS). The C-terminal GFP tagging led the fusion protein AcCATPO-GFP to the cytosol and the nucleus, but N-terminal tagging directed the GFP-AcCATPO to peroxisomes and nuclei, in transgenic tobacco. Deleting the tripeptide (PTM) at the extreme C-terminus almost ruled out the peroxisomal localization of GFP-AcCATPOΔ3, and removing the C-terminal decapeptide completely excluded peroxisomes as the residence of GFP-AcCATPOΔ10. Furthermore, this decapeptide as a targeting signal could import GFP-10aa to the peroxisome exclusively. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AcCATPO is localized to the peroxisome and the nucleus, and its peroxisomal localization is attributed to a non-canonical PTS1, the C-terminal decapeptide which contains an internal SRL motif and a conserved tripeptide P-S/T-I/M at the extreme of C-terminus. This work may further the study as to the physiological function of AcCATPO, especially clarify its involvement in betalain biosynthesis, and provide a clue to elucidate more non-canonic PTS.

  6. Activation of GLP-1 Receptor Promotes Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Osteogenic Differentiation through β-Catenin

    PubMed Central

    Meng, Jingru; Ma, Xue; Wang, Ning; Jia, Min; Bi, Long; Wang, Yunying; Li, Mingkai; Zhang, Huinan; Xue, Xiaoyan; Hou, Zheng; Zhou, Ying; Yu, Zhibin; He, Gonghao; Luo, Xiaoxing

    2016-01-01

    Summary Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) plays an important role in regulating bone remodeling, and GLP-1 receptor agonist shows a positive relationship with osteoblast activity. However, GLP-1 receptor is not found in osteoblast, and the mechanism of GLP-1 receptor agonist on regulating bone remodeling is unclear. Here, we show that the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) promoted bone formation and increased bone mass and quality in a rat unloading-induced bone loss model. These functions were accompanied by an increase in osteoblast number and serum bone formation markers, while the adipocyte number was decreased. Furthermore, GLP-1 receptor was detected in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), but not in osteoblast. Activation of GLP-1 receptor by Ex-4 promoted the osteogenic differentiation and inhibited BMSC adipogenic differentiation through regulating PKA/β-catenin and PKA/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling. These findings reveal that GLP-1 receptor regulates BMSC osteogenic differentiation and provide a molecular basis for therapeutic potential of GLP-1 against osteoporosis. PMID:26947974

  7. Blockade of Central GLP-1 Receptors Deteriorates the Improvement of Diabetes after Ileal Transposition.

    PubMed

    Chen, Weijie; Xu, Qianqian; Xiao, Yiding; Zhou, Jiaolin; Zhang, Weimin; Lin, Guole; Gong, Fengying

    2016-01-01

    Background: The mechanism of improvement of type 2 diabetes mellitus induced by ileal transposition (IT) is undefined. Our aim was to investigate the possible role of central glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) after IT. Methods: Ninety male diabetic rats were randomly divided into the IT, sham IT (S-IT) and control group. The food intake, glucose metabolism and GLP-1 level were measured. Subsequently, we administered GLP-1 antagonist via lateral brain ventricle cannula to block central GLP-1 receptor, and verified whether the food intake, glucose metabolism changed. And the activated pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in different groups were compared after sacrifice. Results: IT induced significant diabetic improvement with decreased maximum food intake and higher postprandial GLP-1 level. The GLP-1 level in cerebrospinal fluid increased in correlation with the plasma GLP-1 level. When the central GLP-1 receptor antagonist was given to the IT group rats, the improvement of the glucose level declined. The glucose level surged (169.9 ± 14.2) % during the oral glucose tolerance test, the range was larger than that before central blockade ((67.1 ± 14.2) %, P < 0.001). Moreover, the POMC neuron number in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus were reduced (12.7 ± 6.1 at a magnification of 100×). The relative content level of POMC-derived peptides in the pituitary was lower (0.1 ± 0.05). Conclusions: The central GLP-1 might play an important role in the remission of diabetes after IT. POMC neurons in the hypothalamus may be activated by the enhanced level of GLP-1 after IT.

  8. Sustained expression of GLP-1 receptor differentially modulates β-cell functions in diabetic and nondiabetic mice

    PubMed Central

    Kubo, Fumiyo; Miyatsuka, Takeshi; Sasaki, Shugo; Takahara, Mitsuyoshi; Yamamoto, Yuichi; Shimo, Naoki; Watada, Hirotaka; Kaneto, Hideaki; Gannon, Maureen; Matsuoka, Taka-aki; Shimomura, Iichiro

    2017-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has been shown to play important roles in maintaining β-cell functions, such as insulin secretion and proliferation. While expression levels of GLP-1 receptor (Glp1r) are compromised in the islets of diabetic rodents, it remains unclear when and to what degree Glp1r mRNA levels are decreased during the progression of diabetes. In this study, we performed real-time PCR with the islets of db/db diabetic mice at different ages, and found that the expression levels of Glp1r were comparable to those of the islets of nondiabetic db/misty controls at the age of four weeks, and were significantly decreased at the age of eight and 12 weeks. To investigate whether restored expression of Glp1r affects the diabetic phenotypes, we generated the transgenic mouse model Pdx1PB-CreER™; CAG-CAT-Glp1r (βGlp1r) that allows for induction of Glp1r expression specifically in β cells. Whereas the expression of exogenous Glp1r had no measurable effect on glucose tolerance in nondiabetic βGlp1r;db/misty mice, βGlp1r;db/db mice exhibited higher glucose and lower insulin levels in blood on glucose challenge test than control db/db littermates. In contrast, four weeks of treatment with exendin-4 improved the glucose profiles and increased serum insulin levels in βGlp1r;db/db mice, to significantly higher levels than those in control db/db mice. These differential effects of exogenous Glp1r in nondiabetic and diabetic mice suggest that downregulation of Glp1r might be required to slow the progression of β-cell failure under diabetic conditions. PMID:26854076

  9. Extending residence time and stability of peptides by Protected Graft Copolymer (PGC) excipient: GLP-1 example

    PubMed Central

    Castillo, Gerardo M.; Reichstetter, Sandra; Bolotin, Elijah M.

    2011-01-01

    Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Protected Graft Copolymer (PGC) containing fatty acid can be used as a stabilizing excipient for GLP-1 and whether PGC/GLP-1 given once a week can be an effective treatment for diabetes. Methods To create a PGC excipient, polylysine was grafted with methoxypolyethyleneglycol and fatty acid at the epsilon amino groups. We performed evaluation of 1) the binding of excipient to GLP-1, 2) the DPP IV sensitivity of GLP-1 formulated with PGC as the excipient, 3) the in vitro bio-activity of excipient-formulated GLP-1, 4) the in vivo pharmacokinetics of excipient-formulated GLP-1, and 5) the efficacy of the excipient-formulated GLP-1 in diabetic rats. Results We showed reproducible synthesis of PGC excipient, showed high affinity binding of PGC to GLP-1, slowed protease degradation of excipient-formulated GLP-1, and showed that excipient-formulated GLP-1 induced calcium influx in INS cells. Excipient-formulated GLP-1 stays in the blood for at least 4 days. When excipient-formulated GLP-1 was given subcutaneously once a week to diabetic ZDF rats, a significant reduction of HbA1c compared to control was observed. The reduction is similar to diabetic ZDF rats given exendin twice a day. Conclusions PGC can be an ideal in vivo stabilizing excipient for biologically labile peptides. PMID:21830140

  10. Sustained expression of GLP-1 receptor differentially modulates β-cell functions in diabetic and nondiabetic mice

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

    Kubo, Fumiyo; Miyatsuka, Takeshi, E-mail: miyatsuka-takeshi@umin.net; Department of Medicine, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421

    2016-02-26

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has been shown to play important roles in maintaining β-cell functions, such as insulin secretion and proliferation. While expression levels of GLP-1 receptor (Glp1r) are compromised in the islets of diabetic rodents, it remains unclear when and to what degree Glp1r mRNA levels are decreased during the progression of diabetes. In this study, we performed real-time PCR with the islets of db/db diabetic mice at different ages, and found that the expression levels of Glp1r were comparable to those of the islets of nondiabetic db/misty controls at the age of four weeks, and were significantly decreasedmore » at the age of eight and 12 weeks. To investigate whether restored expression of Glp1r affects the diabetic phenotypes, we generated the transgenic mouse model Pdx1{sup PB}-CreER{sup TM}; CAG-CAT-Glp1r (βGlp1r) that allows for induction of Glp1r expression specifically in β cells. Whereas the expression of exogenous Glp1r had no measurable effect on glucose tolerance in nondiabetic βGlp1r;db/misty mice, βGlp1r;db/db mice exhibited higher glucose and lower insulin levels in blood on glucose challenge test than control db/db littermates. In contrast, four weeks of treatment with exendin-4 improved the glucose profiles and increased serum insulin levels in βGlp1r;db/db mice, to significantly higher levels than those in control db/db mice. These differential effects of exogenous Glp1r in nondiabetic and diabetic mice suggest that downregulation of Glp1r might be required to slow the progression of β-cell failure under diabetic conditions. - Highlights: • Expression levels of incretin receptors were significantly decreased in diabetic db/db islets after the age of eight weeks. • A transgenic mouse model expressing Glp1r specifically in β cells was generated. • Exogenous expression of Glp1r in β cells did not affect metabolic profiles in nondiabetic mice. • Sustained expression of Glp1r in diabetic db/db β cells

  11. A toolkit for GFP-mediated tissue-specific protein degradation in C. elegans.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shaohe; Tang, Ngang Heok; Lara-Gonzalez, Pablo; Zhao, Zhiling; Cheerambathur, Dhanya K; Prevo, Bram; Chisholm, Andrew D; Desai, Arshad; Oegema, Karen

    2017-07-15

    Proteins that are essential for embryo production, cell division and early embryonic events are frequently reused later in embryogenesis, during organismal development or in the adult. Examining protein function across these different biological contexts requires tissue-specific perturbation. Here, we describe a method that uses expression of a fusion between a GFP-targeting nanobody and a SOCS-box containing ubiquitin ligase adaptor to target GFP-tagged proteins for degradation. When combined with endogenous locus GFP tagging by CRISPR-Cas9 or with rescue of a null mutant with a GFP fusion, this approach enables routine and efficient tissue-specific protein ablation. We show that this approach works in multiple tissues - the epidermis, intestine, body wall muscle, ciliated sensory neurons and touch receptor neurons - where it recapitulates expected loss-of-function mutant phenotypes. The transgene toolkit and the strain set described here will complement existing approaches to enable routine analysis of the tissue-specific roles of C. elegans proteins. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  12. Spatiotemporal regulation of autophagy during Caenorhabditis elegans aging

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Jessica T; Kumsta, Caroline; Hellman, Andrew B; Adams, Linnea M; Hansen, Malene

    2017-01-01

    Autophagy has been linked to longevity in many species, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Using a GFP-tagged and a new tandem-tagged Atg8/LGG-1 reporter, we quantified autophagic vesicles and performed autophagic flux assays in multiple tissues of wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans and long-lived daf-2/insulin/IGF-1 and glp-1/Notch mutants throughout adulthood. Our data are consistent with an age-related decline in autophagic activity in the intestine, body-wall muscle, pharynx, and neurons of wild-type animals. In contrast, daf-2 and glp-1 mutants displayed unique age- and tissue-specific changes in autophagic activity, indicating that the two longevity paradigms have distinct effects on autophagy during aging. Although autophagy appeared active in the intestine of both long-lived mutants, inhibition of intestinal autophagy significantly abrogated lifespan extension only in glp-1 mutants. Collectively, our data suggest that autophagic activity normally decreases with age in C. elegans, whereas daf-2 and glp-1 long-lived mutants regulate autophagy in distinct spatiotemporal-specific manners to extend lifespan. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18459.001 PMID:28675140

  13. Autocatalytic activity and substrate specificity of the pestivirus N-terminal protease N{sup pro}

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

    Gottipati, Keerthi; Acholi, Sudheer; Ruggli, Nicolas

    Pestivirus N{sup pro} is the first protein translated in the viral polypeptide, and cleaves itself off co-translationally generating the N-terminus of the core protein. Once released, N{sup pro} blocks the host's interferon response by inducing degradation of interferon regulatory factor-3. N{sup pro'}s intracellular autocatalytic activity and lack of trans-activity have hampered in vitro cleavage studies to establish its substrate specificity and the roles of individual residues. We constructed N{sup pro}-GFP fusion proteins that carry the authentic cleavage site and determined the autoproteolytic activities of N{sup pro} proteins containing substitutions at the predicted catalytic sites Glu22 and Cys69, at Arg100 thatmore » forms a salt bridge with Glu22, and at the cleavage site Cys168. Contrary to previous reports, we show that N{sup pro'}s catalytic activity does not involve Glu22, which may instead be involved in protein stability. Furthermore, N{sup pro} does not have specificity for Cys168 at the cleavage site even though this residue is conserved throughout the pestivirus genus. - Highlights: • N{sup pro'}s autoproteolysis is studied using N{sup pro}-GFP fusion proteins. • N-terminal 17 amino acids are dispensable without loss of protease activity. • The putative catalytic residue Glu22 is not involved in protease catalysis. • No specificity for Cys168 at the cleavage site despite evolutionary conservation. • N{sup pro} prefers small amino acids with non-branched beta carbons at the P1 position.« less

  14. A recombinant rabies virus carrying GFP between N and P affects viral transcription in vitro.

    PubMed

    Luo, Jun; Zhao, Jing; Tian, Qin; Mo, Weiyu; Wang, Yifei; Chen, Hao; Guo, Xiaofeng

    2016-06-01

    Several studies have demonstrated the rabies virus to be a perfect potential vaccine vector to insert foreign genes into the target genome. For this study, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was cloned into the rabies virus (RABV) genome between the N and P gene. CT dinucleotide was inserted as intergenic region. The recombinant high egg passage Flury strain (HEP-Flury) of RABV, carrying GFP (rHEP-NP-GFP), was generated in BHK-21 cells using reverse genetics. According to the viral growth kinetics assay, the addition of GFP between N and P gene has little effect on the viral growth compared to the parental strain HEP-Flury. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) indicated that rHEP-NP-GFP showed different viral gene transcription, especially for G gene, compared to HEP-Flury. The same is true for one other recombinant RABV carrying GFP between G and L gene in NA cells. In addition, parent HEP-Flury showed more expression of innate immune-related molecules in NA cells. Compared to HEP-Flury, Western blotting (WB) indicated that insertion of a foreign gene following N gene enhanced the expression of M and G proteins. According to the qPCR and WB, GFP expression levels of rHEP-NP-GFP were significantly higher than rHEP-GFP. This study indicates HEP-Flury as valid vector to express exogenous genes between N and P.

  15. Structural basis for substrate recognition by the human N-terminal methyltransferase 1

    DOE PAGES

    Dong, Cheng; Mao, Yunfei; Tempel, Wolfram; ...

    2015-11-05

    α-N-terminal methylation represents a highly conserved and prevalent post-translational modification, yet its biological function has remained largely speculative. The recent discovery of α-N-terminal methyltransferase 1 (NTMT1) and its physiological substrates propels the elucidation of a general role of α-N-terminal methylation in mediating DNA-binding ability of the modified proteins. The phenotypes, observed from both NTMT1 knockdown in breast cancer cell lines and knockout mouse models, suggest the potential involvement of α-N-terminal methylation in DNA damage response and cancer development. In this study, we report the first crystal structures of human NTMT1 in complex with cofactor S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) and six substrate peptides,more » respectively, and reveal that NTMT1 contains two characteristic structural elements (a β hairpin and an N-terminal extension) that contribute to its substrate specificity. Our complex structures, coupled with mutagenesis, binding, and enzymatic studies, also present the key elements involved in locking the consensus substrate motif XPK (X indicates any residue type other than D/E) into the catalytic pocket for α-N-terminal methylation and explain why NTMT1 prefers an XPK sequence motif. We propose a catalytic mechanism for α-N-terminal methylation. Overall, this study gives us the first glimpse of the molecular mechanism of α-N-terminal methylation and potentially contributes to the advent of therapeutic agents for human diseases associated with deregulated α-N-terminal methylation.« less

  16. Fructose stimulates GLP-1 but not GIP secretion in mice, rats, and humans

    PubMed Central

    Kuhre, Rune E.; Gribble, Fiona M.; Hartmann, Bolette; Reimann, Frank; Windeløv, Johanne A.; Rehfeld, Jens F.

    2014-01-01

    Nutrients often stimulate gut hormone secretion, but the effects of fructose are incompletely understood. We studied the effects of fructose on a number of gut hormones with particular focus on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In healthy humans, fructose intake caused a rise in blood glucose and plasma insulin and GLP-1, albeit to a lower degree than isocaloric glucose. Cholecystokinin secretion was stimulated similarly by both carbohydrates, but neither peptide YY3–36 nor glucagon secretion was affected by either treatment. Remarkably, while glucose potently stimulated GIP release, fructose was without effect. Similar patterns were found in the mouse and rat, with both fructose and glucose stimulating GLP-1 secretion, whereas only glucose caused GIP secretion. In GLUTag cells, a murine cell line used as model for L cells, fructose was metabolized and stimulated GLP-1 secretion dose-dependently (EC50 = 0.155 mM) by ATP-sensitive potassium channel closure and cell depolarization. Because fructose elicits GLP-1 secretion without simultaneous release of glucagonotropic GIP, the pathways underlying fructose-stimulated GLP-1 release might be useful targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity drug development. PMID:24525020

  17. New screening strategy and analysis for identification of allosteric modulators for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor using GLP-1 (9-36) amide.

    PubMed

    Nakane, Atsushi; Gotoh, Yusuke; Ichihara, Junji; Nagata, Hidetaka

    2015-12-15

    The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is an important physiologic regulator of insulin secretion and a major therapeutic target for diabetes mellitus. GLP-1 (7-36) amide (active form of GLP-1) is truncated to GLP-1 (9-36) amide, which has been described as a weak agonist of GLP-1R and the major form of GLP-1 in the circulation. New classes of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for GLP-1R may offer improved therapeutic profiles. To identify these new classes, we developed novel and robust primary and secondary high-throughput screening (HTS) systems in which PAMs were identified to enhance the GLP-1R signaling induced by GLP-1 (9-36) amide. Screening enabled identification of two compounds, HIT-465 and HIT-736, which possessed new patterns of modulation of GLP-1R. We investigated the ability of these compounds to modify GLP-1R signaling enhanced GLP-1 (9-36) amide- and/or GLP-1 (7-36) amide-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation. These compounds also had unique profiles with regard to allosteric modulation of multiple downstream signaling (PathHunter β-arrestin signaling, PathHunter internalization signaling, microscopy-based internalization assay). We found allosteric modulation patterns to be obviously different among HIT-465, HIT-736, and Novo Nordisk compound 2. This work may enable the design of new classes of drug candidates by targeting modulation of GLP-1 (7-36) amide and GLP-1 (9-36) amide. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Ghrelin suppresses cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the intestine, and attenuates the anorectic effects of CCK, PYY and GLP-1 in goldfish (Carassius auratus).

    PubMed

    Blanco, Ayelén Melisa; Bertucci, Juan Ignacio; Valenciano, Ana Isabel; Delgado, María Jesús; Unniappan, Suraj

    2017-07-01

    Ghrelin is an important gut-derived hormone with an appetite stimulatory role, while most of the intestinal hormones, including cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are appetite-inhibitors. Whether these important peptides with opposing roles on food intake interact to regulate energy balance in fish is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the putative crosstalk between ghrelin and CCK, PYY and GLP-1 in goldfish (Carassius auratus). We first determined the localization of CCK, PYY and GLP-1 in relation to ghrelin and its main receptor GHS-R1a (growth hormone secretagogue 1a) in the goldfish intestine by immunohistochemistry. Colocalization of ghrelin/GHS-R1a and CCK/PYY/GLP-1 was found primarily in the luminal border of the intestinal mucosa. In an intestinal explant culture, a significant decrease in prepro-cck, prepro-pyy and proglucagon transcript levels was observed after 60min of incubation with ghrelin, which was abolished by preincubation with the GHS-R1a ghrelin receptor antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (except for proglucagon). The protein expression of PYY and GLP-1 was also downregulated by ghrelin. Finally, intraperitoneal co-administration of CCK, PYY or GLP-1 with ghrelin results in no modification of food intake in goldfish. Overall, results of the present study show for the first time in fish that ghrelin exerts repressive effects on enteric anorexigens. It is likely that these interactions mediate the stimulatory effects of ghrelin on feeding and metabolism in fish. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Expression of fluorescently tagged connexins: a novel approach to rescue function of oligomeric DsRed-tagged proteins.

    PubMed

    Lauf, U; Lopez, P; Falk, M M

    2001-06-01

    A novel, brilliantly red fluorescent protein, DsRed has become available recently opening up a wide variety of experimental opportunities for double labeling and fluorescence resonance electron transfer experiments in combination with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Unlike in the case of GFP, proteins tagged with DsRed were often found to aggregate within the cell. Here we report a simple method that allows rescuing the function of an oligomeric protein tagged with DsRed. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach on the subunit proteins of an oligomeric membrane channel, gap junction connexins. Additionally, DsRed fluorescence was easily detected 12-16 h post transfection, much earlier than previously reported, and could readily be differentiated from co-expressed GFP. Thus, this approach can eliminate the major drawbacks of this highly attractive autofluorescent protein.

  20. GLP-1 agonism stimulates brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and browning through hypothalamic AMPK.

    PubMed

    Beiroa, Daniel; Imbernon, Monica; Gallego, Rosalía; Senra, Ana; Herranz, Daniel; Villarroya, Francesc; Serrano, Manuel; Fernø, Johan; Salvador, Javier; Escalada, Javier; Dieguez, Carlos; Lopez, Miguel; Frühbeck, Gema; Nogueiras, Ruben

    2014-10-01

    GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is widely located throughout the brain, but the precise molecular mechanisms mediating the actions of GLP-1 and its long-acting analogs on adipose tissue as well as the brain areas responsible for these interactions remain largely unknown. We found that central injection of a clinically used GLP-1R agonist, liraglutide, in mice stimulates brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and adipocyte browning independent of nutrient intake. The mechanism controlling these actions is located in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMH), and the activation of AMPK in this area is sufficient to blunt both central liraglutide-induced thermogenesis and adipocyte browning. The decreased body weight caused by the central injection of liraglutide in other hypothalamic sites was sufficiently explained by the suppression of food intake. In a longitudinal study involving obese type 2 diabetic patients treated for 1 year with GLP-1R agonists, both exenatide and liraglutide increased energy expenditure. Although the results do not exclude the possibility that extrahypothalamic areas are also modulating the effects of GLP-1R agonists, the data indicate that long-acting GLP-1R agonists influence body weight by regulating either food intake or energy expenditure through various hypothalamic sites and that these mechanisms might be clinically relevant. © 2014 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

  1. Role of Plant-Specific N-Terminal Domain of Maize CK2β1 Subunit in CK2β Functions and Holoenzyme Regulation

    PubMed Central

    Vélez-Bermúdez, Isabel C.; Carretero-Paulet, Lorenzo; Lumbreras, Victoria; Pagès, Montserrat

    2011-01-01

    Protein kinase CK2 is a highly pleiotropic Ser/Thr kinase ubiquituous in eukaryotic organisms. CK2 is organized as a heterotetrameric enzyme composed of two types of subunits: the catalytic (CK2α) and the regulatory (CK2β). The CK2β subunits enhance the stability, activity and specificity of the holoenzyme, but they can also perform functions independently of the CK2 tetramer. CK2β regulatory subunits in plants differ from their animal or yeast counterparts, since they present an additional specific N-terminal extension of about 90 aminoacids that shares no homology with any previously characterized functional domain. Sequence analysis of the N-terminal domain of land plant CK2β subunit sequences reveals its arrangement through short, conserved motifs, some of them including CK2 autophosphorylation sites. By using maize CK2β1 and a deleted version (ΔNCK2β1) lacking the N-terminal domain, we have demonstrated that CK2β1 is autophosphorylated within the N-terminal domain. Moreover, the holoenzyme composed with CK2α1/ΔNCK2β1 is able to phosphorylate different substrates more efficiently than CK2α1/CK2β1 or CK2α alone. Transient overexpression of CK2β1 and ΔNCK2β1 fused to GFP in different plant systems show that the presence of N-terminal domain enhances aggregation in nuclear speckles and stabilizes the protein against proteasome degradation. Finally, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays show the nuclear and cytoplasmic location of the plant CK2 holoenzyme, in contrast to the individual CK2α/β subunits mainly observed in the nucleus. All together, our results support the hypothesis that the plant-specific N-terminal domain of CK2β subunits is involved in the down-regulation of the CK2 holoenzyme activity and in the stabilization of CK2β1 protein. In summary, the whole amount of data shown in this work suggests that this domain was acquired by plants for regulatory purposes. PMID:21789193

  2. GLP-1 mediates antiapoptotic effect by phosphorylating Bad through a beta-arrestin 1-mediated ERK1/2 activation in pancreatic beta-cells.

    PubMed

    Quoyer, Julie; Longuet, Christine; Broca, Christophe; Linck, Nathalie; Costes, Safia; Varin, Elodie; Bockaert, Joël; Bertrand, Gyslaine; Dalle, Stéphane

    2010-01-15

    Strategies based on activating GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) are intensively developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The exhaustive knowledge of the signaling pathways linked to activated GLP-1R within the beta-cells is of major importance. In beta-cells, GLP-1 activates the ERK1/2 cascade by diverse pathways dependent on either Galpha(s)/cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) or beta-arrestin 1, a scaffold protein. Using pharmacological inhibitors, beta-arrestin 1 small interfering RNA, and islets isolated from beta-arrestin 1 knock-out mice, we demonstrate that GLP-1 stimulates ERK1/2 by two temporally distinct pathways. The PKA-dependent pathway mediates rapid and transient ERK1/2 phosphorylation that leads to nuclear translocation of the activated kinases. In contrast, the beta-arrestin 1-dependent pathway produces a late ERK1/2 activity that is restricted to the beta-cell cytoplasm. We further observe that GLP-1 phosphorylates the cytoplasmic proapoptotic protein Bad at Ser-112 but not at Ser-155. We find that the beta-arrestin 1-dependent ERK1/2 activation engaged by GLP-1 mediates the Ser-112 phosphorylation of Bad, through p90RSK activation, allowing the association of Bad with the scaffold protein 14-3-3, leading to its inactivation. beta-Arrestin 1 is further found to mediate the antiapoptotic effect of GLP-1 in beta-cells through the ERK1/2-p90RSK-phosphorylation of Bad. This new regulatory mechanism engaged by activated GLP-1R involving a beta-arrestin 1-dependent spatiotemporal regulation of the ERK1/2-p90RSK activity is now suspected to participate in the protection of beta-cells against apoptosis. Such signaling mechanism may serve as a prototype to generate new therapeutic GLP-1R ligands.

  3. Molecular mechanisms redirecting the GLP-1 receptor signalling profile in pancreatic β-cells during type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Roussel, Morgane; Mathieu, Julia; Dalle, Stéphane

    2016-05-01

    Treatments with β-cell preserving properties are essential for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the new therapeutic avenues, developed over the last years, rely on the physiological role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Sustained pharmacological levels of GLP-1 are achieved by subcutaneous administration of GLP-1 analogues, while transient and lower physiological levels of GLP-1 are attained following treatment with inhibitors of dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP4), an endoprotease which degrades the peptide. Both therapeutic classes display a sustained and durable hypoglycaemic action in patients with T2D. However, the GLP-1 incretin effect is known to be reduced in patients with T2D, and GLP-1 analogues and DPP4 inhibitors were shown to lose their effectiveness over time in some patients. The pathological mechanisms behind these observations can be either a decrease in GLP-1 secretion from intestinal L-cells and, as a consequence, a reduction in GLP-1 plasma concentrations, combined or not with a reduced action of GLP-1 in the β-cell, the so-called GLP-1 resistance. Much evidence for a GLP-1 resistance of the β-cell in subjects with T2D have emerged. Here, we review the potential roles of the genetic background, the hyperglycaemia, the hyperlipidaemia, the prostaglandin E receptor 3, the nuclear glucocorticoid receptor, the GLP-1R desensitization and internalisation processes, and the β-arrestin-1 expression levels on GLP-1 resistance in β-cells during T2D.

  4. [Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on carbohydrate metabolism control].

    PubMed

    Fernández-García, José Carlos; Colomo, Natalia; Tinahones, Francisco José

    2014-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a new group of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). In the present article, we review the available evidence on the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists as glucose-lowering agents, their place in therapeutic algorithms, and the clinical factors associated with a favorable treatment response. Finally, we describe the clinical characteristics of patients who may benefit from these drugs.

  5. Activity of Fusion Prophenoloxidase-GFP and Its Potential Applications for Innate Immunity Study

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Bing; Lu, Anrui; Peng, Qin; Ling, Qing-Zhi; Ling, Erjun

    2013-01-01

    Insect prophenoloxidase (PPO) is essential for physiological functions such as melanization of invading pathogens, wound healing and cuticle sclerotization. The insect PPO activation pathway is well understood. However, it is not very clear how PPO is released from hemocytes and how PPO takes part in cellular immunity. To begin to assess this, three Drosophila melanogaster PPO genes were separately fused with GFP at the C-terminus (rPPO-GFP) and were over-expressed in S2 cells. The results of staining and morphological observation show that rPPO-GFP expressed in S2 cells has green fluorescence and enzyme activity if Cu2+ was added during transfection. Each rPPO-GFP has similar properties as the corresponding rPPO. However, cells with rPPO-GFP over-expressed are easier to trace without PO activation and staining. Further experiments show that rPPO1-GFP is cleaved and activated by Drosophila serine protease, and rPPO1-GFP binds to Micrococcus luteus and Beauveria bassiana spores as silkworm plasma PPO. The above research indicates that the GFP-tag has no influence on the fusion enzyme activation and PPO-involved innate immunity action in vitro. Thus, rPPO-GFP may be a convenient tool for innate immunity study in the future if it can be expressed in vivo. PMID:23717543

  6. High fat diet and GLP-1 drugs induce pancreatic injury in mice

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

    Rouse, Rodney, E-mail: rodney.rouse@fda.hhs.gov; Xu, Lin; Stewart, Sharron

    Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs are currently used to treat type-2 diabetes. Safety concerns for increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal metaplasia have accompanied these drugs. High fat diet (HFD) is a type-2 diabetes risk factor that may affect the response to GLP-1 drug treatment. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of diet and GLP-1 based drugs on the exocrine pancreas in mice. Experiments were designed in a mouse model of insulin resistance created by feeding a HFD or standard diet (STD) for 6 weeks. The GLP-1 drugs, sitagliptin (SIT) and exenatide (EXE) weremore » administered once daily for additional 6 weeks in both mice fed HFD or STD. The results showed that body weight, blood glucose levels, and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, and KC) were significantly greater in HFD mice than in STD mice regardless of GLP-1 drug treatment. The semi-quantitative grading showed that pancreatic changes were significantly greater in EXE and SIT-treated mice compared to control and that HFD exacerbated spontaneous exocrine pancreatic changes seen in saline-treated mice on a standard diet. Exocrine pancreatic changes identified in this study included acinar cell injury (hypertrophy, autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis, and atrophy), vascular injury, interstitial edema and inflammation, fat necrosis, and duct changes. These findings support HFD as a risk factor to increased susceptibility/severity for acute pancreatitis and indicate that GLP-1 drugs cause pancreatic injury that can be exacerbated in a HFD environment.« less

  7. N2O molecular tagging velocimetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    ElBaz, A. M.; Pitz, R. W.

    2012-03-01

    A new seeded velocity measurement technique, N2O molecular tagging velocimetry (MTV), is developed to measure velocity in wind tunnels by photochemically creating an NO tag line. Nitrous oxide "laughing gas" is seeded into the air flow. A 193 nm ArF excimer laser dissociates the N2O to O(1D) that subsequently reacts with N2O to form NO. O2 fluorescence induced by the ArF laser "writes" the original position of the NO line. After a time delay, the shifted NO line is "read" by a 226-nm laser sheet and the velocity is determined by time-of-flight. At standard atmospheric conditions with 4% N2O in air, ˜1000 ppm of NO is photochemically created in an air jet based on experiment and simulation. Chemical kinetic simulations predict 800-1200 ppm of NO for 190-750 K at 1 atm and 850-1000 ppm of NO for 0.25-1 atm at 190 K. Decreasing the gas pressure (or increasing the temperature) increases the NO ppm level. The presence of humid air has no significant effect on NO formation. The very short NO formation time (<10 ns) makes the N2O MTV method amenable to low- and high-speed air flow measurements. The N2O MTV technique is demonstrated in air jet to measure its velocity profile. The N2O MTV method should work in other gas flows as well (e.g., helium) since the NO tag line is created by chemical reaction of N2O with O(1D) from N2O photodissociation and thus does not depend on the bulk gas composition.

  8. Structural basis of fluorescence quenching in caspase activatable-GFP

    PubMed Central

    Nicholls, Samantha B; Hardy, Jeanne A

    2013-01-01

    Apoptosis is critical for organismal homeostasis and a wide variety of diseases. Caspases are the ultimate executors of the apoptotic programmed cell death pathway. As caspases play such a central role in apoptosis, there is significant demand for technologies to monitor caspase function. We recently developed a caspase activatable-GFP (CA-GFP) reporter. CA-GFP is unique due to its “dark” state, where chromophore maturation of the GFP is inhibited by the presence of a C-terminal peptide. Here we show that chromophore maturation is prevented because CA-GFP does not fold into the robust β-barrel of GFP until the peptide has been cleaved by active caspase. Both CA-GFP and GFP1-10, a split form of GFP lacking the 11th strand, have similar secondary structure, different from mature GFP. A similar susceptibility to proteolytic digestion indicates that this shared structure is not the robust, fully formed GFP β-barrel. We have developed a model that suggests that as CA-GFP is translated in vivo it follows the same folding path as wild-type GFP; however, the presence of the appended peptide does not allow CA-GFP to form the barrel of the fully matured GFP. CA-GFP is therefore held in a “pro-folding” intermediate state until the peptide is released, allowing it to continue folding into the mature barrel geometry. This new understanding of the structural basis of the dark state of the CA-GFP reporter will enable manipulation of this mechanism in the development of reporter systems for any number of cellular processes involving proteases and potentially other enzymes. PMID:23139158

  9. Recent Advances in GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Use in Diabetes Mellitus.

    PubMed

    McBrayer, Dominic N; Tal-Gan, Yftah

    2017-09-01

    Preclinical Research Mimetics of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) represent a useful alternative or complementary treatment choice to insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The lack of hypoglycemia as a side effect when GLP-1 receptor agonists are used along with the tendency of these therapeutic agents to prevent or even reduce weight gain makes them valuable targets in therapy development. However, native GLP-1 and many of its early analogues have very short half-lives, requiring repeated treatment to maintain therapeutic levels. As all current treatments are injected subcutaneously, a large focus has been made on trying to extend the half-lives of GLP-1 analogues while retaining bioactivity. Most success in this regard has been achieved with the use of peptide-protein fusions, which are not as well suited for oral administration. However, recent work focused on the development of non-fusion peptides with increased half-lives that may be more appropriate for oral administration. This minireview discusses the structural characteristics of past and present analogues as well as the recent work conducted toward developing novel GLP-1 receptor agonists. Drug Dev Res 78 : 292-299, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. GFP Facilitates Native Purification of Recombinant Perlucin Derivatives and Delays the Precipitation of Calcium Carbonate

    PubMed Central

    Weber, Eva; Guth, Christina; Weiss, Ingrid M.

    2012-01-01

    Insolubility is one of the possible functions of proteins involved in biomineralization, which often limits their native purification. This becomes a major problem especially when recombinant expression systems are required to obtain larger amounts. For example, the mollusc shell provides a rich source of unconventional proteins, which can interfere in manifold ways with different mineral phases and interfaces. Therefore, the relevance of such proteins for biotechnological processes is still in its infancy. Here we report a simple and reproducible purification procedure for a GFP-tagged lectin involved in biomineralization, originally isolated from mother-of-pearl in abalone shells. An optimization of E. coli host cell culture conditions was the key to obtain reasonable yields and high degrees of purity by using simple one-step affinity chromatography. We identified a dual functional role for the GFP domain when it became part of a mineralizing system in vitro. First, the GFP domain improved the solubility of an otherwise insoluble protein, in this case recombinant perlucin derivatives. Second, GFP inhibited calcium carbonate precipitation in a concentration dependent manner. This was demonstrated here using a simple bulk assay over a time period of 400 seconds. At concentrations of 2 µg/ml and higher, the inhibitory effect was observed predominantly for HCO3 − as the first ionic interaction partner, but not necessarily for Ca2+ . The interference of GFP-tagged perlucin derivatives with the precipitation of calcium carbonate generated different types of GFP-fluorescent composite calcite crystals. GFP-tagging offers therefore a genetically tunable tool to gently modify mechanical and optical properties of synthetic biocomposite minerals. PMID:23056388

  11. Differences in acute anorectic effects of long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists in rats.

    PubMed

    Sisley, Stephanie; Smith, Kathleen; Sandoval, Darleen A; Seeley, Randy J

    2014-08-01

    Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have both glucose- and weight-lowering effects. The brain is poised to mediate both of these actions since GLP-1Rs are present in key areas known to control weight and glucose. Although some research has been performed on the effects of exendin-4 in the brain, little data exists on the central effects of liraglutide, a long-acting GLP-1R agonist with much closer structural homology to native GLP-1. In lean, Long-Evans rats, we found that direct intra-third cerebroventricular (i3vt) administration of 0.26 nmol liraglutide caused a 50% reduction in food intake. However, exendin-4 produced the same reduction in food intake with 10-fold greater potency (0.02 nmol). These data are supported by similar c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei by exendin-4 as compared to liraglutide despite differing doses. The anorectic effects of both drugs were blocked with i3vt pre-treatment of a GLP-1R competitive antagonist, exendin(9-39), indicating that both drugs required the GLP-1R for their effects. Exendin-4, and not liraglutide, caused hyperglycemia when given i3vt prior to an oral glucose tolerance test, although liraglutide did not lower glucose. Thus, these data show that GLP-1R agonists have differing anorectic potencies in the CNS, which may account for some of their clinical differences. Additionally, we show here that the glucose lowering properties of acute administration of GLP-1R agonists are not accounted for by their central effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. GBNV encoded movement protein (NSm) remodels ER network via C-terminal coiled coil domain

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

    Singh, Pratibha; Savithri, H.S., E-mail: bchss@biochem.iisc.ernet.in

    Plant viruses exploit the host machinery for targeting the viral genome–movement protein complex to plasmodesmata (PD). The mechanism by which the non-structural protein m (NSm) of Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) is targeted to PD was investigated using Agrobacterium mediated transient expression of NSm and its fusion proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana. GFP:NSm formed punctuate structures that colocalized with mCherry:plasmodesmata localized protein 1a (PDLP 1a) confirming that GBNV NSm localizes to PD. Unlike in other movement proteins, the C-terminal coiled coil domain of GBNV NSm was shown to be involved in the localization of NSm to PD, as deletion of thismore » domain resulted in the cytoplasmic localization of NSm. Treatment with Brefeldin A demonstrated the role of ER in targeting GFP NSm to PD. Furthermore, mCherry:NSm co-localized with ER–GFP (endoplasmic reticulum targeting peptide (HDEL peptide fused with GFP). Co-expression of NSm with ER–GFP showed that the ER-network was transformed into vesicles indicating that NSm interacts with ER and remodels it. Mutations in the conserved hydrophobic region of NSm (residues 130–138) did not abolish the formation of vesicles. Additionally, the conserved prolines at positions 140 and 142 were found to be essential for targeting the vesicles to the cell membrane. Further, systematic deletion of amino acid residues from N- and C-terminus demonstrated that N-terminal 203 amino acids are dispensable for the vesicle formation. On the other hand, the C-terminal coiled coil domain when expressed alone could also form vesicles. These results suggest that GBNV NSm remodels the ER network by forming vesicles via its interaction through the C-terminal coiled coil domain. Interestingly, NSm interacts with NP in vitro and coexpression of these two proteins in planta resulted in the relocalization of NP to PD and this relocalization was abolished when the N-terminal unfolded region of NSm was deleted. Thus, the NSm

  13. Differential cellulolytic activity of native-form and C-terminal tagged-form cellulase derived from coptotermes formosanus and expressed in E. coli

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The endogenous cellulase gene (CfEG3a) of Coptotermes formosanus, an economically important pest termite, was cloned and overexpressed in both native form (nCfEG) and C-terminal His-tagged form (tCfEG) in E.coli. Both forms of recombinant cellulases showed hydrolytic activity on cellulosic substrate...

  14. Neuroprotective effects of (Val8)GLP-1-Glu-PAL in the MPTP Parkinson's disease mouse model.

    PubMed

    Zhang, YanFang; Chen, YiMei; Li, Lin; Hölscher, Christian

    2015-10-15

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone and a growth factor. GLP-1 mimetics are currently on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes. They also have shown neuroprotective properties in animal models of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the GLP-1 mimetic exendin-4 has shown protective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), and a first clinical trial in PD patients showed promising results. (Val8)GLP-1-glu-PAL is a new GLP-1 analogue which has a longer biological half-life than exendin-4. We previously showed that (Val8)GLP-1-glu-PAL has neuroprotective properties. Here we tested the drug in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. MPTP was injected (30mg/kg i.p.) along with (Val8)GLP-1-glu-PAL (25nmol/kg i.p.) once-daily for 8 days. (Val8)GLP-1-glu-PAL showed good effects in preventing the MPTP-induced motor impairment (Rotarod, open field locomotion, swim test), reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase levels (dopamine synthesis) in the substantia nigra, a reduction of activated caspase 3 levels, of TUNEL positive cell numbers, of the pro-apoptotic signaling molecule BAX and an increase in the growth signaling molecule Bcl-2. The results demonstrate that (Val8)GLP-1-glu-PAL shows promise as a novel treatment of PD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. [Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on carbohydrate metabolism control].

    PubMed

    Fernández-García, José Carlos; Colomo, Natalia; Tinahones, Francisco José

    2014-09-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a new group of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). In the present article, we review the available evidence on the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists as glucose-lowering agents, their place in therapeutic algorithms, and the clinical factors associated with a favorable treatment response. Finally, we describe the clinical characteristics of patients who may benefit from these drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  16. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Tzotzas, Themistoklis; Karras, Spyridon N; Katsiki, Niki

    2017-01-01

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females and is often associated with a number of cardiometabolic disorders such as central obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone secreted after a meal, enhances glucosestimulated insulin secretion and additionally suppresses appetite and gastric motility. Most studies found impaired GLP-1 kinetics in obese individuals, whereas small studies in PCOS reported reduced, normal or even elevated GLP-1 levels. Apart from their efficacy in patients with T2DM, some GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been successfully tested in terms of both efficiency and safety in obese individuals without diabetes and liraglutide 3 mg once daily has been approved as an antiobesity drug in the USA and the European Union. Recently, some small trials of short duration using GLP-1 RAs as monotherapy or combined with metformin in obese PCOS women showed positive results regarding weight reduction and a decrease in testosterone levels but without significant effects on insulin levels, insulin sensitivity and menstrual patterns. Longer term studies with more patients and higher doses of liraglutide (as this drug is already approved for obese individuals) are required to determine the precise indications of GLP-1 RAs in PCOS and to evaluate safety issues. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  17. Modulation of GLP-1 Levels by a Genetic Variant That Regulates the Cardiovascular Effects of Intensive Glycemic Control in ACCORD.

    PubMed

    Shah, Hetal S; Morieri, Mario Luca; Marcovina, Santica M; Sigal, Ronald J; Gerstein, Hertzel C; Wagner, Michael J; Motsinger-Reif, Alison A; Buse, John B; Kraft, Peter; Mychaleckyj, Josyf C; Doria, Alessandro

    2018-02-01

    A genome-wide association study in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial identified two markers (rs57922 and rs9299870) that were significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality during intensive glycemic control and could potentially be used, when combined into a genetic risk score (GRS), to identify patients with diabetes likely to derive benefit from intensive control rather than harm. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the pathways involved in the modulatory effect of these variants. Fasting levels of 65 biomarkers were measured at baseline and at 12 months of follow-up in the ACCORD-Memory in Diabetes (ACCORD-MIND) MRI substudy ( n = 562). Using linear regression models, we tested the association of the GRS with baseline and 12-month biomarker levels, and with their difference (Δ), among white subjects, with genotype data ( n = 351) stratified by intervention arm. A significant association was observed between GRS and ΔGLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1, active) in the intensive arm ( P = 3 × 10 -4 ). This effect was driven by rs57922 ( P = 5 × 10 -4 ). C/C homozygotes, who had been found to derive cardiovascular benefits from intensive treatment, showed a 22% increase in GLP-1 levels during follow-up. By contrast, T/T homozygotes, who had been found to experience increased cardiac mortality with intensive treatment, showed a 28% reduction in GLP-1 levels. No association between ΔGLP-1 and GRS or rs57922 was observed in the standard treatment arm. Differences in GLP-1 axis activation may mediate the modulatory effect of variant rs57922 on the cardiovascular response to intensive glycemic control. These findings highlight the importance of GLP-1 as a cardioprotective factor. © 2017 by the American Diabetes Association.

  18. NMR assignments of the N-terminal domain of Nephila clavipes spidroin 1

    PubMed Central

    Parnham, Stuart; Gaines, William A.; Duggan, Brendan M.; Marcotte, William R.

    2011-01-01

    The building blocks of spider dragline silk are two fibrous proteins secreted from the major ampullate gland named spidroins 1 and 2 (MaSp1, MaSp2). These proteins consist of a large central domain composed of approximately 100 tandem copies of a 35–40 amino acid repeat sequence. Non-repetitive N and C-terminal domains, of which the C-terminal domain has been implicated to transition from soluble and insoluble states during spinning, flank the repetitive core. The N-terminal domain until recently has been largely unknown due to difficulties in cloning and expression. Here, we report nearly complete assignment for all 1H, 13C, and 15N resonances in the 14 kDa N-terminal domain of major ampullate spidroin 1 (MaSp1-N) of the golden orb-web spider Nephila clavipes. PMID:21152998

  19. GLP-1 promotes mitochondrial metabolism in vascular smooth muscle cells by enhancing endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria coupling.

    PubMed

    Morales, Pablo E; Torres, Gloria; Sotomayor-Flores, Cristian; Peña-Oyarzún, Daniel; Rivera-Mejías, Pablo; Paredes, Felipe; Chiong, Mario

    2014-03-28

    Incretin GLP-1 has important metabolic effects on several tissues, mainly through the regulation of glucose uptake and usage. One mechanism for increasing cell metabolism is modulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria communication, as it allows for a more efficient transfer of Ca(2+) into the mitochondria, thereby increasing activity. Control of glucose metabolism is essential for proper vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function. GLP-1 has been shown to produce varied metabolic actions, but whether it regulates glucose metabolism in VSMC remains unknown. In this report, we show that GLP-1 increases mitochondrial activity in the aortic cell line A7r5 by increasing ER-mitochondria coupling. GLP-1 increases intracellular glucose and diminishes glucose uptake without altering glycogen content. ATP, mitochondrial potential and oxygen consumption increase at 3h of GLP-1 treatment, paralleled by increased Ca(2+) transfer from the ER to the mitochondria. Furthermore, GLP-1 increases levels of Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2), an ER-mitochondria tethering protein, via a PKA-dependent mechanism. Accordingly, PKA inhibition and Mfn2 down-regulation prevented mitochondrial Ca(2+) increases in GLP-1 treated cells. Inhibiting both Ca(2+) release from the ER and Ca(2+) entry into mitochondria as well as diminishing Mfn2 levels blunted the increase in mitochondrial activity in response to GLP-1. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that GLP-1 increases ER-mitochondria communication in VSMC, resulting in higher mitochondrial activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Influenza A H3N2 subtype virus NS1 protein targets into the nucleus and binds primarily via its C-terminal NLS2/NoLS to nucleolin and fibrillarin

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Influenza A virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a virulence factor, which is targeted into the cell cytoplasm, nucleus and nucleolus. NS1 is a multi-functional protein that inhibits host cell pre-mRNA processing and counteracts host cell antiviral responses. Previously, we have shown that the NS1 protein of the H3N2 subtype influenza viruses possesses a C-terminal nuclear localization signal (NLS) that also functions as a nucleolar localization signal (NoLS) and targets the protein into the nucleolus. Results Here, we show that the NS1 protein of the human H3N2 virus subtype interacts in vitro primarily via its C-terminal NLS2/NoLS and to a minor extent via its N-terminal NLS1 with the nucleolar proteins, nucleolin and fibrillarin. Using chimeric green fluorescence protein (GFP)-NS1 fusion constructs, we show that the nucleolar retention of the NS1 protein is determined by its C-terminal NLS2/NoLS in vivo. Confocal laser microscopy analysis shows that the NS1 protein colocalizes with nucleolin in nucleoplasm and nucleolus and with B23 and fibrillarin in the nucleolus of influenza A/Udorn/72 virus-infected A549 cells. Since some viral proteins contain NoLSs, it is likely that viruses have evolved specific nucleolar functions. Conclusion NS1 protein of the human H3N2 virus interacts primarily via the C-terminal NLS2/NoLS and to a minor extent via the N-terminal NLS1 with the main nucleolar proteins, nucleolin, B23 and fibrillarin. PMID:22909121

  1. Physiological Gut Oxygenation Alters GLP-1 Secretion from the Enteroendocrine Cell Line STC-1.

    PubMed

    Kondrashina, Alina; Papkovsky, Dmitri; Giblin, Linda

    2018-02-01

    Enteroendocrine cell lines are routinely assayed in simple buffers at ≈20% oxygen to screen foods for bioactives that boost satiety hormone levels. However, in vivo, enteroendocrine cells are exposed to different phases of food digestion and function at low oxygen concentration, ranging from 7.5% in the stomach to 0.5% in the colon-rectal junction. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of physiologically relevant O 2 concentrations of the gut on the production and secretion of the satiety hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), from the murine enteroendocrine cell line, secretin tumor cell line (STC-1), in response to dairy macronutrients as they transit the gut. GLP-1 exocytosis from STC-1 cells is influenced by both oxygen concentration and by individual macronutrients. At low oxygen, STC-1 cell viability is significantly improved for all macronutrient stimulations and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels are dampened. GLP-1 secretion from STC-1 cells is influenced by both the phase of yogurt digestion and corresponding O 2 concentration. Atmospheric oxygen at 4.5% combined with upper gastric digesta, which simulates ileum conditions, yields the highest GLP-1 response. This demonstrates the importance of considering physiological oxygen levels and food digestion along gastrointestinal tract for reliable in vitro analysis of gut hormone secretion. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Control of total GFP expression by alterations to the 3′ region nucleotide sequence

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Previously, we distinguished the Escherichia coli type II cytoplasmic membrane translocation pathways of Tat, Yid, and Sec for unfolded and folded soluble target proteins. The translocation of folded protein to the periplasm for soluble expression via the Tat pathway was controlled by an N-terminal hydrophilic leader sequence. In this study, we investigated the effect of the hydrophilic C-terminal end and its nucleotide sequence on total and soluble protein expression. Results The native hydrophilic C-terminal end of GFP was obtained by deleting the C-terminal peptide LeuGlu-6×His, derived from pET22b(+). The corresponding clones induced total and soluble GFP expression that was either slightly increased or dramatically reduced, apparently through reconstruction of the nucleotide sequence around the stop codon in the 3′ region. In the expression-induced clones, the hydrophilic C-terminus showed increased Tat pathway specificity for soluble expression. However, in the expression-reduced clone, after analyzing the role of the 5′ poly(A) coding sequence with a substituted synonymous codon, we proved that the longer 5′ poly(A) coding sequence interacted with the reconstructed 3′ region nucleotide sequence to create a new mRNA tertiary structure between the 5′ and 3′ regions, which resulted in reduced total GFP expression. Further, to recover the reduced expression by changing the 3′ nucleotide sequence, after replacing selected C-terminal 5′ codons and the stop codon in the ORF with synonymous codons, total GFP expression in most of the clones was recovered to the undeleted control level. The insertion of trinucleotides after the stop codon in the 3′-UTR recovered or reduced total GFP expression. RT-PCR revealed that the level of total protein expression was controlled by changes in translational or transcriptional regulation, which were induced or reduced by the substitution or insertion of 3′ region nucleotides. Conclusions We found

  3. Molecular and electrophysiological characterization of GFP-expressing CA1 interneurons in GAD65-GFP mice.

    PubMed

    Wierenga, Corette J; Müllner, Fiona E; Rinke, Ilka; Keck, Tara; Stein, Valentin; Bonhoeffer, Tobias

    2010-12-31

    The use of transgenic mice in which subtypes of neurons are labeled with a fluorescent protein has greatly facilitated modern neuroscience research. GAD65-GFP mice, which have GABAergic interneurons labeled with GFP, are widely used in many research laboratories, although the properties of the labeled cells have not been studied in detail. Here we investigate these cells in the hippocampal area CA1 and show that they constitute ∼20% of interneurons in this area. The majority of them expresses either reelin (70±2%) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP; 15±2%), while expression of parvalbumin and somatostatin is virtually absent. This strongly suggests they originate from the caudal, and not the medial, ganglionic eminence. GFP-labeled interneurons can be subdivided according to the (partially overlapping) expression of neuropeptide Y (42±3%), cholecystokinin (25±3%), calbindin (20±2%) or calretinin (20±2%). Most of these subtypes (with the exception of calretinin-expressing interneurons) target the dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells. GFP-labeled interneurons mostly show delayed onset of firing around threshold, and regular firing with moderate frequency adaptation at more depolarized potentials.

  4. Prediction of thyroid C-cell carcinogenicity after chronic administration of GLP1-R agonists in rodents

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

    Brink, Willem van den; Emerenciana, Annette

    Increased incidence of C-cell carcinogenicity has been observed for glucagon-like-protein-1 receptor (GLP-1r) agonists in rodents. It is suggested that the duration of exposure is an indicator of carcinogenic potential in rodents of the different products on the market. Furthermore, the role of GLP-1-related mechanisms in the induction of C-cell carcinogenicity has gained increased attention by regulatory agencies. This study proposes an integrative pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) framework to identify explanatory factors and characterize differences in carcinogenic potential of the GLP-1r agonist products. PK models for four products (exenatide QW (once weekly), exenatide BID (twice daily), liraglutide and lixisenatide) were developed using nonlinearmore » mixed effects modelling. Predicted exposure was subsequently linked to GLP-1r stimulation using in vitro GLP-1r potency data. A logistic regression model was then applied to exenatide QW and liraglutide data to assess the relationship between GLP-1r stimulation and thyroid C-cell hyperplasia incidence as pre-neoplastic predictor of a carcinogenic response. The model showed a significant association between predicted GLP-1r stimulation and C-cell hyperplasia after 2 years of treatment. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using lixisenatide, for which hyperplasia data were accurately described during the validation step. The use of a model-based approach provided insight into the relationship between C-cell hyperplasia and GLP-1r stimulation for all four products, which is not possible with traditional data analysis methods. It can be concluded that both pharmacokinetics (exposure) and pharmacodynamics (potency for GLP-1r) factors determine C-cell hyperplasia incidence in rodents. Our work highlights the pharmacological basis for GLP-1r agonist-induced C-cell carcinogenicity. The concept is promising for application to other drug classes. - Highlights: • An integrative PKPD model is

  5. GLP-1 and GIP Levels in Patients With Hyperthyroidism: The Effect of Antithyroid Treatment.

    PubMed

    Cira, Duygu Kalkan; Sari, Ramazan; Ozdem, Sebahat; Yilmaz, Nusret; Bozkurt, Selen

    2017-08-01

    Incretin hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] and gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]) may play a role in the development of glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia in patients with hyperthyroidism. We aimed to assess both incretin levels and treatment-induced changes in incretin levels in those with hyperthyroidism. A total of 24 subjects (12 with hyperthyroidism and 12 healthy) were enrolled in the study. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed and serum glucose, insulin GLP1, and GIP levels were evaluated at 0 (baseline), 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes using ELISA. Measurements were repeated after euthyroidism was reached in subjects with hyperthyroidism. The baseline glucose level was higher in those with hyperthyroidism compared with controls ( P = 0.03). GLP-1 and GIP responses to oral glucose load did not differ significantly between those with hyperthyroidism and controls. Peak GLP-1 and GIP levels were reached in both groups at 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for GLP1 and GIP were similar in those with hyperthyroidism and controls. Although GLP-1 and GIP levels did not change before and after antithyroid treatment in subjects with hyperthyroidism, time to peak GLP-1 and GIP levels were reached at 30 minutes after euthyroid state was achieved. Reversal of hyperthyroid to euthyroid status did not induce significant changes in AUCs for incretins. The findings of the present study suggest that the total incretin response to oral glucose load is preserved in patients with hypertyhroidism, but peak incretin responses may change after achieving euthyroid state.

  6. Prediction of thyroid C-cell carcinogenicity after chronic administration of GLP1-R agonists in rodents.

    PubMed

    van den Brink, Willem; Emerenciana, Annette; Bellanti, Francesco; Della Pasqua, Oscar; van der Laan, Jan Willem

    2017-04-01

    Increased incidence of C-cell carcinogenicity has been observed for glucagon-like-protein-1 receptor (GLP-1r) agonists in rodents. It is suggested that the duration of exposure is an indicator of carcinogenic potential in rodents of the different products on the market. Furthermore, the role of GLP-1-related mechanisms in the induction of C-cell carcinogenicity has gained increased attention by regulatory agencies. This study proposes an integrative pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) framework to identify explanatory factors and characterize differences in carcinogenic potential of the GLP-1r agonist products. PK models for four products (exenatide QW (once weekly), exenatide BID (twice daily), liraglutide and lixisenatide) were developed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. Predicted exposure was subsequently linked to GLP-1r stimulation using in vitro GLP-1r potency data. A logistic regression model was then applied to exenatide QW and liraglutide data to assess the relationship between GLP-1r stimulation and thyroid C-cell hyperplasia incidence as pre-neoplastic predictor of a carcinogenic response. The model showed a significant association between predicted GLP-1r stimulation and C-cell hyperplasia after 2years of treatment. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using lixisenatide, for which hyperplasia data were accurately described during the validation step. The use of a model-based approach provided insight into the relationship between C-cell hyperplasia and GLP-1r stimulation for all four products, which is not possible with traditional data analysis methods. It can be concluded that both pharmacokinetics (exposure) and pharmacodynamics (potency for GLP-1r) factors determine C-cell hyperplasia incidence in rodents. Our work highlights the pharmacological basis for GLP-1r agonist-induced C-cell carcinogenicity. The concept is promising for application to other drug classes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. A Novel GLP1 Receptor Interacting Protein ATP6ap2 Regulates Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic Beta Cells*

    PubMed Central

    Dai, Feihan F.; Bhattacharjee, Alpana; Liu, Ying; Batchuluun, Battsetseg; Zhang, Ming; Wang, Xinye Serena; Huang, Xinyi; Luu, Lemieux; Zhu, Dan; Gaisano, Herbert; Wheeler, Michael B.

    2015-01-01

    GLP1 activates its receptor, GLP1R, to enhance insulin secretion. The activation and transduction of GLP1R requires complex interactions with a host of accessory proteins, most of which remain largely unknown. In this study, we used membrane-based split ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid assays to identify novel GLP1R interactors in both mouse and human islets. Among these, ATP6ap2 (ATPase H+-transporting lysosomal accessory protein 2) was identified in both mouse and human islet screens. ATP6ap2 was shown to be abundant in islets including both alpha and beta cells. When GLP1R and ATP6ap2 were co-expressed in beta cells, GLP1R was shown to directly interact with ATP6ap2, as assessed by co-immunoprecipitation. In INS-1 cells, overexpression of ATP6ap2 did not affect insulin secretion; however, siRNA knockdown decreased both glucose-stimulated and GLP1-induced insulin secretion. Decreases in GLP1-induced insulin secretion were accompanied by attenuated GLP1 stimulated cAMP accumulation. Because ATP6ap2 is a subunit required for V-ATPase assembly of insulin granules, it has been reported to be involved in granule acidification. In accordance with this, we observed impaired insulin granule acidification upon ATP6ap2 knockdown but paradoxically increased proinsulin secretion. Importantly, as a GLP1R interactor, ATP6ap2 was required for GLP1-induced Ca2+ influx, in part explaining decreased insulin secretion in ATP6ap2 knockdown cells. Taken together, our findings identify a group of proteins that interact with the GLP1R. We further show that one interactor, ATP6ap2, plays a novel dual role in beta cells, modulating both GLP1R signaling and insulin processing to affect insulin secretion. PMID:26272612

  8. Autocrine selection of a GLP-1R G-protein biased agonist with potent antidiabetic effects.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongkai; Sturchler, Emmanuel; Zhu, Jiang; Nieto, Ainhoa; Cistrone, Philip A; Xie, Jia; He, LinLing; Yea, Kyungmoo; Jones, Teresa; Turn, Rachel; Di Stefano, Peter S; Griffin, Patrick R; Dawson, Philip E; McDonald, Patricia H; Lerner, Richard A

    2015-12-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have emerged as treatment options for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GLP-1R signals through G-protein-dependent, and G-protein-independent pathways by engaging the scaffold protein β-arrestin; preferential signalling of ligands through one or the other of these branches is known as 'ligand bias'. Here we report the discovery of the potent and selective GLP-1R G-protein-biased agonist, P5. We identified P5 in a high-throughput autocrine-based screening of large combinatorial peptide libraries, and show that P5 promotes G-protein signalling comparable to GLP-1 and Exendin-4, but exhibited a significantly reduced β-arrestin response. Preclinical studies using different mouse models of T2DM demonstrate that P5 is a weak insulin secretagogue. Nevertheless, chronic treatment of diabetic mice with P5 increased adipogenesis, reduced adipose tissue inflammation as well as hepatic steatosis and was more effective at correcting hyperglycaemia and lowering haemoglobin A1c levels than Exendin-4, suggesting that GLP-1R G-protein-biased agonists may provide a novel therapeutic approach to T2DM.

  9. Impact of an N-terminal Poly Histidine Tag on Protein Thermal Stability

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    For years, the use of polyhistidine tags (His-tags) have been a staple in the isolation of recombinant proteins in immobilized metal affinity chromatography experiments. Their usage has been widely beneficial in increasing protein purity from crude cell lysates. For some recombinant proteins, a cons...

  10. N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone-degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa PsDAHP1 protects zebrafish against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.

    PubMed

    Vinoj, Gopalakrishnan; Jayakumar, Rengarajan; Chen, Jiann-Chu; Withyachumnarnkul, Boonsirm; Shanthi, Sathappan; Vaseeharan, Baskaralingam

    2015-01-01

    Four strains of N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (AHL)-degrading Pseudomonas spp., named PsDAHP1, PsDAHP2, PsDAHP3, and PsDAHP4 were isolated and identified from the intestine of Fenneropenaeus indicus. PsDAHP1 showed the highest AHL-degrading activity among the four isolates. PsDAHP1 inhibited biofilm-forming exopolysaccharide and altered cell surface hydrophobicity of virulent green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Vibrio parahaemolyticus DAHV2 (GFP-VpDAHV2). Oral administration of PsDAHP1 significantly reduced zebrafish mortality caused by GFP-VpDAHV2 challenge, and inhibited colonisation of GFP-VpDAHV2 in the gills and intestine of zebrafish as evidence by confocal laser scanning microscope and selective plating. Furthermore, zebrafish receiving PsDAHP1-containing feed had increased phagocytic cells of its leucocytes, increased serum activities of superoxide dismutase and lysozyme. The results suggest that Pseudomonas aeruginosa PsDAHP1 could protect zebrafish from V. parahaemolyticus infection by inhibiting biofilm formation and enhancing defence mechanisms of the fish. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Accessibility and contribution to glucan masking of natural and genetically tagged versions of yeast wall protein 1 of Candida albicans

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    -anchored Ywp1 were previously created by others, and were further explored here. As above, rare cells with much greater accessibility of the HA epitopes were isolated, and also found to exhibit greater exposure of Ywp1 and β-1,3-glucan. The placement of the HA cassette inhibited the normal N-glycosylation and propeptide cleavage of Ywp1, but the wall-anchored Ywp1-HA-Ywp1 still accumulated in the cell wall of yeast forms. Bifunctional transformation cassettes were used to additionally tag these molecules with Gfp, generating soluble Ywp1-HA-Gfp and wall-anchored Ywp1-HA-Gfp-Ywp1 molecules. The former revealed unexpected electrophoretic properties caused by the HA insertion, while the latter further highlighted differences between the presence of a tagged Ywp1 molecule (as revealed by Gfp fluorescence) and its accessibility in the cell wall to externally applied antibodies specific for HA, Gfp and Ywp1, with accessibility being greatest in the rapidly expanding walls of budding daughter cells. These strains and results increase our understanding of cell wall properties and how C. albicans masks itself from recognition by the human immune system. PMID:29329339

  12. Accessibility and contribution to glucan masking of natural and genetically tagged versions of yeast wall protein 1 of Candida albicans.

    PubMed

    Granger, Bruce L

    2018-01-01

    -anchored Ywp1 were previously created by others, and were further explored here. As above, rare cells with much greater accessibility of the HA epitopes were isolated, and also found to exhibit greater exposure of Ywp1 and β-1,3-glucan. The placement of the HA cassette inhibited the normal N-glycosylation and propeptide cleavage of Ywp1, but the wall-anchored Ywp1-HA-Ywp1 still accumulated in the cell wall of yeast forms. Bifunctional transformation cassettes were used to additionally tag these molecules with Gfp, generating soluble Ywp1-HA-Gfp and wall-anchored Ywp1-HA-Gfp-Ywp1 molecules. The former revealed unexpected electrophoretic properties caused by the HA insertion, while the latter further highlighted differences between the presence of a tagged Ywp1 molecule (as revealed by Gfp fluorescence) and its accessibility in the cell wall to externally applied antibodies specific for HA, Gfp and Ywp1, with accessibility being greatest in the rapidly expanding walls of budding daughter cells. These strains and results increase our understanding of cell wall properties and how C. albicans masks itself from recognition by the human immune system.

  13. N-CADHERIN PRODOMAIN CLEAVAGE REGULATES SYNAPSE FORMATION IN VIVO

    PubMed Central

    Latefi, Nazlie S.; Pedraza, Liliana; Schohl, Anne; Li, Ziwei; Ruthazer, Edward S.

    2009-01-01

    Cadherins are initially synthesized bearing a prodomain that is thought to limit adhesion during early stages of biosynthesis. Functional cadherins lack this prodomain, raising the intriguing possibility that cells may utilize prodomain cleavage as a means to temporally or spatially regulate adhesion after delivery of cadherin to the cell surface. In support of this idea, immunostaining for the prodomain of zebrafish N-cadherin revealed enriched labeling at neuronal surfaces at the soma and along axonal processes. To determine whether post-translational cleavage of the prodomain affects synapse formation, we imaged Rohon-Beard cells in zebrafish embryos expressing GFP-tagged wild-type N-cadherin (NCAD-GFP) or a GFP-tagged N-cadherin mutant expressing an uncleavable prodomain (PRON-GFP) rendering it non-adhesive. NCAD-GFP accumulated at synaptic microdomains in a developmentally regulated manner, and its overexpression transiently accelerated synapse formation. PRON-GFP was much more diffusely distributed along the axon and its overexpression delayed synapse formation. Our results support the notion that N-cadherin serves to stabilize pre- to postsynaptic contacts early in synapse development and suggests that regulated cleavage of the N-cadherin prodomain may be a mechanism by which the kinetics of synaptogenesis are regulated. PMID:19365814

  14. Altered glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery: What's GLP-1 got to do with it?

    PubMed

    Smith, Eric P; Polanco, Georgina; Yaqub, Abid; Salehi, Marzieh

    2018-06-01

    Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. The two widely performed weight-loss procedures, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), alter postprandial glucose pattern and enhance gut hormone secretion immediately after surgery before significant weight loss. This weight-loss independent glycemic effects of GB has been attributed to an accelerated nutrient transit from stomach pouch to the gut and enhanced secretion of insulinotropic gut factors; in particular, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Meal-induced GLP-1 secretion is as much as tenfold higher in patients after GB compared to non-surgical individuals and inhibition of GLP-1 action during meals reduces postprandial hyperinsulinemia after GB two to three times more than that in persons without surgery. Moreover, in a subgroup of patients with the late complication of postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after GB, GLP1R blockade reverses hypoglycemia by reducing meal stimulated insulin secretion. The role of enteroinsular axis activity after SG, an increasingly popular alternative to GB, is less understood but, similar to GB, SG accelerates nutrient delivery to the intestine, improves glucose tolerance, and increases postprandial GLP-1 secretion. This review will focus on the current evidence for and against the role of GLP-1 on glycemic effects of GB and will also highlight differences between GB and SG. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. The pepper GNA-related lectin and PAN domain protein gene, CaGLP1, is required for plant cell death and defense signaling during bacterial infection.

    PubMed

    Kim, Nak Hyun; Lee, Dong Hyuk; Choi, Du Seok; Hwang, Byung Kook

    2015-12-01

    Carbohydrate-binding proteins, commonly referred to as lectins or agglutinins, function in defense responses to microbial pathogens. Pepper (Capsicum annuum) GNA-related lectin and PAN-domain protein gene CaGLP1 was isolated and functionally characterized from pepper leaves infected with Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv). CaGLP1 contained an amine-terminus prokaryotic membrane lipoprotein lipid attachment site, a Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)-related lectin domain responsible for the recognition of high-mannose N-glycans, and a carboxyl-terminus PAN/apple domain. RNA gel blot and immunoblot analyses determined that CaGLP1 was strongly induced in pepper by compatible and incompatible Xcv infection. CaGLP1 protein localized primarily to the plasma membrane and exhibited mannose-binding specificity. CaGLP1-silenced pepper plants were more susceptible to compatible or incompatible Xcv infection compared with that of non-silenced control plants. CaGLP1 silencing in pepper leaves did not accumulate H2O2 and induce cell death during incompatible Xcv infection. Defense-related CaDEF1 (defensin) gene expression was significantly reduced in CaGLP1-silenced pepper plants. CaGLP1-overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Defense-related AtPDF1.2 expression was elevated in CaGLP1-overexpression lines. Together, these results suggest that CaGLP1 is required for plant cell death and defense responses through the reactive oxygen species burst and downstream defense-related gene expression in response to bacterial pathogen challenge. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Bariatric surgery may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's diseases through GLP-1 mediated neuroprotective effects.

    PubMed

    Keshava, Hari B; Mowla, Ashkan; Heinberg, Leslie J; Schauer, Philip R; Brethauer, Stacy A; Aminian, Ali

    2017-07-01

    Obesity and diabetes are associated with deficits in multiple neurocognitive domains and increased risk for dementia. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in bariatric and metabolic surgery worldwide, driven by rising intertwined pandemics of obesity and diabetes, along with improvement in surgical techniques. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery achieve a significant decrease in their excess weight and a multitude of sequela associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an intestinal peptide that has been implicated as one of the weight loss-independent mechanisms in how bariatric surgery affects type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 improves insulin secretion, inhibits apoptosis and induce pancreatic islet neogenesis, promotes satiety, and can regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated potential neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects of GLP-1. Increased GLP-1 activity has been shown to increase cortical activity, promote neuronal growth, and inhibit neuronal degeneration. Specifically, in experimental studies on Alzheimer's disease, GLP-1 decreases amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary tangles. Furthermore, recent studies have also suggested that GLP-1 based therapies, new class of antidiabetic drugs, have favorable effects on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. We present a hypothesis that bariatric surgery can help delay or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease in long-term by increasing the levels of GLP-1. This hypothesis has a potential for many studies from basic science projects to large population studies to fully understand the neurological and cognitive consequences of bariatric surgery and associated rise in GLP-1. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. The germin-like protein OsGLP2-1 enhances resistance to fungal blast and bacterial blight in rice.

    PubMed

    Liu, Qing; Yang, Jianyuan; Yan, Shijuan; Zhang, Shaohong; Zhao, Junliang; Wang, Wenjuan; Yang, Tifeng; Wang, Xiaofei; Mao, Xingxue; Dong, Jingfang; Zhu, Xiaoyuan; Liu, Bin

    2016-11-01

    This is the first report that GLP gene (OsGLP2-1) is involved in panicle blast and bacterial blight resistance in rice. In addition to its resistance to blast and bacterial blight, OsGLP2-1 has also been reported to co-localize with a QTLs for sheath blight resistance in rice. These suggest that the disease resistance provided by OsGLP2-1 is quantitative and broad spectrum. Its good resistance to these major diseases in rice makes it to be a promising target in rice breeding. Rice (Oryza sativa) blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae and bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae are the two most destructive rice diseases worldwide. Germin-like protein (GLP) gene family is one of the important defense gene families which have been reported to be involved in disease resistance in plants. Although GLP proteins have been demonstrated to positively regulate leaf blast resistance in rice, their involvement in resistance to panicle blast and bacterial blight, has not been reported. In this study, we reported that one of the rice GLP genes, OsGLP2-1, was significantly induced by blast fungus. Overexpression of OsGLP2-1 quantitatively enhanced resistance to leaf blast, panicle blast and bacterial blight. The temporal and spatial expression analysis revealed that OsGLP2-1is highly expressed in leaves and panicles and sub-localized in the cell wall. Compared with empty vector transformed (control) plants, the OsGLP2-1 overexpressing plants exhibited higher levels of H 2 O 2 both before and after pathogen inoculation. Moreover, OsGLP2-1 was significantly induced by jasmonic acid (JA). Overexpression of OsGLP2-1 induced three well-characterized defense-related genes which are associated in JA-dependent pathway after pathogen infection. Higher endogenous level of JA was also identified in OsGLP2-1 overexpressing plants than in control plants both before and after pathogen inoculation. Together, these results suggest that OsGLP2-1 functions as a positive regulator to

  18. GLP-1-oestrogen attenuates hyperphagia and protects from beta cell failure in diabetes-prone New Zealand obese (NZO) mice.

    PubMed

    Schwenk, Robert W; Baumeier, Christian; Finan, Brian; Kluth, Oliver; Brauer, Christine; Joost, Hans-Georg; DiMarchi, Richard D; Tschöp, Matthias H; Schürmann, Annette

    2015-03-01

    Oestrogens have previously been shown to exert beta cell protective, glucose-lowering effects in mouse models. Therefore, the recent development of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-oestrogen conjugate, which targets oestrogen into cells expressing GLP-1 receptors, offers an opportunity for a cell-specific and enhanced beta cell protection by oestrogen. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of GLP-1 and GLP-1-oestrogen during beta cell failure under glucolipotoxic conditions. Male New Zealand obese (NZO) mice were treated with daily s.c. injections of GLP-1 and GLP-1-oestrogen, respectively. Subsequently, the effects on energy homeostasis and beta cell integrity were measured. In order to clarify the targeting of GLP-1-oestrogen, transcription analyses of oestrogen-responsive genes in distinct tissues as well as microarray analyses in pancreatic islets were performed. In contrast to GLP-1, GLP-1-oestrogen significantly decreased food intake resulting in a substantial weight reduction, preserved normoglycaemia, increased glucose tolerance and enhanced beta cell protection. Analysis of hypothalamic mRNA profiles revealed elevated expression of Pomc and Leprb. In livers from GLP-1-oestrogen-treated mice, expression of lipogenic genes was attenuated and hepatic triacylglycerol levels were decreased. In pancreatic islets, GLP-1-oestrogen altered the mRNA expression to a pattern that was similar to that of diabetes-resistant NZO females. However, conventional oestrogen-responsive genes were not different, indicating rather indirect protection of pancreatic beta cells. GLP-1-oestrogen efficiently protects NZO mice against carbohydrate-induced beta cell failure by attenuation of hyperphagia. In this regard, targeted delivery of oestrogen to the hypothalamus by far exceeds the anorexigenic capacity of GLP-1 alone.

  19. Insulin and GLP-1 infusions demonstrate the onset of adipose-specific insulin resistance in a large fasting mammal: potential glucogenic role for GLP-1.

    PubMed

    Viscarra, Jose A; Rodriguez, Ruben; Vazquez-Medina, Jose Pablo; Lee, Andrew; Tift, Michael S; Tavoni, Stephen K; Crocker, Daniel E; Ortiz, Rudy M

    2013-08-01

    Prolonged food deprivation increases lipid oxidation and utilization, which may contribute to the onset of the insulin resistance associated with fasting. Because insulin resistance promotes the preservation of glucose and oxidation of fat, it has been suggested to be an adaptive response to food deprivation. However, fasting mammals exhibit hypoinsulinemia, suggesting that the insulin resistance-like conditions they experience may actually result from reduced pancreatic sensitivity to glucose/capacity to secrete insulin. To determine whether fasting results in insulin resistance or in pancreatic dysfunction, we infused early- and late-fasted seals (naturally adapted to prolonged fasting) with insulin (0.065 U/kg), and a separate group of late-fasted seals with low (10 pM/kg) or high (100 pM/kg) dosages of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) immediately following a glucose bolus (0.5g/kg), and measured the systemic and cellular responses. Because GLP-1 facilitates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, these infusions provide a method to assess pancreatic insulin-secreting capacity. Insulin infusions increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor and Akt in adipose and muscle of early and late fasted seals; however the timing of the signaling response was blunted in adipose of late fasted seals. Despite the dose-dependent increases in insulin and increased glucose clearance (high dose), both GLP-1 dosages produced increases in plasma cortisol and glucagon, which may have contributed to the glucogenic role of GLP-1. Results suggest that fasting induces adipose-specific insulin resistance in elephant seal pups, while maintaining skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, and therefore suggests that the onset of insulin resistance in fasting mammals is an evolved response to cope with prolonged food deprivation.

  20. Glucagon-like peptide-1 acutely affects renal blood flow and urinary flow rate in spontaneously hypertensive rats despite significantly reduced renal expression of GLP-1 receptors.

    PubMed

    Ronn, Jonas; Jensen, Elisa P; Wewer Albrechtsen, Nicolai J; Holst, Jens Juul; Sorensen, Charlotte M

    2017-12-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone increasing postprandial insulin release. GLP-1 also induces diuresis and natriuresis in humans and rodents. The GLP-1 receptor is extensively expressed in the renal vascular tree in normotensive rats where acute GLP-1 treatment leads to increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and increased renal blood flow (RBF). In hypertensive animal models, GLP-1 has been reported both to increase and decrease MAP. The aim of this study was to examine expression of renal GLP-1 receptors in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and to assess the effect of acute intrarenal infusion of GLP-1. We hypothesized that GLP-1 would increase diuresis and natriuresis and reduce MAP in SHR. Immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization for the GLP-1 receptor were used to localize GLP-1 receptors in the kidney. Sevoflurane-anesthetized normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats and SHR received a 20 min intrarenal infusion of GLP-1 and changes in MAP, RBF, heart rate, dieresis, and natriuresis were measured. The vasodilatory effect of GLP-1 was assessed in isolated interlobar arteries from normo- and hypertensive rats. We found no expression of GLP-1 receptors in the kidney from SHR. However, acute intrarenal infusion of GLP-1 increased MAP, RBF, dieresis, and natriuresis without affecting heart rate in both rat strains. These results suggest that the acute renal effects of GLP-1 in SHR are caused either by extrarenal GLP-1 receptors activating other mechanisms (e.g., insulin) to induce the renal changes observed or possibly by an alternative renal GLP-1 receptor. © 2017 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

  1. Transferable green fluorescence-tagged pEI2 in Edwardsiella ictaluri

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The pEI2 plasmid of Edwardsiella ictaluri isolate, I49, was tagged using a Tn10-GFP-kan cassette to create the green fluorescence-expressing derivative I49-gfp. The Tn10-GFP-kan insertion site was mapped by plasmid sequencing to 663 bp upstream of orf2 and appeared to be at a neutral site in the pla...

  2. Myocardial regeneration in adriamycin cardiomyopathy by nuclear expression of GLP1 using ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction

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

    Chen, Shuyuan; Chen, Jiaxi; Huang, Pintong

    Recently GLP-1 was found to have cardioprotective effects independent of those attributable to tight glycemic control. Methods and results: We employed ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) to deliver piggybac transposon plasmids encoding the GLP-1 gene with a nuclear localizing signal to rat hearts with adriamycin cardiomyopathy. After a single UTMD treatment, overexpression of transgenic GLP-1 was found in nuclei of rat heart cells with evidence that transfected cardiac cells had undergone proliferation. UTMD-GLP-1 gene therapy restored LV mass, fractional shortening index, and LV posterior wall diameter to nearly normal. Nuclear overexpression of GLP-1 by inducing phosphorylation of FoxO1-S256 and translocationmore » of FoxO1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm significantly inactivated FoxO1 and activated the expression of cyclin D1 in nuclei of cardiac muscle cells. Reversal of adriamycin cardiomyopathy appeared to be mediated by dedifferentiation and proliferation of nuclear FoxO1-positive cardiac muscle cells with evidence of embryonic stem cell markers (OCT4, Nanog, SOX2 and c-kit), cardiac early differentiation markers (NKX2.5 and ISL-1) and cellular proliferation markers (BrdU and PHH3) after UTMD with GLP-1 gene therapy. Conclusions: Intranuclear myocardial delivery of the GLP-1gene can reverse established adriamycin cardiomyopathy by stimulating myocardial regeneration. - Highlights: • The activation of nuclear FoxO1 in cardiac muscle cells associated with adriamycin cardiomyopathy. • Myocardial nuclear GLP-1 stimulates myocardial regeneration and reverses adriamycin cardiomyopathy. • The process of myocardial regeneration associated with dedifferentiation and proliferation.« less

  3. Affinity Purification of Proteins in Tag-Free Form: Split Intein-Mediated Ultrarapid Purification (SIRP).

    PubMed

    Guan, Dongli; Chen, Zhilei

    2017-01-01

    Proteins purified using affinity-based chromatography often exploit a recombinant affinity tag. Existing methods for the removal of the extraneous tag, needed for many applications, suffer from poor efficiency and/or high cost. Here we describe a simple, efficient, and potentially low-cost approach-split intein-mediated ultrarapid purification (SIRP)-for both the purification of the desired tagged protein from Escherichia coli lysate and removal of the tag in less than 1 h. The N- and C-fragment of a self-cleaving variant of a naturally split DnaE intein from Nostoc punctiforme are genetically fused to the N-terminus of an affinity tag and a protein of interest (POI), respectively. The N-intein/affinity tag is used to functionalize an affinity resin. The high affinity between the N- and C-fragment of DnaE intein enables the POI to be purified from the lysate via affinity to the resin, and the intein-mediated C-terminal cleavage reaction causes tagless POI to be released into the flow-through. The intein cleavage reaction is strongly inhibited by divalent ions (e.g., Zn 2+ ) under non-reducing conditions and is significantly enhanced by reducing conditions. The POI is cleaved efficiently regardless of the identity of the N-terminal amino acid except in the cases of threonine and proline, and the N-intein-functionalized affinity resin can be regenerated for multiple cycles of use.

  4. Quantitative Impact of Plasma Clearance and Down-regulation on GLP-1 Receptor Molecular Imaging.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Liang; Thurber, Greg M

    2016-02-01

    Quantitative molecular imaging of beta cell mass (BCM) would enable early detection and treatment monitoring of type 1 diabetes. The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor is an attractive target due to its beta cell specificity and cell surface location. We quantitatively investigated the impact of plasma clearance and receptor internalization on targeting efficiency in healthy B6 mice. Four exenatide-based probes were synthesized that varied in molecular weight, binding affinity, and plasma clearance. The GLP-1 receptor internalization rate and in vivo receptor expression were quantified. Receptor internalization (54,000 receptors/cell in vivo) decreased significantly within minutes, reducing the benefit of a slower-clearing agent. The multimers and albumin binding probes had higher kidney and liver uptake, respectively. Slow plasma clearance is beneficial for GLP-1 receptor peptide therapeutics. However, for exendin-based imaging of islets, down-regulation of the GLP-1 receptor and non-specific background uptake result in a higher target-to-background ratio for fast-clearing agents.

  5. Quantitative Impact of Plasma Clearance and Down-regulation on GLP-1 Receptor Molecular Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Liang; Thurber, Greg M.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose Quantitative molecular imaging of beta cell mass (BCM) would enable early detection and treatment monitoring of type-1 diabetes. The glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor is an attractive target due to its beta cell specificity and cell surface location. We quantitatively investigated the impact of plasma clearance and receptor internalization on targeting efficiency in healthy B6 mice. Procedures Four exenatide-based probes were synthesized that varied in molecular weight, binding affinity, and plasma clearance. The GLP-1 receptor internalization rate and in vivo receptor expression were quantified. Results Receptor internalization (54,000 receptors/cell in vivo) decreased significantly within minutes, reducing the benefit of a slower clearing agent. The multimers and albumin binding probes had higher kidney and liver uptake, respectively. Conclusions Slow plasma clearance is beneficial for GLP-1 receptor peptide therapeutics. However, for exendin-based imaging of islets, downregulation of the GLP-1 receptor and non-specific background uptake result in a higher TBR for fast-clearing agents. PMID:26194012

  6. GLP-1 Receptor Stimulation of the Lateral Parabrachial Nucleus Reduces Food Intake: Neuroanatomical, Electrophysiological, and Behavioral Evidence

    PubMed Central

    Richard, Jennifer E.; Farkas, Imre; Anesten, Fredrik; Anderberg, Rozita H.; Dickson, Suzanne L.; Gribble, Fiona M.; Reimann, Frank; Jansson, John-Olov; Liposits, Zsolt

    2014-01-01

    The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) is a key nucleus for the regulation of feeding behavior. Inhibitory inputs from the hypothalamus to the PBN play a crucial role in the normal maintenance of feeding behavior, because their loss leads to starvation. Viscerosensory stimuli result in neuronal activation of the PBN. However, the origin and neurochemical identity of the excitatory neuronal input to the PBN remain largely unexplored. Here, we hypothesize that hindbrain glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) neurons provide excitatory inputs to the PBN, activation of which may lead to a reduction in feeding behavior. Our data, obtained from mice expressing the yellow fluorescent protein in GLP-1-producing neurons, revealed that hindbrain GLP-1-producing neurons project to the lateral PBN (lPBN). Stimulation of lPBN GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) reduced the intake of chow and palatable food and decreased body weight in rats. It also activated lPBN neurons, reflected by an increase in the number of c-Fos-positive cells in this region. Further support for an excitatory role of GLP-1 in the PBN is provided by electrophysiological studies showing a remarkable increase in firing of lPBN neurons after Exendin-4 application. We show that within the PBN, GLP-1R activation increased gene expression of 2 energy balance regulating peptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and IL-6. Moreover, nearly 70% of the lPBN GLP-1 fibers innervated lPBN CGRP neurons. Direct intra-lPBN CGRP application resulted in anorexia. Collectively, our molecular, anatomical, electrophysiological, pharmacological, and behavioral data provide evidence for a functional role of the GLP-1R for feeding control in the PBN. PMID:25116706

  7. GLP-1 and estrogen conjugate acts in the supramammillary nucleus to reduce food-reward and body weight.

    PubMed

    Vogel, Heike; Wolf, Stefanie; Rabasa, Cristina; Rodriguez-Pacheco, Francisca; Babaei, Carina S; Stöber, Franziska; Goldschmidt, Jürgen; DiMarchi, Richard D; Finan, Brian; Tschöp, Matthias H; Dickson, Suzanne L; Schürmann, Annette; Skibicka, Karolina P

    2016-11-01

    The obesity epidemic continues unabated and currently available pharmacological treatments are not sufficiently effective. Combining gut/brain peptide, GLP-1, with estrogen into a conjugate may represent a novel, safe and potent, strategy to treat diabesity. Here we demonstrate that the central administration of GLP-1-estrogen conjugate reduced food reward, food intake, and body weight in rats. In order to determine the brain location of the interaction of GLP-1 with estrogen, we avail of single-photon emission computed tomography imaging of regional cerebral blood flow and pinpoint a brain site unexplored for its role in feeding and reward, the supramammillary nucleus (SUM) as a potential target of the conjugated GLP-1-estrogen. We confirm that conjugated GLP-1 and estrogen directly target the SUM with site-specific microinjections. Additional microinjections of GLP-1-estrogen into classic energy balance controlling nuclei, the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) revealed that the metabolic benefits resulting from GLP-1-estrogen injections are mediated through the LH and to some extent by the NTS. In contrast, no additional benefit of the conjugate was noted on food reward when the compound was microinjected into the LH or the NTS, identifying the SUM as the only neural substrate identified here to underlie the reward reducing benefits of GLP-1 and estrogen conjugate. Collectively we discover a surprising neural substrate underlying food intake and reward effects of GLP-1 and estrogen and uncover a new brain area capable of regulating energy balance and reward. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  8. A dual affinity-tag strategy for the expression and purification of human linker histone H1.4 in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Ryan, Daniel P; Tremethick, David J

    2016-04-01

    Linker histones are an abundant and critical component of the eukaryotic chromatin landscape. They play key roles in regulating the higher order structure of chromatin and many genetic processes. Higher eukaryotes possess a number of different linker histone subtypes and new data are consistently emerging that indicate these subtypes are functionally distinct. We were interested in studying one of the most abundant human linker histone subtypes, H1.4. We have produced recombinant full-length H1.4 in Escherichia coli. An N-terminal Glutathione-S-Transferase tag was used to promote soluble expression and was combined with a C-terminal hexahistidine tag to facilitate a simple non-denaturing two-step affinity chromatography procedure that results in highly pure full-length H1.4. The purified H1.4 was shown to be functional via in vitro chromatin assembly experiments and remains active after extended storage at -80 °C. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Estrogen response element-GFP (ERE-GFP) introduced MCF-7 cells demonstrated the coexistence of multiple estrogen-deprivation resistant mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Fujiki, Natsu; Konno, Hiromi; Kaneko, Yosuke; Gohno, Tatsuyuki; Hanamura, Toru; Imami, Koshi; Ishihama, Yasushi; Nakanishi, Kyoko; Niwa, Toshifumi; Seino, Yuko; Yamaguchi, Yuri; Hayashi, Shin-ichi

    2014-01-01

    The acquisition of estrogen-deprivation resistance and estrogen receptor (ER) signal-independence in ER-positive breast cancer is one of the crucial steps in advancing the aggressiveness of breast cancer; however, this has not yet been elucidated in detail. To address this issue, we established several estrogen-deprivation-resistant (EDR) breast cancer cell lines from our unique MCF-7 cells, which had been stably transfected with an ERE-GFP reporter plasmid. Three cell lines with high ER activity and another 3 cell lines with no ER activity were established from cell cloning by monitoring GFP expression in living cells. The former three ERE-GFP-positive EDR cell lines showed the overexpression of ER and high expression of several ER-target genes. Further analysis of intracellular signaling factors revealed a marked change in the phosphorylation status of ERα on Ser167 and Akt on Thr308 by similar mechanisms reported previously; however, we could not find any changes in MAP-kinase factors. Comprehensive phospho-proteomic analysis also indicated the possible contribution of the Akt pathway to the phosphorylation of ERα. On the other hand, constitutive activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was observed in ERE-GFP-negative EDR cells, and the growth of these cells was inhibited by a JNK inhibitor. An IGF1R-specific inhibitor diminished the phosphorylation of JNK, which suggested that a novel signaling pathway, IGF1R-JNK, may be important for the proliferation of ER-independent MCF-7 cells. These results indicate that ER-positive breast cancer cells can acquire resistance by more than two mechanisms at a time, which suggests that multiple mechanisms may occur simultaneously. This finding also implies that breast cancers with different resistance mechanisms can concomitantly occur and mingle in an individual patient, and may be a cause of the recurrence of cancer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. No cognitive-enhancing effect of GLP-1 receptor agonism in antipsychotic-treated, obese patients with schizophrenia.

    PubMed

    Ishøy, P L; Fagerlund, B; Broberg, B V; Bak, N; Knop, F K; Glenthøj, B Y; Ebdrup, B H

    2017-07-01

    Schizophrenia is associated with profound cognitive and psychosocial impairments. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are used for diabetes and obesity treatment, and animal studies have indicated cognitive-enhancing effects. In this investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we tested non-metabolic effects of exenatide once-weekly (Bydureon™) in obese, antipsychotic-treated patients with schizohrenia spectrum disorder. Before and after 3 months of exenatide (N = 20) or placebo (N = 20) treatment, patients were assessed with the following: Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), Rey-Osterreith complex figure test (REY), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). We used BACS composite score as the main outcome measure. Repeated measures analysis of variance on BACS composite score showed significant effect of 'Time' (P < 0.001), no effect of 'Group' (P = 0.64) and no 'Time*Group' interaction (P = 0.77). For REY, SF-36, PSP and PANSS, only significant 'Time' effects were found. The non-significant results of this first clinical trial exploring non-metabolic effects of a long-acting GLP-1RA in patients with schizophrenia could reflect a general problem of translating cognitive-enhancing effects of GLP-1RAs from animals to humans or be explained by factors specifically related to schizophrenia spectrum patients with obesity such as antipsychotic treatment. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Biarsenical labeling of vesicular stomatitis virus encoding tetracysteine-tagged m protein allows dynamic imaging of m protein and virus uncoating in infected cells.

    PubMed

    Das, Subash C; Panda, Debasis; Nayak, Debasis; Pattnaik, Asit K

    2009-03-01

    A recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-PeGFP-M-MmRFP) encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein fused in frame with P (PeGFP) in place of P and a fusion matrix protein (monomeric red fluorescent protein fused in frame at the carboxy terminus of M [MmRFP]) at the G-L gene junction, in addition to wild-type (wt) M protein in its normal location, was recovered, but the MmRFP was not incorporated into the virions. Subsequently, we generated recombinant viruses (VSV-PeGFP-DeltaM-Mtc and VSV-DeltaM-Mtc) encoding M protein with a carboxy-terminal tetracysteine tag (Mtc) in place of the M protein. These recombinant viruses incorporated Mtc at levels similar to M in wt VSV, demonstrating recovery of infectious rhabdoviruses encoding and incorporating a tagged M protein. Virions released from cells infected with VSV-PeGFP-DeltaM-Mtc and labeled with the biarsenical red dye (ReAsH) were dually fluorescent, fluorescing green due to incorporation of PeGFP in the nucleocapsids and red due to incorporation of ReAsH-labeled Mtc in the viral envelope. Transport and subsequent association of M protein with the plasma membrane were shown to be independent of microtubules. Sequential labeling of VSV-DeltaM-Mtc-infected cells with the biarsenical dyes ReAsH and FlAsH (green) revealed that newly synthesized M protein reaches the plasma membrane in less than 30 min and continues to accumulate there for up to 2 1/2 hours. Using dually fluorescent VSV, we determined that following adsorption at the plasma membrane, the time taken by one-half of the virus particles to enter cells and to uncoat their nucleocapsids in the cytoplasm is approximately 28 min.

  12. Can GLP-1 preparations be used in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus?

    PubMed

    Shehadeh, Naim; Daich, Eena; Zuckerman-Levin, Nehama

    2014-03-01

    The number of young diabetics is increasing and therapeutic options for these patients are limited. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is secreted from the gut after meals and enhances glucose-induced insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, suppresses appetite, and delays the gastric-emptying rate. GLP-1 analogs are already widely used in the adult population to improve glycemic control and induce weight loss in overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes. The glucose-lowering effects resulting from the inhibition of glucagon secretion and the gastric-emptying rate could be of clinical importance in type 1 diabetes. In this article we review clinical data regarding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in youth and address the potential benefits and safety aspects of these compounds. Large scale clinical trials are still needed in the pediatric population.

  13. Effect of oral contraceptives and/or metformin on GLP-1 secretion and reactive hypoglycaemia in polycystic ovary syndrome.

    PubMed

    Glintborg, Dorte; Mumm, Hanne; Holst, Jens Juul; Andersen, Marianne

    2017-05-01

    Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase the risk of reactive hypoglycaemia (RH) and decrease glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. The possible effects of treatment with oral contraceptives (OCP) and/or metformin on GLP-1 secretion and risk of RH in PCOS is undetermined. Outpatient clinic. Randomized, controlled clinical trial. Ninety women with PCOS were randomized to 12-month treatment with OCP (150 mg desogestrel + 30 mg ethinylestradiol), metformin (2 g/day) or metformin + OCP. Five-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (5-h OGTT) measuring fasting and area under the curve (AUC) for GLP-1, glucose, insulin and C-peptide were performed before and after the intervention period. Sixty-five women completed the study and 34 weight-matched healthy women were included as controls. Changes in GLP-1, glucose, insulin and C-peptide during 5-h OGTT. Fasting GLP-1 levels increased during metformin + OCP vs OCP treatment, whereas AUC GLP-1 levels were unchanged during medical treatment. The prevalence of reactive hypoglycemia increased from 9/65 to 14/65 after intervention ( P  < 0.01) and was more common after treatment with metformin + OCP (increase from 3/23 to 6/23, P  = 0.01). Reactive hypoglycaemia was associated with higher insulin and C-peptide levels during 5-h OGTT, but was unassociated with BMI and AUC GLP-1. GLP-1 levels were comparable in PCOS vs controls. AUC GLP-1 levels were significantly lower in obese vs lean patients and were inversely associated with BMI. AUC GLP-1 levels were unchanged during treatment. Increased risk of hypoglycemia during metformin + OCP could be associated with increased insulin secretion. © 2017 The authors.

  14. Differences in acute anorectic effects of long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists in rats

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have both glucose- and weight-lowering effects. The brain is poised to mediate both of these actions since GLP-1Rs are present in key areas known to control weight and glucose. Although some research has been performed on the effects of ...

  15. Determination of the termination efficiency of the transcription terminator using different fluorescent profiles in green fluorescent protein mutants.

    PubMed

    Nojima, Takahiko; Lin, Angela C; Fujii, Teruo; Endo, Isao

    2005-12-01

    An approach in determining the intrinsic termination efficiency (%T) of transcription termination using green fluorescent protein (GFP) mutants was developed. This approach utilizes a cassette vector in which the tested terminator is introduced between two GFP mutant genes: an ultraviolet-optimized mutant (GFPuv: F99S, M153T, V163A) and a blue-shifted mutant (BFP: F64L, S65T, T145F). The ratio of the fluorescence intensity of BFP to GFPuv after transcription and translation represents the termination efficiency of the terminator. E. coli ribosomal RNA operon T1 terminator, phage lambda terminator site R2, E. coli tryptophane attenuater were introduced into the vector, and their transcriptional efficiencies were estimated as 89, 79, and 24%, respectively, showing good agreement with published data.

  16. LINC01121 Inhibits Cell Apoptosis While Facilitating Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Though Negative Regulation of the Camp/PKA Signaling Pathway via GLP1R.

    PubMed

    Qian, Yi-Gang; Ye, Zhou; Chen, Hai-Yong; Lv, Zhen; Zhang, Ai-Bin; Fan, Le; Zhou, Jie; Zheng, Shu-Sen; Wang, Wei-Lin

    2018-05-24

    Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy as a result of highly metastatic potential. The current study was carried out to alter the expression of LINC01121 in pancreatic cancer, with the aim of elucidating its effects on the biological processes of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. We hypothesized that both the GLP1R gene and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway participate in the aforementioned process. Microarray data (GSE14245, GSE27890 and GSE16515) and annotating probe files linked to pancreatic cancer were downloaded through the GEO database. The Multi Experiment Matrix (MEM) site was used to predict the target gene of lncRNA. Both pancreatic cancer tissues (n = 56) and paracancerous tissues (n = 45) were collected from patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Immunohistochemistry was applied to identify the positive expression rate of GLP1R protein. Isolated pancreatic cancer cells and PANC-1 cells were independently classified into the blank, negative control (NC), LINC01121 vector, siRNA-LINC01121, siRNA-GLP1R and siRNA-LINC01121 + siRNA-GLP1R groups. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were applied to detect the expressions of LINC01121, GLP1R, cAMP, PKA, CREB, Bcl-2, Bad and PCNA. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle progression, and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay, scratch test, Transwell assay and flow cytometry analyses of Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Observations were made indicating that LINC01121 was highly expressed, while low expressions of GLP1R in pancreatic cancer were detected based on microarray data, which was largely in consistent with the data collected of LINC01121 and GLP1R within the tissues. The target prediction program and luciferase activity analysis was testament to the notion suggesting that GLP1R was indeed a target of LINC01121. In contrast to the blank and NC groups, the LINC01121 vector group exhibited increased expressions of LINC

  17. Monitoring the diffusion behavior of Na,K-ATPase by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) upon fluorescence labelling with eGFP or Dreiklang

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Junghans, Cornelia; Schmitt, Franz-Josef; Vukojević, Vladana; Friedrich, Thomas

    2016-02-01

    Measurement of lateral mobility of membraneembedded proteins in living cells with high spatial and temporal precision is a challenging task of optofluidics. Biological membranes are complex structures, whose physico-chemical properties depend on the local lipid composition, cholesterol content and the presence of integral or peripheral membrane proteins, which may be involved in supramolecular complexes or are linked to cellular matrix proteins or the cytoskeleton. The high proteinto- lipid ratios in biomembranes indicate that membrane proteins are particularly subject to molecular crowding, making it difficult to follow the track of individual molecules carrying a fluorescence label. Novel switchable fluorescence proteins such as Dreiklang [1], are, in principle, promising tools to study the diffusion behavior of individual molecules in situations of molecular crowding due to excellent spectral control of the ON- and OFF-switching process. In this work, we expressed an integral membrane transport protein, the Na,K-ATPase comprising the human α2-subunit carrying an N-terminal eGFP or Dreiklang tag and human β1-subunit, in HEK293T cells and measured autocorrelation curves by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Furthermore,we measured diffusion times and diffusion constants of eGFP and Dreiklang by FCS, first, in aqueous solution after purification of the proteins upon expression in E. coli, and, second, upon expression as soluble proteins in the cytoplasm of HEK293T cells. Our data show that the diffusion behavior of the purified eGFP and Dreiklang in solution as well as the properties of the proteins expressed in the cytoplasm are very similar. However, the autocorrelation curves of eGFP- and Dreiklanglabeled Na,K-ATPase measured in the plasma membrane exhibit marked differences, with the Dreiklang-labeled construct showing shorter diffusion times. This may be related to an additional, as yet unrecognized quenching process that occurs on the same time

  18. Monitoring the diffusion behavior of Na,K-ATPase by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) upon fluorescence labelling with eGFP or Dreiklang

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Junghans, Cornelia; Schmitt, Franz-Josef; Vukojević, Vladana; Friedrich, Thomas

    2015-12-01

    Measurement of lateral mobility of membraneembedded proteins in living cells with high spatial and temporal precision is a challenging task of optofluidics. Biological membranes are complex structures, whose physico-chemical properties depend on the local lipid composition, cholesterol content and the presence of integral or peripheral membrane proteins, which may be involved in supramolecular complexes or are linked to cellular matrix proteins or the cytoskeleton. The high proteinto- lipid ratios in biomembranes indicate that membrane proteins are particularly subject to molecular crowding, making it difficult to follow the track of individual molecules carrying a fluorescence label. Novel switchable fluorescence proteins such as Dreiklang [1], are, in principle, promising tools to study the diffusion behavior of individual molecules in situations of molecular crowding due to excellent spectral control of the ON- and OFF-switching process. In this work, we expressed an integral membrane transport protein, the Na,K-ATPase comprising the human α2-subunit carrying an N-terminal eGFP or Dreiklang tag and human β1-subunit, in HEK293T cells and measured autocorrelation curves by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Furthermore,we measured diffusion times and diffusion constants of eGFP and Dreiklang by FCS, first, in aqueous solution after purification of the proteins upon expression in E. coli, and, second, upon expression as soluble proteins in the cytoplasm of HEK293T cells. Our data show that the diffusion behavior of the purified eGFP and Dreiklang in solution as well as the properties of the proteins expressed in the cytoplasm are very similar. However, the autocorrelation curves of eGFP- and Dreiklanglabeled Na,K-ATPase measured in the plasma membrane exhibit marked differences, with the Dreiklang-labeled construct showing shorter diffusion times. This may be related to an additional, as yet unrecognized quenching process that occurs on the same time

  19. Pyrylium-based dye and charge tagging in proteomics.

    PubMed

    Bayer, Malte; König, Simone

    2016-11-01

    The pyrylium group is a selective reagent for ε-amino groups in proteins. In particular, for fluorescence labeling, a number of advantages over traditional N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester chemistry were recognized such as the rapid prestaining procedure. Here, we have investigated the labeling reaction for the fluorogenic pyrylium dye Py-1 using liquid chromatography coupled to MS with the aim of determining its specificity and possible side products. Peptides containing no, one, and two lysine residue and a choice of no or one cysteine residue were labeled with Py-1 at yields > 30%. Gas phase fragmentation proved both labeling of lysine residues as well as that of the N-terminus also in peptides that contained a lysine residue. Evidence for cysteine labeling was not found, but several other products were detected such as the results of rearrangements with adjacent acidic amino acids. Apart from the use as a fluorogenic label, Py-1 recommends itself for N-terminal charge tagging as alternative to the commonly used quaternary ammonium salts. Predominantly a- and b-type ion series were observed for N-terminally labeled peptides. Further applications include chromophore tagging since the labeled product is not only fluorescent but also colored red. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Exenatide exerts a PKA-dependent positive inotropic effect in human atrial myocardium: GLP-1R mediated effects in human myocardium.

    PubMed

    Wallner, Markus; Kolesnik, Ewald; Ablasser, Klemens; Khafaga, Mounir; Wakula, Paulina; Ljubojevic, Senka; Thon-Gutschi, Eva Maria; Sourij, Harald; Kapl, Martin; Edmunds, Nicholas J; Kuzmiski, J Brent; Griffith, David A; Knez, Igor; Pieske, Burkert; von Lewinski, Dirk

    2015-12-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are a rapidly growing class of drugs developed for treating type-2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes carry an up to 5-fold greater mortality risk compared to non-diabetic patients, mainly as a result of cardiovascular diseases. Although beneficial cardiovascular effects have been reported, exact mechanisms of GLP-1R-agonist action in the heart, especially in human myocardium, are poorly understood. The effects of GLP-1R-agonists (exenatide, GLP-1(7-36)NH2, PF-06446009, PF-06446667) on cardiac contractility were tested in non-failing atrial and ventricular trabeculae from 72 patients. The GLP-1(7-36)NH2 metabolite, GLP-1(9-36)NH2, was also examined. In electrically stimulated trabeculae, the effects of compounds on isometric force were measured in the absence and presence of pharmacological inhibitors of signal transduction pathways. The role of β-arrestin signaling was examined using a β-arrestin partial agonist, PF-06446667. Expression levels were tested by immunoblots. Translocation of GLP-1R downstream molecular targets, Epac2, GLUT-1 and GLUT-4, were assessed by fluorescence microscopy. All tested GLP-1R-agonists significantly increased developed force in human atrial trabeculae, whereas GLP-1(9-36)NH2 had no effect. Exendin(9-39)NH2, a GLP-1R-antagonist, and H-89 blunted the inotropic effect of exenatide. In addition, exenatide increased PKA-dependent phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB), GLUT-1 and Epac2 translocation, but not GLUT-4 translocation. Exenatide failed to enhance contractility in ventricular myocardium. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed a significant higher GLP-1R expression in the atrium compared to ventricle. Exenatide increased contractility in a dose-dependent manner via GLP-1R/cAMP/PKA pathway and induced GLUT-1 and Epac2 translocation in human atrial myocardium, but had no effect in ventricular myocardium. Therapeutic use of GLP-1R-agonists may therefore impart

  1. The rough energy landscape of superfolder GFP is linked to the chromophore

    PubMed Central

    Andrews, Benjamin T.; Schoenfish, Andrea R.; Roy, Melinda; Waldo, Geoffrey; Jennings, Patricia A.

    2009-01-01

    Many GFP variants have been developed for use as fluorescent tags, and recently a superfolder GFP (sfGFP) has been developed as a robust folding reporter. This new variant shows increased stability and improved folding kinetics, as well as 100% recovery of native protein after denaturation. Here, we characterize sfGFP, and find that this variant exhibits hysteresis as unfolding and refolding equilibrium titration curves are non-coincident even after equilibration for more than eight half-lives as estimated from kinetic unfolding and refolding studies. This hysteresis is attributed to trapping in a native-like intermediate state. Mutational studies directed towards inhibiting chromophore formation indicate that the novel backbone cyclization is responsible for the hysteresis observed in equilibrium titrations of sfGFP. Slow equilibration and the presence of intermediates imply a rough landscape. However, de novo folding in the absence of the chromophore is dominated by a smoother energy landscape than that sampled during unfolding and refolding of the post-translationally modified polypeptide. PMID:17822714

  2. GLP-1 secretion is stimulated by 1,10-phenanthroline via colocalized T2R5 signal transduction in human enteroendocrine L cell

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

    Park, Jiyoung; Kim, Ki-Suk; Kim, Kang-Hoon

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone is known to regulate blood glucose by an insulinotropic effect and increases proliferation as and also prevents apoptosis of pancreatic β cells. We know that GLP-1 is secreted by nutrients such as fatty acids and sweet compounds but also bitter compounds via stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the gut. Among these, bitter compounds are multiply-contained in phytochemicals or artificial materials and perceived as ligands of various bitter taste receptors. We hypothesized that GLP-1 hormone is secreted through stimulation of a single bitter taste receptor by 1,10-phenanthroline which is known agonist of taste receptor typemore » 2 member 5 (T2R5). To prove this hypothesis, we used the representatively well-known 1,10-phenanthroline as ligand of single receptor and evaluated the existence of T2R5 by double-labeling immunofluorescence and then 1,10-phenanthroline is able to secrete GLP-1 hormone through stimulation of T2R5 in human enteroendocrine cells. Consequently, we verify that GLP-1 hormone is colocalized with T2R5 in the human duodenum and ileum tissue and is secreted by 1,10-phenanthroline via T2R5 signal transduction in differentiated human enteroendocrine L cells. - Highlights: • Taste receptor type 2 member 5 (T2R5) is colocalized with GLP-1 hormone in human enteroendocrine cells. • GLP-1 secretion is stimulated by 1,10-phenanthroline via stimulation of T2R5. • Inhibition of the bitter taste pathway reduce GLP-1 secretion.« less

  3. Induction of miR-132 and miR-212 Expression by Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) in Rodent and Human Pancreatic β-Cells

    PubMed Central

    Li, Jing; Keller, Mark P.; Hohmeier, Hans E.; Wang, Yong; Feng, Yue; Zhou, Heather H.; Shen, Xiaolan; Rabaglia, Mary; Soni, Mufaddal; Attie, Alan D.; Newgard, Christopher B.; Thornberry, Nancy A.; Howard, Andrew D.; Zhou, Yun-Ping

    2015-01-01

    Better understanding how glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) promotes pancreatic β-cell function and/or mass may uncover new treatment for type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the potential involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the effect of GLP-1 on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. miRNA levels in INS-1 cells and isolated rodent and human islets treated with GLP-1 in vitro and in vivo (with osmotic pumps) were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The role of miRNAs on insulin secretion was studied by transfecting INS-1 cells with either precursors or antisense inhibitors of miRNAs. Among the 250 miRNAs surveyed, miR-132 and miR-212 were significantly up-regulated by GLP-1 by greater than 2-fold in INS-1 832/3 cells, which were subsequently reproduced in freshly isolated rat, mouse, and human islets, as well as the islets from GLP-1 infusion in vivo in mice. The inductions of miR-132 and miR-212 by GLP-1 were correlated with cAMP production and were blocked by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 but not affected by the exchange protein activated by cAMP activator 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP-AM. GLP-1 failed to increase miR-132 or miR-212 expression levels in the 832/13 line of INS-1 cells, which lacks robust cAMP and insulin responses to GLP-1 treatment. Overexpression of miR-132 or miR-212 significantly enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in both 832/3 and 832/13 cells, and restored insulin responses to GLP-1 in INS-1 832/13 cells. GLP-1 increases the expression of miRNAs 132 and 212 via a cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent pathway in pancreatic β-cells. Overexpression of miR-132 or miR-212 enhances glucose and GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion. PMID:26218441

  4. Induction of miR-132 and miR-212 Expression by Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) in Rodent and Human Pancreatic β-Cells.

    PubMed

    Shang, Jin; Li, Jing; Keller, Mark P; Hohmeier, Hans E; Wang, Yong; Feng, Yue; Zhou, Heather H; Shen, Xiaolan; Rabaglia, Mary; Soni, Mufaddal; Attie, Alan D; Newgard, Christopher B; Thornberry, Nancy A; Howard, Andrew D; Zhou, Yun-Ping

    2015-09-01

    Better understanding how glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) promotes pancreatic β-cell function and/or mass may uncover new treatment for type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the potential involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the effect of GLP-1 on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. miRNA levels in INS-1 cells and isolated rodent and human islets treated with GLP-1 in vitro and in vivo (with osmotic pumps) were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The role of miRNAs on insulin secretion was studied by transfecting INS-1 cells with either precursors or antisense inhibitors of miRNAs. Among the 250 miRNAs surveyed, miR-132 and miR-212 were significantly up-regulated by GLP-1 by greater than 2-fold in INS-1 832/3 cells, which were subsequently reproduced in freshly isolated rat, mouse, and human islets, as well as the islets from GLP-1 infusion in vivo in mice. The inductions of miR-132 and miR-212 by GLP-1 were correlated with cAMP production and were blocked by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 but not affected by the exchange protein activated by cAMP activator 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP-AM. GLP-1 failed to increase miR-132 or miR-212 expression levels in the 832/13 line of INS-1 cells, which lacks robust cAMP and insulin responses to GLP-1 treatment. Overexpression of miR-132 or miR-212 significantly enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in both 832/3 and 832/13 cells, and restored insulin responses to GLP-1 in INS-1 832/13 cells. GLP-1 increases the expression of miRNAs 132 and 212 via a cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent pathway in pancreatic β-cells. Overexpression of miR-132 or miR-212 enhances glucose and GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion.

  5. Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Type II Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase GlpX from Escherichia coli

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

    Brown, G.; Singer, A.; Lunin, V. V.

    2009-02-06

    Gluconeogenesis is an important metabolic pathway, which produces glucose from noncarbohydrate precursors such as organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, or glycerol. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, is found in all organisms, and five different classes of these enzymes have been identified. Here we demonstrate that Escherichia coli has two class II fructose-1,6-bisphosphatases, GlpX and YggF, which show different catalytic properties. We present the first crystal structure of a class II fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (GlpX) determined in a free state and in the complex with a substrate (fructose 1,6-bisphosphate) or inhibitor (phosphate). The crystal structure of the ligand-free GlpX revealed amore » compact, globular shape with two {alpha}/{beta}-sandwich domains. The core fold of GlpX is structurally similar to that of Li{sup +}-sensitive phosphatases implying that they have a common evolutionary origin and catalytic mechanism. The structure of the GlpX complex with fructose 1,6-bisphosphate revealed that the active site is located between two domains and accommodates several conserved residues coordinating two metal ions and the substrate. The third metal ion is bound to phosphate 6 of the substrate. Inorganic phosphate strongly inhibited activity of both GlpX and YggF, and the crystal structure of the GlpX complex with phosphate demonstrated that the inhibitor molecule binds to the active site. Alanine replacement mutagenesis of GlpX identified 12 conserved residues important for activity and suggested that Thr{sup 90} is the primary catalytic residue. Our data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of the substrate specificity and catalysis of GlpX and other class II fructose-1,6-bisphosphatases.« less

  6. Characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus newly treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists (CHADIG Study): a cross-sectional multicentre study in Spain

    PubMed Central

    Conget, Ignacio; Mauricio, Dídac; Ortega, Rafael; Detournay, Bruno

    2016-01-01

    Objective Several glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1Ra) have been made recently available in Spain for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) treatment. There are no published data on the clinical and sociodemographic profile of patients initiating treatment with GLP-1Ra in Spain. Our objective was to understand these patients' characteristics in a real-world clinical practice setting. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting Spanish specialist outpatient clinics. Participants 403 adults with DM2 initiating GLP-1Ra treatment were included. Primary and secondary outcome measures Sociodemographic and DM2-related clinical data, including treatment at and after GLP-1Ra initiation and comorbidities, were collected. Results Evaluable patients (n=403; 50.9% female) were included (July 2013 to March 2014) at 24 centres by 53 specialists (47 endocrinology, 6 internal medicine), with the following profile (value±SD): age (58.3±10.4 years), diabetes duration (9.9±7 years), body mass index (BMI; 36.2±5.5) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; 8.4±1.4%); 14% had HbA1c≤7%. Previous antidiabetic treatment: 53.8% only oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), 5.2% insulin and 40% insulin and OAD; of those receiving OAD, 35% single drug, 38.2% 2 drugs and 24% 3 drugs. Concomitant to GLP-1Ra, 55.3% were only on OAD, 36.2% on insulin and OAD, and 7.2% only on insulin. Of those receiving OAD, the GLP-1Ra was mainly associated with 1 drug (65%) or 2 drugs (31.8%). GLP-1Ra are frequently added to existing antidiabetic drugs, with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors being the OAD most frequently switched (45% receiving 1 before starting GLP-1Ra, only 2.7% receiving it concomitantly). Conclusions In Spain, GLP-1Ra therapy is usually started in combination with OADs or OADs and insulin. These drugs are used in relatively young patients often not reaching therapeutic goals with other treatment combinations, roughly a decade after diagnosis and with a relatively high BMI

  7. Venous blood provides lower GLP-1 concentrations than arterialised blood in the postprandial, but not fasted state: Consequences of sampling methods.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yung-Chih; Edinburgh, Robert M; Hengist, Aaron; Smith, Harry A; Walhin, Jean-Philippe; Betts, James A; Thompson, Dylan; Gonzalez, Javier T

    2018-06-27

    What is the central question of this study? Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an important obesity/diabetes target, with effects dependent on circulating GLP-1 concentrations. Peripheral tissues extract GLP-1, therefore sampling venous versus arterialised blood may provide different GLP-1 concentrations. This study examined whether arterialisation alters GLP-1 concentrations during fasting and feeding. What is the main finding and its importance? This study demonstrates that venous blood provides lower postprandial, but not fasting, GLP-1 concentrations versus arterialised blood. Therefore, when accurate assessment of postprandial peripheral availability of GLP-1 is required, blood sampling methods should be carefully considered, clearly reported, and arterialisation is recommended. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) displays concentration-dependent effects on metabolism, appetite and angiogenesis, so accurate determination of circulating GLP-1 concentrations is important. This study compared GLP-1 concentrations in venous versus arterialised blood under both fasted and fed conditions. Venous and arterialised blood samples were simultaneously drawn from ten, young, healthy men before, and 30, 60 and 120 min after, ingestion of 75 g glucose. Plasma GLP-1 concentrations increased in response to glucose ingestion (time effect: p < 0.01) and to a lesser extend in venous versus arterialised plasma (time x arterialisation interaction: p < 0.01). Accordingly, the plasma incremental area under the curve was lower in venous versus arterialised plasma (974 ± 88 versus 1214 ± 115 pmol·L x 120 min -1 , respectively, p = 0.049). In the postprandial state, there was a positive relationship between arterialised GLP-1 concentrations and the venous-arterialised difference in GLP-1 concentrations (r 2  = 0.51; p < 0.01). Both arterialised and venous peak GLP-1 concentrations showed positive relationships with peak arterialised insulin concentrations (both r 2

  8. Activation of GLP-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells reduces the autoregulatory response in afferent arterioles and increases renal blood flow.

    PubMed

    Jensen, Elisa P; Poulsen, Steen S; Kissow, Hannelouise; Holstein-Rathlou, Niels-Henrik; Deacon, Carolyn F; Jensen, Boye L; Holst, Jens J; Sorensen, Charlotte M

    2015-04-15

    Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 has a range of extrapancreatic effects, including renal effects. The mechanisms are poorly understood, but GLP-1 receptors have been identified in the kidney. However, the exact cellular localization of the renal receptors is poorly described. The aim of the present study was to localize renal GLP-1 receptors and describe GLP-1-mediated effects on the renal vasculature. We hypothesized that renal GLP-1 receptors are located in the renal microcirculation and that activation of these affects renal autoregulation and increases renal blood flow. In vivo autoradiography using (125)I-labeled GLP-1, (125)I-labeled exendin-4 (GLP-1 analog), and (125)I-labeled exendin 9-39 (GLP-1 receptor antagonist) was performed in rodents to localize specific GLP-1 receptor binding. GLP-1-mediated effects on blood pressure, renal blood flow (RBF), heart rate, renin secretion, urinary flow rate, and Na(+) and K(+) excretion were investigated in anesthetized rats. Effects of GLP-1 on afferent arterioles were investigated in isolated mouse kidneys. Specific binding of (125)I-labeled GLP-1, (125)I-labeled exendin-4, and (125)I-labeled exendin 9-39 was observed in the renal vasculature, including afferent arterioles. Infusion of GLP-1 increased blood pressure, RBF, and urinary flow rate significantly in rats. Heart rate and plasma renin concentrations were unchanged. Exendin 9-39 inhibited the increase in RBF. In isolated murine kidneys, GLP-1 and exendin-4 significantly reduced the autoregulatory response of afferent arterioles in response to stepwise increases in pressure. We conclude that GLP-1 receptors are located in the renal vasculature, including afferent arterioles. Activation of these receptors reduces the autoregulatory response of afferent arterioles to acute pressure increases and increases RBF in normotensive rats. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  9. Choosing between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and DPP-4 Inhibitors: A Pharmacological Perspective

    PubMed Central

    Brown, Dominique Xavier; Evans, Marc

    2012-01-01

    In recent years the incretin therapies have provided a new treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The incretin therapies focus on the increasing levels of the two incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This results in increased glucose dependent insulin synthesis and release. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and exenatide exert an intrinsic biological effect on GLP-1 receptors directly stimulating the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. DPP-4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin and linagliptin prevent the inactivation of endogenous GLP-1 and GIP through competitive inhibition of the DPP-4 enzyme. Both incretin therapies have good safety and tolerability profiles and interact minimally with a number of medications commonly prescribed in T2DM. This paper focuses on the pharmacological basis by which the incretin therapies function and how this knowledge can inform and benefit clinical decisions. Each individual incretin agent has benefits and pitfalls relating to aspects such as glycaemic and nonglycaemic efficacy, safety and tolerability, ease of administration, and cost. Overall, a personalized medicine approach has been found to be favourable, tailoring the incretin agent to benefit and suit patient's needs such as renal impairment (RI) or hepatic impairment (HI). PMID:23125920

  10. The Aversive Agent Lithium Chloride Suppresses Phasic Dopamine Release Through Central GLP-1 Receptors.

    PubMed

    Fortin, Samantha M; Chartoff, Elena H; Roitman, Mitchell F

    2016-02-01

    Unconditioned rewarding stimuli evoke phasic increases in dopamine concentration in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) while discrete aversive stimuli elicit pauses in dopamine neuron firing and reductions in NAc dopamine concentration. The unconditioned effects of more prolonged aversive states on dopamine release dynamics are not well understood and are investigated here using the malaise-inducing agent lithium chloride (LiCl). We used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure phasic increases in NAc dopamine resulting from electrical stimulation of dopamine cell bodies in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Systemic LiCl injection reduced electrically evoked dopamine release in the NAc of both anesthetized and awake rats. As some behavioral effects of LiCl appear to be mediated through glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation, we hypothesized that the suppression of phasic dopamine by LiCl is GLP-1R dependent. Indeed, peripheral pretreatment with the GLP-1R antagonist exendin-9 (Ex-9) potently attenuated the LiCl-induced suppression of dopamine. Pretreatment with Ex-9 did not, however, affect the suppression of phasic dopamine release by the kappa-opioid receptor agonist, salvinorin A, supporting a selective effect of GLP-1R stimulation in LiCl-induced dopamine suppression. By delivering Ex-9 to either the lateral or fourth ventricle, we highlight a population of central GLP-1 receptors rostral to the hindbrain that are involved in the LiCl-mediated suppression of NAc dopamine release.

  11. The GIP receptor displays higher basal activity than the GLP-1 receptor but does not recruit GRK2 or arrestin3 effectively.

    PubMed

    Al-Sabah, Suleiman; Al-Fulaij, Munya; Shaaban, Ghina; Ahmed, Hanadi A; Mann, Rosalind J; Donnelly, Dan; Bünemann, Moritz; Krasel, Cornelius

    2014-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are important regulators of insulin secretion, and their functional loss is an early characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Pharmacological levels of GLP-1, but not GIP, can overcome this loss. GLP-1 and GIP exert their insulinotropic effects through their respective receptors expressed on pancreatic β-cells. Both the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the GIP receptor (GIPR) are members of the secretin family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and couple positively to adenylate cyclase. We compared the signalling properties of these two receptors to gain further insight into why GLP-1, but not GIP, remains insulinotropic in T2DM patients. GLP-1R and GIPR were transiently expressed in HEK-293 cells, and basal and ligand-induced cAMP production were investigated using a cAMP-responsive luciferase reporter gene assay. Arrestin3 (Arr3) recruitment to the two receptors was investigated using enzyme fragment complementation, confocal microscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). GIPR displayed significantly higher (P<0.05) ligand-independent activity than GLP-1R. Arr3 displayed a robust translocation to agonist-stimulated GLP-1R but not to GIPR. These observations were confirmed in FRET experiments, in which GLP-1 stimulated the recruitment of both GPCR kinase 2 (GRK2) and Arr3 to GLP-1R. These interactions were not reversed upon agonist washout. In contrast, GIP did not stimulate recruitment of either GRK2 or Arr3 to its receptor. Interestingly, arrestin remained at the plasma membrane even after prolonged (30 min) stimulation with GLP-1. Although the GLP-1R/arrestin interaction could not be reversed by agonist washout, GLP-1R and arrestin did not co-internalise, suggesting that GLP-1R is a class A receptor with regard to arrestin binding. GIPR displays higher basal activity than GLP-1R but does not effectively recruit GRK2 or Arr3.

  12. Dietary resistant starch upregulates total GLP-1 and PYY in a sustained day-long manner through fermentation in rodents.

    PubMed

    Zhou, June; Martin, Roy J; Tulley, Richard T; Raggio, Anne M; McCutcheon, Kathleen L; Shen, Li; Danna, Samuel Colby; Tripathy, Sasmita; Hegsted, Maren; Keenan, Michael J

    2008-11-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) are anti-diabetes/obesity hormones secreted from the gut after meal ingestion. We have shown that dietary-resistant starch (RS) increased GLP-1 and PYY secretion, but the mechanism remains unknown. RS is a fermentable fiber that lowers the glycemic index of the diet and liberates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through fermentation in the gut. This study investigates the two possible mechanisms by which RS stimulates GLP-1 and PYY secretion: the effect of a meal or glycemic index, and the effect of fermentation. Because GLP-1 and PYY secretions are stimulated by nutrient availability in the gut, the timing of blood sample collections could influence the outcome when two diets with different glycemic indexes are compared. Thus we examined GLP-1 and PYY plasma levels at various time points over a 24-h period in RS-fed rats. In addition, we tested proglucagon (a precursor to GLP-1) and PYY gene expression patterns in specific areas of the gut of RS-fed rats and in an enteroendocrine cell line following exposure to SCFAs in vitro. Our findings are as follows. 1) RS stimulates GLP-1 and PYY secretion in a substantial day-long manner, independent of meal effect or changes in dietary glycemia. 2) Fermentation and the liberation of SCFAs in the lower gut are associated with increased proglucagon and PYY gene expression. 3) Glucose tolerance, an indicator of increased active forms of GLP-1 and PYY, was improved in RS-fed diabetic mice. We conclude that fermentation of RS is most likely the primary mechanism for increased endogenous secretions of total GLP-1 and PYY in rodents. Thus any factor that affects fermentation should be considered when dietary fermentable fiber is used to stimulate GLP-1 and PYY secretion.

  13. A Membrane-Bound NAC Transcription Factor, ANAC017, Mediates Mitochondrial Retrograde Signaling in Arabidopsis[W][OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Ng, Sophia; Ivanova, Aneta; Duncan, Owen; Law, Simon R.; Van Aken, Olivier; De Clercq, Inge; Wang, Yan; Carrie, Chris; Xu, Lin; Kmiec, Beata; Walker, Hayden; Van Breusegem, Frank; Whelan, James; Giraud, Estelle

    2013-01-01

    Plants require daily coordinated regulation of energy metabolism for optimal growth and survival and therefore need to integrate cellular responses with both mitochondrial and plastid retrograde signaling. Using a forward genetic screen to characterize regulators of alternative oxidase1a (rao) mutants, we identified RAO2/Arabidopsis NAC domain-containing protein17 (ANAC017) as a direct positive regulator of AOX1a. RAO2/ANAC017 is targeted to connections and junctions in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and F-actin via a C-terminal transmembrane (TM) domain. A consensus rhomboid protease cleavage site is present in ANAC017 just prior to the predicted TM domain. Furthermore, addition of the rhomboid protease inhibitor N-p-Tosyl-l-Phe chloromethyl abolishes the induction of AOX1a upon antimycin A treatment. Simultaneous fluorescent tagging of ANAC017 with N-terminal red fluorescent protein (RFP) and C-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) revealed that the N-terminal RFP domain migrated into the nucleus, while the C-terminal GFP tag remained in the ER. Genome-wide analysis of the transcriptional network regulated by RAO2/ANAC017 under stress treatment revealed that RAO2/ANAC017 function was necessary for >85% of the changes observed as a primary response to cytosolic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), but only ∼33% of transcriptional changes observed in response to antimycin A treatment. Plants with mutated rao2/anac017 were more stress sensitive, whereas a gain-of-function mutation resulted in plants that had lower cellular levels of H2O2 under untreated conditions. PMID:24045017

  14. Barium Tagging for nEXO

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fudenberg, Daniel; Brunner, Thomas; Varentsov, Victor; Devoe, Ralph; Dilling, Jens; Gratta, Giorgio; nEXO Collaboration

    2015-10-01

    nEXO is a next-generation experiment designed to search for 0 νββ -decay of Xe-136 in a liquid xenon time projection chamber. Positive observation of this decay would determine the neutrino to be a Majorana particle In order to greatly reduce background contributions to this search, the collaboration is developing several ``barium tagging'' techniques to recover and identify the decay daughter, Ba-136. ``Tagging'' may be available for a 2nd phase of nEXO and will push the sensitivity beyond the inverted neutrino-mass hierarchy. Tagging methods in testing for this phase include Ba-ion capture on a probe with identification by resonance ionization laser spectroscopy, and Ba capture in solid xenon on a cold probe with identification by fluorescence. In addition, Ba tagging for a gas-phase detector, appropriate for a later stage, is being tested. Here efficient ion extraction from heavy carrier gases is key. Detailed gas-dynamic and ion transport calculations have been performed to optimize for ion extraction. An apparatus to extract Ba ions from up to 10 bar xenon gas into vacuum using an RF-only funnel has been constructed and demonstrates extraction of ions from noble gases. We will present this system's status along with results of this R&D program.

  15. Effects of the GLP-1 Agonist Exendin-4 on Intravenous Ethanol Self-Administration in Mice.

    PubMed

    Sørensen, Gunnar; Caine, S Barak; Thomsen, Morgane

    2016-10-01

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been shown to decrease ethanol (EtOH) drinking in rodent assays. The GLP-1 system also powerfully modulates food and fluid intake, gastrointestinal functions, and metabolism. To begin to understand the neurobiological mechanisms by which GLP-1 receptor ligands may be able to control EtOH intake, it is important to ascertain whether they can modulate the direct reinforcing effects of EtOH, without the confound of effects on ingestive behaviors generally. We trained experimentally naïve, free-fed C57BL/6J mice to self-administer EtOH intravenously. Once stable EtOH intake was acquired, we tested the effect of acute pretreatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist Exendin-4. Effect of Exendin-4 on operant behavior reinforced by a palatable liquid food was similarly evaluated as a control. Intravenous EtOH functioned as a positive reinforcer in over half the mice tested. In mice that acquired self-administration, EtOH intake was high, indeed, reaching toxic doses; 3.2 μg/kg Exendin-4 decreased intravenous EtOH intake by at least 70%, but had no significant effect on food-maintained operant responding. This experiment produced 2 main conclusions. First, although technically challenging and yielding only moderate throughput, the intravenous self-administration procedure in mice is feasible, and sensitive to pharmacological manipulations. Second, GLP-1 receptor agonists can powerfully attenuate voluntary EtOH intake by directly modulating the reinforcing effects of EtOH. These findings support the potential usefulness of GLP-1 receptor ligands in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

  16. Combination therapy with GLP-1 receptor agonists and basal insulin: a systematic review of the literature

    PubMed Central

    Balena, R; Hensley, I E; Miller, S; Barnett, A H

    2013-01-01

    Treatment algorithms for type 2 diabetes call for intensification of therapy over time as the disease progresses and glycaemic control worsens. If diet, exercise and oral antihyperglycaemic medications (OAMs) fail to maintain glycaemic control then basal insulin is added and ultimately prandial insulin may be required. However, such an intensification strategy carries risk of increased hypoglycaemia and weight gain, both of which are associated with worse long-term outcomes. An alternative strategy is to intensify therapy by the addition of a short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) rather than prandial insulin. Short-acting GLP-1 RAs such as exenatide twice daily are particularly effective at reducing postprandial glucose while basal insulin has a greater effect on fasting glucose, providing a physiological rationale for this complementary approach. This review analyzes the latest randomized controlled clinical trials of insulin/GLP-1 RA combination therapy and examines results from ‘real-world’ use of the combinations as reported through observational and clinical practice studies. The most common finding across all types of studies was that combination therapy improved glycaemic control without weight gain or an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Many studies reported weight loss and a reduction in insulin use when a GLP-1 RA was added to existing insulin therapy. Overall, the relative degree of benefit to glycaemic control and weight was influenced by the insulin titration employed in conjunction with the GLP-1 RA. The greatest glycaemic benefits were observed in studies with structured titration of insulin to glycaemic targets while the greatest weight benefits were observed in studies with a protocol-specified focus on insulin sparing. The adverse event profile of GLP-1 RAs in the reviewed trials was similar to that reported with GLP-1 RAs as monotherapy or in combination with OAMs with gastrointestinal events being the most commonly

  17. GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.

    PubMed

    Lamos, Elizabeth Mary; Malek, Rana; Davis, Stephen N

    2017-04-01

    Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects many women of child-bearing age and is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory and metabolic dysfunction. A primary treatment goal is weight reduction. The weight loss effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), previously demonstrated in diabetic and obese non-diabetic patients, offer a unique opportunity to expand the medical options available to PCOS patients. Areas covered: Available clinical trials of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy in PCOS were reviewed. Literature was searched from PubMed using appropriate search terms up to November 2016. Expert commentary: The available studies of GLP-1 RA therapy in the treatment of excess body weight in women with PCOS demonstrate that exenatide and liraglutide are effective in weight reduction either as monotherapy or in combination with metformin. A few studies showed that androgens may be modestly decreased and menstrual frequency may be increased. Eating behavior may be improved with liraglutide therapy. Glucose parameters are generally improved. GLP-1RAs were well-tolerated, with nausea being the most significant adverse side effect. Barriers to utilization may be the short duration studies, lack of familiarity of the medication, the route of administration (injection) and the variable outcomes on ovulation and hyperandrogenism.

  18. Incretin Receptor Null Mice Reveal Key Role of GLP-1 but Not GIP in Pancreatic Beta Cell Adaptation to Pregnancy

    PubMed Central

    Moffett, R. Charlotte; Vasu, Srividya; Thorens, Bernard; Drucker, Daniel J.; Flatt, Peter R.

    2014-01-01

    Islet adaptations to pregnancy were explored in C57BL6/J mice lacking functional receptors for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Pregnant wild type mice and GIPRKO mice exhibited marked increases in islet and beta cell area, numbers of medium/large sized islets, with positive effects on Ki67/Tunel ratio favouring beta cell growth and enhanced pancreatic insulin content. Alpha cell area and glucagon content were unchanged but prohormone convertases PC2 and PC1/3 together with significant amounts of GLP-1 and GIP were detected in alpha cells. Knockout of GLP-1R abolished these islet adaptations and paradoxically decreased pancreatic insulin, GLP-1 and GIP. This was associated with abolition of normal pregnancy-induced increases in plasma GIP, L-cell numbers, and intestinal GIP and GLP-1 stores. These data indicate that GLP-1 but not GIP is a key mediator of beta cell mass expansion and related adaptations in pregnancy, triggered in part by generation of intra-islet GLP-1. PMID:24927416

  19. Membrane interaction of the N-terminal domain of chemokine receptor CXCR1.

    PubMed

    Haldar, Sourav; Raghuraman, H; Namani, Trishool; Rajarathnam, Krishna; Chattopadhyay, Amitabha

    2010-06-01

    The N-terminal domain of chemokine receptors constitutes one of the two critical ligand binding sites, and plays important roles by mediating binding affinity, receptor selectivity, and regulating function. In this work, we monitored the organization and dynamics of a 34-mer peptide of the CXC chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) N-terminal domain and its interaction with membranes by utilizing a combination of fluorescence-based approaches and surface pressure measurements. Our results show that the CXCR1 N-domain 34-mer peptide binds vesicles of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and upon binding, the tryptophan residues of the peptide experience motional restriction and exhibit red edge excitation shift (REES) of 19nm. These results are further supported by increase in fluorescence anisotropy and mean fluorescence lifetime upon membrane binding. These results constitute one of the first reports demonstrating membrane interaction of the N-terminal domain of CXCR1 and gain relevance in the context of the emerging role of cellular membranes in chemokine signaling.

  20. Novel coumarin modified GLP-1 derivatives with enhanced plasma stability and prolonged in vivo glucose-lowering ability.

    PubMed

    Han, Jing; Sun, Lidan; Huang, Xun; Li, Zheng; Zhang, Chenyu; Qian, Hai; Huang, Wenlong

    2014-12-01

    The short biological half-life limits the therapeutic use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and chemical modification to improve the interaction of peptides with serum albumin represents an effective strategy to develop long-acting peptide analogues. Coumarin, a natural product, is known to bind tightly to plasma proteins and possesses many biological activities. Therefore, we designed and synthesized a series of coumarin-modified GLP-1 derivatives, hypothesizing that conjugation with coumarin would retain the therapeutic effects and prolong the biological half-life of the conjugates. Four cysteine-modified GLP-1 analogues (1-4) were prepared using Gly8 -GLP-1(7-36)-NH2 peptide as a starting point. These analogues were conjugated with two coumarin maleimides to yield eight compounds (conjugates 6-13) for testing. Activation of human GLP-1 receptors, stability to enzymic inactivation in plasma and binding to human albumin were assessed in vitro. In vivo, effects on oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) in rats and on blood glucose levels in db/db mice were studied. Most conjugates showed well preserved receptor activation efficacy, enhanced albumin-binding properties and improved in vitro plasma stability and conjugate 7 was selected to undergo further assessment. In rats, conjugate 7 had a longer circulating t1/2 than exendin-4 or liraglutide. A prolonged antidiabetic effect of conjugate 7 was observed after OGTT in rats and a prolonged hypoglycaemic effect in db/db mice. Cysteine-specific coumarin conjugation with GLP-1 offers a useful approach to the development of long-acting incretin-based antidiabetic agents. Conjugate 7 is a promising long-lasting GLP-1 derivative deserving further investigation. © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

  1. Assembly of the stator in Escherichia coli ATP synthase. Complexation of alpha subunit with other F1 subunits is prerequisite for delta subunit binding to the N-terminal region of alpha

    PubMed Central

    Senior, Alan E.; Muharemagi, Alma; Wilke-Mounts, Susan

    2008-01-01

    Alpha subunit of Escherichia coli ATP synthase was expressed with a C-terminal 6-His tag and purified. Pure alpha was monomeric, competent in nucleotide binding, and had normal N-terminal sequence. In F1-subunit dissociation/reassociation experiments it supported full reconstitution of ATPase, and reassociated complexes were able to bind to F1-depleted membranes with restoration of ATP-driven proton pumping. Therefore interaction between the stator delta subunit and the N-terminal residue 1-22 region of alpha occurred normally when pure alpha was complexed with other F1 subunits. On the other hand, three different types of experiment showed that no interaction occurred between pure delta and isolated alpha subunit. Unlike in F1, the N-terminal region of isolated alpha was not susceptible to trypsin cleavage. Therefore, during assembly of ATP synthase, complexation of alpha subunit with other F1 subunits is prerequisite for delta subunit binding to the N-terminal region of alpha. We suggest that the N-terminal 1-22 residues of alpha are sequestered in isolated alpha until released by binding of beta to alpha subunit. This prevents 1/1 delta/alpha complexes from forming, and provides a satisfactory explanation of the stoichiometry of one delta per three alpha seen in the F1 sector of ATP synthase, assuming that steric hindrance prevents binding of more than one delta to the alpha3/beta3 hexagon. The cytoplasmic fragment of the b subunit (bsol) did not bind to isolated alpha. It might also be that complexation of alpha with beta subunits is prerequisite for direct binding of stator b subunit to the F1-sector. PMID:17176112

  2. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Merino-Torres, Juan Francisco

    2018-01-01

    Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease prevalence of which is high and continually growing. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in patients with T2DM. The prevention of cardiovascular complications and the cardiovascular safety of treatments should be a primary objective when selecting treatment. Among all the drugs available, the compounds known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) appear to be not just innocuous in terms of CVD but indeed to be beneficial. GLP-1 RA actions not only translate on an improvement of well-known cardiovascular risk factors such as glycaemic control, dyslipidaemia, weight, or arterial hypertension but also might show benefits on endothelial function, coronary ischaemia, and heart failure. On the other hand, recent clinical trials aimed at studying cardiovascular episodes have been conducted with GLP-1 RAs. Only liraglutide and semaglutide have shown superiority in cardiovascular benefit compared with placebo. Although many of the mechanisms by which liraglutide and semaglutide produce a cardiovascular benefit are still unknown it would be desirable for these benefits to be incorporated into the therapeutic algorithms routinely used in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to explore GLP-1 RA actions not only in cardiovascular risk factors (glucose, weight, and hypertension) but also the possible effects on established cardiovascular disease.

  3. High-Throughput Quantification of GFP-LC3+ Dots by Automated Fluorescence Microscopy.

    PubMed

    Bravo-San Pedro, J M; Pietrocola, F; Sica, V; Izzo, V; Sauvat, A; Kepp, O; Maiuri, M C; Kroemer, G; Galluzzi, L

    2017-01-01

    Macroautophagy is a specific variant of autophagy that involves a dedicated double-membraned organelle commonly known as autophagosome. Various methods have been developed to quantify the size of the autophagosomal compartment, which is an indirect indicator of macroautophagic responses, based on the peculiar ability of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (MAP1LC3B; best known as LC3) to accumulate in forming autophagosomes upon maturation. One particularly convenient method to monitor the accumulation of mature LC3 within autophagosomes relies on a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged variant of this protein and fluorescence microscopy. In physiological conditions, cells transfected temporarily or stably with a GFP-LC3-encoding construct exhibit a diffuse green fluorescence over the cytoplasm and nucleus. Conversely, in response to macroautophagy-promoting stimuli, the GFP-LC3 signal becomes punctate and often (but not always) predominantly cytoplasmic. The accumulation of GFP-LC3 in cytoplasmic dots, however, also ensues the blockage of any of the steps that ensure the degradation of mature autophagosomes, calling for the implementation of strategies that accurately discriminate between an increase in autophagic flux and an arrest in autophagic degradation. Various cell lines have been engineered to stably express GFP-LC3, which-combined with the appropriate controls of flux, high-throughput imaging stations, and automated image analysis-offer a relatively straightforward tool to screen large chemical or biological libraries for inducers or inhibitors of autophagy. Here, we describe a simple and robust method for the high-throughput quantification of GFP-LC3 + dots by automated fluorescence microscopy. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. A Targeted RNAi Screen Identifies Endocytic Trafficking Factors That Control GLP-1 Receptor Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cells.

    PubMed

    Buenaventura, Teresa; Kanda, Nisha; Douzenis, Phoebe C; Jones, Ben; Bloom, Stephen R; Chabosseau, Pauline; Corrêa, Ivan R; Bosco, Domenico; Piemonti, Lorenzo; Marchetti, Piero; Johnson, Paul R; Shapiro, A M James; Rutter, Guy A; Tomas, Alejandra

    2018-03-01

    The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) is a key target for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. Because endocytic trafficking of agonist-bound receptors is one of the most important routes for regulation of receptor signaling, a better understanding of this process may facilitate the development of new T2D therapeutic strategies. Here, we screened 29 proteins with known functions in G protein-coupled receptor trafficking for their role in GLP-1R potentiation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. We identify five (clathrin, dynamin1, AP2, sorting nexins [SNX] SNX27, and SNX1) that increase and four (huntingtin-interacting protein 1 [HIP1], HIP14, GASP-1, and Nedd4) that decrease insulin secretion from murine insulinoma MIN6B1 cells in response to the GLP-1 analog exendin-4. The roles of HIP1 and the endosomal SNX1 and SNX27 were further characterized in mouse and human β-cell lines and human islets. While HIP1 was required for the coupling of cell surface GLP-1R activation with clathrin-dependent endocytosis, the SNXs were found to control the balance between GLP-1R plasma membrane recycling and lysosomal degradation and, in doing so, determine the overall β-cell incretin responses. We thus identify key modulators of GLP-1R trafficking and signaling that might provide novel targets to enhance insulin secretion in T2D. © 2017 by the American Diabetes Association.

  5. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Cardiovascular Benefits of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA.

    PubMed

    Khat, Dorrin Zarrin; Husain, Mansoor

    2018-06-09

    In addition to their effects on glycemic control, two specific classes of relatively new anti-diabetic drugs, namely the sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have demonstrated reduced rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review summarizes recent experimental results that inform putative molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits. SGLT2i and GLP-1RA exert cardiovascular effects by targeting in both common and distinctive ways (A) several mediators of macro- and microvascular pathophysiology: namely (A1) inflammation and atherogenesis, (A2) oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction, (A3) vascular smooth muscle cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and proliferation, and (A4) thrombosis. These agents also exhibit (B) hemodynamic effects through modulation of (B1) natriuresis/diuresis and (B2) the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This review highlights that while GLP-1RA exert direct effects on vascular (endothelial and smooth muscle) cells, the effects of SGLT2i appear to include the activation of signaling pathways that prevent adverse vascular remodeling. Both SGLT2i and GLP-1RA confer hemodynamic effects that counter adverse cardiac remodeling.

  6. Characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus newly treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists (CHADIG Study): a cross-sectional multicentre study in Spain.

    PubMed

    Conget, Ignacio; Mauricio, Dídac; Ortega, Rafael; Detournay, Bruno

    2016-07-26

    Several glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1Ra) have been made recently available in Spain for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) treatment. There are no published data on the clinical and sociodemographic profile of patients initiating treatment with GLP-1Ra in Spain. Our objective was to understand these patients' characteristics in a real-world clinical practice setting. Cross-sectional observational study. Spanish specialist outpatient clinics. 403 adults with DM2 initiating GLP-1Ra treatment were included. Sociodemographic and DM2-related clinical data, including treatment at and after GLP-1Ra initiation and comorbidities, were collected. Evaluable patients (n=403; 50.9% female) were included (July 2013 to March 2014) at 24 centres by 53 specialists (47 endocrinology, 6 internal medicine), with the following profile (value±SD): age (58.3±10.4 years), diabetes duration (9.9±7 years), body mass index (BMI; 36.2±5.5) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; 8.4±1.4%); 14% had HbA1c≤7%. Previous antidiabetic treatment: 53.8% only oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), 5.2% insulin and 40% insulin and OAD; of those receiving OAD, 35% single drug, 38.2% 2 drugs and 24% 3 drugs. Concomitant to GLP-1Ra, 55.3% were only on OAD, 36.2% on insulin and OAD, and 7.2% only on insulin. Of those receiving OAD, the GLP-1Ra was mainly associated with 1 drug (65%) or 2 drugs (31.8%). GLP-1Ra are frequently added to existing antidiabetic drugs, with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors being the OAD most frequently switched (45% receiving 1 before starting GLP-1Ra, only 2.7% receiving it concomitantly). In Spain, GLP-1Ra therapy is usually started in combination with OADs or OADs and insulin. These drugs are used in relatively young patients often not reaching therapeutic goals with other treatment combinations, roughly a decade after diagnosis and with a relatively high BMI. The latter could be explained by Spanish regional payers limiting reimbursed prescription to

  7. A review of the new GLP-1 receptor agonist/basal insulin fixed-ratio combination products.

    PubMed

    Nuffer, Wesley; Guesnier, Ashley; Trujillo, Jennifer M

    2018-03-01

    There have been several new treatment approaches established for the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D), with treatment guidelines listing both glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and basal insulin therapies as considerations for patients who have failed to control their blood glucose with oral antidiabetic agents. New studies have highlighted the importance of initiating combination therapy earlier in the T2D disease process to avoid clinical inertia and prevent the long-term complications arising from uncontrolled diabetes. Until recently, both GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin therapies were only available as single agents, but there are now two combination pen devices that deliver both a GLP-1 RA and basal insulin simultaneously. This article reviews the current clinical evidence evaluating the use of these combination GLP-1 RA/basal insulin preparations to treat T2D, presents both potential benefits as well as possible downsides with the use of these agents, and discusses the current place in therapy these products represent in the management of T2D.

  8. Dual targeting to mitochondria and plastids of AtBT1 and ZmBT1, two members of the mitochondrial carrier family.

    PubMed

    Bahaji, Abdellatif; Ovecka, Miroslav; Bárány, Ivett; Risueño, María Carmen; Muñoz, Francisco José; Baroja-Fernández, Edurne; Montero, Manuel; Li, Jun; Hidalgo, Maite; Sesma, María Teresa; Ezquer, Ignacio; Testillano, Pilar S; Pozueta-Romero, Javier

    2011-04-01

    Zea mays and Arabidopsis thaliana Brittle 1 (ZmBT1 and AtBT1, respectively) are members of the mitochondrial carrier family. Although they are presumed to be exclusively localized in the envelope membranes of plastids, confocal fluorescence microscopy analyses of potato, Arabidopsis and maize plants stably expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions of ZmBT1 and AtBT1 revealed that the two proteins have dual localization to plastids and mitochondria. The patterns of GFP fluorescence distribution observed in plants stably expressing GFP fusions of ZmBT1 and AtBT1 N-terminal extensions were fully congruent with that of plants expressing a plastidial marker fused to GFP. Furthermore, the patterns of GFP fluorescence distribution and motility observed in plants expressing the mature proteins fused to GFP were identical to those observed in plants expressing a mitochondrial marker fused to GFP. Electron microscopic immunocytochemical analyses of maize endosperms using anti-ZmBT1 antibodies further confirmed that ZmBT1 occurs in both plastids and mitochondria. The overall data showed that (i) ZmBT1 and AtBT1 are dually targeted to mitochondria and plastids; (ii) AtBT1 and ZmBT1 N-terminal extensions comprise targeting sequences exclusively recognized by the plastidial compartment; and (iii) targeting sequences to mitochondria are localized within the mature part of the BT1 proteins.

  9. Activation of the GLP-1 receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract reduces food reward behavior and targets the mesolimbic system.

    PubMed

    Richard, Jennifer E; Anderberg, Rozita H; Göteson, Andreas; Gribble, Fiona M; Reimann, Frank; Skibicka, Karolina P

    2015-01-01

    The gut/brain peptide, glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1), suppresses food intake by acting on receptors located in key energy balance regulating CNS areas, the hypothalamus or the hindbrain. Moreover, GLP-1 can reduce reward derived from food and motivation to obtain food by acting on its mesolimbic receptors. Together these data suggest a neuroanatomical segregation between homeostatic and reward effects of GLP-1. Here we aim to challenge this view and hypothesize that GLP-1 can regulate food reward behavior by acting directly on the hindbrain, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R). Using two models of food reward, sucrose progressive ratio operant conditioning and conditioned place preference for food in rats, we show that intra-NTS microinjections of GLP-1 or Exendin-4, a stable analogue of GLP-1, inhibit food reward behavior. When the rats were given a choice between palatable food and chow, intra-NTS Exendin-4 treatment preferentially reduced intake of palatable food but not chow. However, chow intake and body weight were reduced by the NTS GLP-1R activation if chow was offered alone. The NTS GLP-1 activation did not alter general locomotor activity and did not induce nausea, measured by PICA. We further show that GLP-1 fibers are in close apposition to the NTS noradrenergic neurons, which were previously shown to provide a monosynaptic connection between the NTS and the mesolimbic system. Central GLP-1R activation also increased NTS expression of dopamine-β-hydroxylase, a key enzyme in noradrenaline synthesis, indicating a biological link between these two systems. Moreover, NTS GLP-1R activation altered the expression of dopamine-related genes in the ventral tegmental area. These data reveal a food reward-suppressing role of the NTS GLP-1R and indicate that the neurobiological targets underlying food reward control are not limited to the mesolimbic system, instead they are distributed throughout the CNS.

  10. Intraportal infusion of ghrelin could inhibit glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion by enteric neural net in Wistar rat.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiyao; Li, Wensong; Li, Ping; Chang, Manli; Huang, Xu; Li, Qiang; Cui, Can

    2014-01-01

    As a regulator of food intake and energy metabolism, the role of ghrelin in glucose metabolism is still not fully understood. In this study, we determined the in vivo effect of ghrelin on incretin effect. We demonstrated that ghrelin inhibited the glucose-stimulated release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) when infused into the portal vein of Wistar rat. Hepatic vagotomy diminished the inhibitory effect of ghrelin on glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion. In addition, phentolamine, a nonselective α receptor antagonist, could recover the decrease of GLP-1 release induced by ghrelin infusion. Pralmorelin (an artificial growth hormone release peptide) infusion into the portal vein could also inhibit the glucose-stimulated release of GLP-1. And growth hormone secretagogue receptor antagonist, [D-lys3]-GHRP-6, infusion showed comparable increases of glucose stimulated GLP-1 release compared to ghrelin infusion into the portal vein. The data showed that intraportal infusion of ghrelin exerted an inhibitory effect on GLP-1 secretion through growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1α (GHS1α receptor), which indicated that the downregulation of ghrelin secretion after food intake was necessary for incretin effect. Furthermore, our results suggested that the enteric neural net involved hepatic vagal nerve and sympathetic nerve mediated inhibition effect of ghrelin on incretin effect.

  11. A dual tag system for facilitated detection of surface expressed proteins in Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The discovery of the autotransporter family has provided a mechanism for surface expression of proteins in laboratory strains of Escherichia coli. We have previously reported the use of the AIDA-I autotransport system to express the Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis proteins SefA and H:gm. The SefA protein was successfully exposed to the medium, but the orientation of H:gm in the outer membrane could not be determined due to proteolytic cleavage of the N-terminal detection-tag. The goal of the present work was therefore to construct a vector containing elements that facilitates analysis of surface expression, especially for proteins that are sensitive to proteolysis or otherwise difficult to express. Results The surface expression system pAIDA1 was created with two detection tags flanking the passenger protein. Successful expression of SefA and H:gm on the surface of E. coli was confirmed with fluorescently labeled antibodies specific for the N-terminal His6-tag and the C-terminal Myc-tag. While both tags were detected during SefA expression, only the Myc-tag could be detected for H:gm. The negative signal indicates a proteolytic cleavage of this protein that removes the His6-tag facing the medium. Conclusions Expression levels from pAIDA1 were comparable to or higher than those achieved with the formerly used vector. The presence of the Myc- but not of the His6-tag on the cell surface during H:gm expression allowed us to confirm the hypothesis that this fusion protein was present on the surface and oriented towards the cell exterior. Western blot analysis revealed degradation products of the same molecular weight for SefA and H:gm. The size of these fragments suggests that both fusion proteins have been cleaved at a specific site close to the C-terminal end of the passenger. This proteolysis was concluded to take place either in the outer membrane or in the periplasm. Since H:gm was cleaved to a much greater extent then the three times smaller Sef

  12. Evaluation of Intercontinental Transport of Ozone Using Full-tagged, Tagged-N and Sensitivity Methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Y.; Liu, J.; Mauzerall, D. L.; Emmons, L. K.; Horowitz, L. W.; Fan, S.; Li, X.; Tao, S.

    2014-12-01

    Long-range transport of ozone is of great concern, yet the source-receptor relationships derived previously depend strongly on the source attribution techniques used. Here we describe a new tagged ozone mechanism (full-tagged), the design of which seeks to take into account the combined effects of emissions of ozone precursors, CO, NOx and VOCs, from a particular source, while keeping the current state of chemical equilibrium unchanged. We label emissions from the target source (A) and background (B). When two species from A and B sources react with each other, half of the resulting products are labeled A, and half B. Thus the impact of a given source on downwind regions is recorded through tagged chemistry. We then incorporate this mechanism into the Model for Ozone and Related chemical Tracers (MOZART-4) to examine the impact of anthropogenic emissions within North America, Europe, East Asia and South Asia on ground-level ozone downwind of source regions during 1999-2000. We compare our results with two previously used methods -- the sensitivity and tagged-N approaches. The ozone attributed to a given source by the full-tagged method is more widely distributed spatially, but has weaker seasonal variability than that estimated by the other methods. On a seasonal basis, for most source/receptor pairs, the full-tagged method estimates the largest amount of tagged ozone, followed by the sensitivity and tagged-N methods. In terms of trans-Pacific influence of ozone pollution, the full-tagged method estimates the strongest impact of East Asian (EA) emissions on the western U.S. (WUS) in MAM and JJA (~3 ppbv), which is substantially different in magnitude and seasonality from tagged-N and sensitivity studies. This difference results from the full-tagged method accounting for the maintenance of peroxy radicals (e.g., CH3O2, CH3CO3, and HO2), in addition to NOy, as effective reservoirs of EA source impact across the Pacific, allowing for a significant contribution to

  13. Novel coumarin modified GLP-1 derivatives with enhanced plasma stability and prolonged in vivo glucose-lowering ability

    PubMed Central

    Han, Jing; Sun, Lidan; Huang, Xun; Li, Zheng; Zhang, Chenyu; Qian, Hai; Huang, Wenlong

    2014-01-01

    Background and Purpose The short biological half-life limits the therapeutic use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and chemical modification to improve the interaction of peptides with serum albumin represents an effective strategy to develop long-acting peptide analogues. Coumarin, a natural product, is known to bind tightly to plasma proteins and possesses many biological activities. Therefore, we designed and synthesized a series of coumarin-modified GLP-1 derivatives, hypothesizing that conjugation with coumarin would retain the therapeutic effects and prolong the biological half-life of the conjugates. Experimental Approach Four cysteine-modified GLP-1 analogues (1–4) were prepared using Gly8-GLP-1(7–36)-NH2 peptide as a starting point. These analogues were conjugated with two coumarin maleimides to yield eight compounds (conjugates 6–13) for testing. Activation of human GLP-1 receptors, stability to enzymic inactivation in plasma and binding to human albumin were assessed in vitro. In vivo, effects on oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) in rats and on blood glucose levels in db/db mice were studied. Key Results Most conjugates showed well preserved receptor activation efficacy, enhanced albumin-binding properties and improved in vitro plasma stability and conjugate 7 was selected to undergo further assessment. In rats, conjugate 7 had a longer circulating t1/2 than exendin-4 or liraglutide. A prolonged antidiabetic effect of conjugate 7 was observed after OGTT in rats and a prolonged hypoglycaemic effect in db/db mice. Conclusions and Implications Cysteine-specific coumarin conjugation with GLP-1 offers a useful approach to the development of long-acting incretin-based antidiabetic agents. Conjugate 7 is a promising long-lasting GLP-1 derivative deserving further investigation. PMID:25039358

  14. The function of the inner nuclear envelope protein SUN1 in mRNA export is regulated by phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Li, Ping; Stumpf, Maria; Müller, Rolf; Eichinger, Ludwig; Glöckner, Gernot; Noegel, Angelika A

    2017-08-22

    SUN1, a component of the LINC (Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton) complex, functions in mammalian mRNA export through the NXF1-dependent pathway. It associates with mRNP complexes by direct interaction with NXF1. It also binds to the NPC through association with the nuclear pore component Nup153, which is involved in mRNA export. The SUN1-NXF1 association is at least partly regulated by a protein kinase C (PKC) which phosphorylates serine 113 (S113) in the N-terminal domain leading to reduced interaction. The phosphorylation appears to be important for the SUN1 function in nuclear mRNA export since GFP-SUN1 carrying a S113A mutation was less efficient in restoring mRNA export after SUN1 knockdown as compared to the wild type protein. By contrast, GFP-SUN1-S113D resembling the phosphorylated state allowed very efficient export of poly(A)+RNA. Furthermore, probing a possible role of the LINC complex component Nesprin-2 in this process we observed impaired mRNA export in Nesprin-2 knockdown cells. This effect might be independent of SUN1 as expression of a GFP tagged SUN-domain deficient SUN1, which no longer can interact with Nesprin-2, did not affect mRNA export.

  15. Cytoplasmically Retargeted HSV1-tk/GFP Reporter Gene Mutants for Optimization of Noninvasive Molecular-Genetic Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Ponomarev, Vladimir; Doubrovin, Michael; Serganova, Inna; Beresten, Tatiana; Vider, Jelena; Shavrin, Aleksander; Ageyeva, Ludmila; Balatoni, Julius; Blasberg, Ronald; Tjuvajev, Juri Gelovani

    2003-01-01

    Abstract To optimize the sensitivity of imaging HSV1-tk/GFP reporter gene expression, a series of HSV1-tk/GFP mutants was developed with altered nuclear localization and better cellular enzymatic activity, compared to that of the native HSV1-tk/GFP fusion protein (HSV1-tk/GFP). Several modifications of HSV1-tk/GFP reporter gene were performed, including targeted inactivating mutations in the nuclear localization signal (NLS), the addition of a nuclear export signal (NES), a combination of both mutation types, and a truncation of the first 135 bp of the native hsv1-tk coding sequence containing a “cryptic” testicular promoter and the NLS. A recombinant HSV1-tk/GFP protein and a highly sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HSV1-tk/GFP were developed to quantitate the amount of reporter gene product in different assays to allow normalization of the data. These different mutations resulted in various degrees of nuclear clearance, predominant cytoplasmic distribution, and increased total cellular enzymatic activity of the HSV1-tk/GFP mutants, compared to native HSV1-tk/GFP when expressed at the same levels. This appears to be the result of improvedmetabolic bioavailability of cytoplasmically retargeted mutant HSV1-tk/GFP enzymes for reaction with the radiolabeled probe (e.g., FIAU). The analysis of enzymatic properties of different HSV1-tk/GFP mutants using FIAU as a substrate revealed no significant differences from that of the native HSV1-tk/GFP. Improved total cellular enzymatic activity of cytoplasmically retargeted HSV1-tk/GFP mutants observed in vitro was confirmed by noninvasive imaging of transduced subcutaneous tumor xenografts bearing these reporters using [131I]FIAU and a γ-camera. PMID:12869307

  16. GLP-1 secretion is increased by inflammatory stimuli in an IL-6-dependent manner, leading to hyperinsulinemia and blood glucose lowering.

    PubMed

    Kahles, Florian; Meyer, Christina; Möllmann, Julia; Diebold, Sebastian; Findeisen, Hannes M; Lebherz, Corinna; Trautwein, Christian; Koch, Alexander; Tacke, Frank; Marx, Nikolaus; Lehrke, Michael

    2014-10-01

    Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are both predictors for adverse outcome in critically ill patients. Hyperinsulinemia is induced by inflammatory stimuli as a relevant mechanism for glucose lowering in the critically ill. The incretine hormone GLP-1 was currently found to be induced by endotoxin, leading to insulin secretion and glucose lowering under inflammatory conditions in mice. Here, we describe GLP-1 secretion to be increased by a variety of inflammatory stimuli, including endotoxin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. Although abrogation of IL-1 signaling proved insufficient to prevent endotoxin-dependent GLP-1 induction, this was abolished in the absence of IL-6 in respective knockout animals. Hence, we found endotoxin-dependent GLP-1 secretion to be mediated by an inflammatory cascade, with IL-6 being necessary and sufficient for GLP-1 induction. Functionally, augmentation of the GLP-1 system by pharmacological inhibition of DPP-4 caused hyperinsulinemia, suppression of glucagon release, and glucose lowering under endotoxic conditions, whereas inhibition of the GLP-1 receptor led to the opposite effect. Furthermore, total GLP-1 plasma levels were profoundly increased in 155 critically ill patients presenting to the intensive care unit (ICU) in comparison with 134 healthy control subjects. In the ICU cohort, GLP-1 plasma levels correlated with markers of inflammation and disease severity. Consequently, GLP-1 provides a novel link between the immune system and the gut with strong relevance for metabolic regulation in context of inflammation. © 2014 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

  17. PPG neurons of the lower brain stem and their role in brain GLP-1 receptor activation

    PubMed Central

    Cork, Simon C.

    2015-01-01

    Within the brain, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) affects central autonomic neurons, including those controlling the cardiovascular system, thermogenesis, and energy balance. Additionally, GLP-1 influences the mesolimbic reward system to modulate the rewarding properties of palatable food. GLP-1 is produced in the gut and by hindbrain preproglucagon (PPG) neurons, located mainly in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and medullary intermediate reticular nucleus. Transgenic mice expressing glucagon promoter-driven yellow fluorescent protein revealed that PPG neurons not only project to central autonomic control regions and mesolimbic reward centers, but also strongly innervate spinal autonomic neurons. Therefore, these brain stem PPG neurons could directly modulate sympathetic outflow through their spinal inputs to sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Electrical recordings from PPG neurons in vitro have revealed that they receive synaptic inputs from vagal afferents entering via the solitary tract. Vagal afferents convey satiation to the brain from signals like postprandial gastric distention or activation of peripheral GLP-1 receptors. CCK and leptin, short- and long-term satiety peptides, respectively, increased the electrical activity of PPG neurons, while ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide, had no effect. These findings indicate that satiation is a main driver of PPG neuronal activation. They also show that PPG neurons are in a prime position to respond to both immediate and long-term indicators of energy and feeding status, enabling regulation of both energy balance and general autonomic homeostasis. This review discusses the question of whether PPG neurons, rather than gut-derived GLP-1, are providing the physiological substrate for the effects elicited by central nervous system GLP-1 receptor activation. PMID:26290108

  18. PPG neurons of the lower brain stem and their role in brain GLP-1 receptor activation.

    PubMed

    Trapp, Stefan; Cork, Simon C

    2015-10-15

    Within the brain, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) affects central autonomic neurons, including those controlling the cardiovascular system, thermogenesis, and energy balance. Additionally, GLP-1 influences the mesolimbic reward system to modulate the rewarding properties of palatable food. GLP-1 is produced in the gut and by hindbrain preproglucagon (PPG) neurons, located mainly in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and medullary intermediate reticular nucleus. Transgenic mice expressing glucagon promoter-driven yellow fluorescent protein revealed that PPG neurons not only project to central autonomic control regions and mesolimbic reward centers, but also strongly innervate spinal autonomic neurons. Therefore, these brain stem PPG neurons could directly modulate sympathetic outflow through their spinal inputs to sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Electrical recordings from PPG neurons in vitro have revealed that they receive synaptic inputs from vagal afferents entering via the solitary tract. Vagal afferents convey satiation to the brain from signals like postprandial gastric distention or activation of peripheral GLP-1 receptors. CCK and leptin, short- and long-term satiety peptides, respectively, increased the electrical activity of PPG neurons, while ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide, had no effect. These findings indicate that satiation is a main driver of PPG neuronal activation. They also show that PPG neurons are in a prime position to respond to both immediate and long-term indicators of energy and feeding status, enabling regulation of both energy balance and general autonomic homeostasis. This review discusses the question of whether PPG neurons, rather than gut-derived GLP-1, are providing the physiological substrate for the effects elicited by central nervous system GLP-1 receptor activation. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  19. Ezetimibe-sensitive cholesterol uptake by NPC1L1 protein does not require endocytosis

    PubMed Central

    Johnson, Tory A.; Pfeffer, Suzanne R.

    2016-01-01

    Human NPC1L1 protein mediates cholesterol absorption in the intestine and liver and is the target of the drug ezetimibe, which is used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Previous studies concluded that NPC1L1-GFP protein trafficking is regulated by cholesterol binding and that ezetimibe blocks NPC1L1-GFP function by inhibiting its endocytosis. We used cell surface biotinylation to monitor NPC1L1-GFP endocytosis and show that ezetimibe does not alter the rate of NPC1L1-GFP endocytosis in cultured rat hepatocytes grown under normal growth conditions. As expected, NPC1L1-GFP endocytosis depends in part on C-terminal, cytoplasmically oriented sequences, but endocytosis does not require cholesterol binding to NPC1L1’s N-terminal domain. In addition, two small- molecule inhibitors of general (and NPC1L1-GFP) endocytosis failed to inhibit the ezetimibe-sensitive uptake of [3H]cholesterol from taurocholate micelles. These experiments demonstrate that cholesterol uptake by NPC1L1 does not require endocytosis; moreover, ezetimibe interferes with NPC1L1’s cholesterol adsorption activity without blocking NPC1L1 internalization in RH7777 cells. PMID:27075173

  20. Crystal structure of glucagon-like peptide-1 in complex with the extracellular domain of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor.

    PubMed

    Underwood, Christina Rye; Garibay, Patrick; Knudsen, Lotte Bjerre; Hastrup, Sven; Peters, Günther H; Rudolph, Rainer; Reedtz-Runge, Steffen

    2010-01-01

    GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an incretin released from intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. Activation of the GLP-1 receptor potentiates the synthesis and release of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells in a glucose-dependent manner. The GLP-1 receptor belongs to class B of the G-protein-coupled receptors, a subfamily characterized by a large N-terminal extracellular ligand binding domain. Exendin-4 and GLP-1 are 50% identical, and exendin-4 is a full agonist with similar affinity and potency for the GLP-1 receptor. We recently solved the crystal structure of the GLP-1 receptor extracellular domain in complex with the competitive antagonist exendin-4(9-39). Interestingly, the isolated extracellular domain binds exendin-4 with much higher affinity than the endogenous agonist GLP-1. Here, we have solved the crystal structure of the extracellular domain in complex with GLP-1 to 2.1 Aresolution. The structure shows that important hydrophobic ligand-receptor interactions are conserved in agonist- and antagonist-bound forms of the extracellular domain, but certain residues in the ligand-binding site adopt a GLP-1-specific conformation. GLP-1 is a kinked but continuous alpha-helix from Thr(13) to Val(33) when bound to the extracellular domain. We supplemented the crystal structure with site-directed mutagenesis to link the structural information of the isolated extracellular domain with the binding properties of the full-length receptor. The data support the existence of differences in the binding modes of GLP-1 and exendin-4 on the full-length GLP-1 receptor.

  1. Use of CRISPR/Cas9-engineered INS-1 pancreatic β cells to define the pharmacology of dual GIPR/GLP-1R agonists.

    PubMed

    Naylor, Jacqueline; Suckow, Arthur T; Seth, Asha; Baker, David J; Sermadiras, Isabelle; Ravn, Peter; Howes, Rob; Li, Jianliang; Snaith, Mike R; Coghlan, Matthew P; Hornigold, David C

    2016-09-15

    Dual-agonist molecules combining glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) activity represent an exciting therapeutic strategy for diabetes treatment. Although challenging due to shared downstream signalling pathways, determining the relative activity of dual agonists at each receptor is essential when developing potential novel therapeutics. The challenge is exacerbated in physiologically relevant cell systems expressing both receptors. To this end, either GIP receptors (GIPR) or GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) were ablated via RNA-guided clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 endonucleases in the INS-1 pancreatic β-cell line. Multiple clonal cell lines harbouring gene disruptions for each receptor were isolated and assayed for receptor activity to identify functional knockouts (KOs). cAMP production in response to GIPR or GLP-1R activation was abolished and GIP- or GLP-1-induced potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was attenuated in the cognate KO cell lines. The contributions of individual receptors derived from cAMP and GSIS assays were confirmed in vivo using GLP-1R KO mice in combination with a monoclonal antibody antagonist of GIPR. We have successfully applied CRISPR/Cas9-engineered cell lines to determining selectivity and relative potency contributions of dual-agonist molecules targeting receptors with overlapping native expression profiles and downstream signalling pathways. Specifically, we have characterised molecules as biased towards GIPR or GLP-1R, or with relatively balanced potency in a physiologically relevant β-cell system. This demonstrates the broad utility of CRISPR/Cas9 when applied to native expression systems for the development of drugs that target multiple receptors, particularly where the balance of receptor activity is critical. © 2016 The Author(s); published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

  2. Synthesis and Properties of the p-Sulfonamide Analogue of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) Chromophore: The Mimic of GFP Chromophore with Very Strong N-H Photoacid Strength.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yi-Hui; Sung, Robert; Sung, Kuangsen

    2018-04-06

    The para-sulfonamide analogue ( p-TsABDI) of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore was synthesized to mimic the GFP chromophore. Its S 1 excited-state p K a * value in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is -1.5, which is strong enough to partially protonate dipolar aprotic solvents and causes excited-state proton transfer (ESPT), so it can partially mimic the GFP chromophore to further study the ESPT-related photophysics and the blinking phenomenon of GFP. In comparison with 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (HPTS) (p K a = 7.4, p K a * = 1.3 in water), p-TsABDI (p K a = 6.7, p K a * = -1.5 in DMSO) is a better photoacid for pH-jump studies.

  3. Presence and dynamics of leptin, GLP-1, and PYY in human breast milk at early postpartum.

    PubMed

    Schueler, Jessica; Alexander, Brenda; Hart, Ann Marie; Austin, Kathleen; Larson-Meyer, D Enette

    2013-07-01

    The presence of appetite hormones, namely glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and leptin in breast milk may be important in infant feeding regulation and infant growth. This study evaluated whether concentrations of GLP-1, PYY, and leptin change across a single feeding (from fore- to hindmilk), and are associated with maternal and infant anthropometrics. Thirteen postpartum women (mean ± SD: 25.6 ± 4.5 years, 72.0 ± 11.9 kg) provided fore- and hindmilk samples 4-5 weeks after delivery and underwent measurements of body weight and composition by Dual X-ray Absorptiometry. GLP-1, PYY, and leptin concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay, and milk fat content was determined by creamatocrit. Concentration of GLP-1 and content of milk fat was higher in hindmilk than foremilk (P ≤ 0.05). PYY and leptin concentrations did not change between fore- and hindmilk. Both leptin concentration and milk fat content were correlated with indices of maternal adiposity, including body mass index (r = 0.65-0.85, P < 0.02), and fat mass (r = 0.65-0.84, P < 0.02). Hindmilk GLP-1 was correlated with infant weight gain from birth to 6 months (r = -0.67, P = 0.034). The presence of appetite hormones in breast milk may be important in infant appetite and growth regulation. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.

  4. Acute peripheral administration of synthetic human GLP-1 (7-36 amide) decreases circulating IL-6 in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a potential role for GLP-1 in modulation of the diabetic pro-inflammatory state?

    PubMed

    Daousi, Christina; Pinkney, Jonathan H; Cleator, Jacqueline; Wilding, John P; Ranganath, L R

    2013-05-10

    To explore the effects of acute administration of GLP-1 and GIP on circulating levels of key adipocyte-derived hormones and gut-brain peptides with established roles in energy and appetite regulation, modulation of insulin sensitivity and inflammation. Six obese male patients with diet-treated type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and 6 healthy lean subjects were studied. The protocol included 4 experiments for each participant that were carried out in randomised order and comprised: GLP-1 infusion at a rate of 1 pmol/kg/min for 4h, GIP at a rate of 2 pmol/kg/min, GLP-1+GIP and placebo infusion. Plasma leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, insulin, ghrelin and obestatin were measured at baseline, 15, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min following the start of infusion. Patients with T2DM had higher baseline IL-6 compared with healthy [day of placebo infusion: T2DM IL-6 mean (SEM) 1.3 (0.3) pg/ml vs 0.3 (0.1)pg/ml, p=0.003]. GLP-1 infusion in T2DM was associated with a significant reduction in circulating IL-6 [baseline IL-6 1.2 pg/ml vs IL-6=0.7 at 120 min, p=0.0001; vs IL-6=0.8 at 180 min, p=0.001]. There was no significant change in leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin or obestatin compared to baseline on all 4 experimental days in both groups. Short-term infusion of supraphysiological concentrations of GLP-1 in T2DM results in suppression of IL-6, a key inflammatory mediator strongly linked to development of obesity and T2DM-related insulin resistance. It remains to be confirmed whether GLP-1-based diabetes therapies can impact favourably on cardiovascular outcomes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Effect of canagliflozin on circulating active GLP-1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Takebayashi, Kohzo; Hara, Kenji; Terasawa, Tomoko; Naruse, Rika; Suetsugu, Mariko; Tsuchiya, Takafumi; Inukai, Toshihiko

    2017-09-30

    Canagliflozin has a robust inhibitory effect on sodium glucose transporter (SGLT)-2 and a mild inhibitory effect on SGLT1. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of canagliflozin on circulating active glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients were randomly divided into a control group (n =15) and a canagliflozin-treated group (n =15). After hospitalization, the canagliflozin-treated group took 100 mg/day canagliflozin for the entire study, and after 3 days both groups took 20 mg/day teneligliptin for an additional 3 days. In a meal test, canagliflozin significantly decreased the area under curve (AUC) (0-120 min) for plasma glucose (PG) after 3 days when compared with that at baseline, and addition of teneligliptin to the canagliflozin-treated group further decreased it. A significant decrease in the AUC (0-120 min) for serum insulin by canagliflozin was obtained, but the addition of teneligliptin elevated the AUC, and thus abolished the significant difference from baseline. A significant increase in the AUC (0-120 min) of plasma active GLP-1 by canagliflozin-treatment compared with that at baseline was observed, and the addition of teneligliptin resulted in a further increase. However, canagliflozin-treatment did not change the AUC (0-120 min) of plasma active glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). In conclusions, canagliflozin-administration before meals decreased PG and serum insulin, and increased plasma active GLP-1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Canagliflozin did not greatly influence plasma active GIP levels.

  6. Multiple Renal Cyst Development but Not Situs Abnormalities in Transgenic RNAi Mice against Inv::GFP Rescue Gene

    PubMed Central

    Kamijho, Yuki; Shiozaki, Yayoi; Sakurai, Eiki; Hanaoka, Kazunori; Watanabe, Daisuke

    2014-01-01

    In this study we generated RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown transgenic mice (transgenic RNAi mice) against the functional Inv gene. Inv mutant mice show consistently reversed internal organs (situs inversus), multiple renal cysts and neonatal lethality. The Inv::GFP-rescue mice, which introduced the Inv::GFP fusion gene, can rescue inv mutant mice phenotypes. This indicates that the Inv::GFP gene is functional in vivo. To analyze the physiological functions of the Inv gene, and to demonstrate the availability of transgenic RNAi mice, we introduced a short hairpin RNA expression vector against GFP mRNA into Inv::GFP-rescue mice and analyzed the gene silencing effects and Inv functions by examining phenotypes. Transgenic RNAi mice with the Inv::GFP-rescue gene (Inv-KD mice) down-regulated Inv::GFP fusion protein and showed hypomorphic phenotypes of inv mutant mice, such as renal cyst development, but not situs abnormalities or postnatal lethality. This indicates that shRNAi-mediated gene silencing systems that target the tag sequence of the fusion gene work properly in vivo, and suggests that a relatively high level of Inv protein is required for kidney development in contrast to left/right axis determination. Inv::GFP protein was significantly down-regulated in the germ cells of Inv-KD mice testis compared with somatic cells, suggesting the existence of a testicular germ cell-specific enhanced RNAi system that regulates germ cell development. The Inv-KD mouse is useful for studying Inv gene functions in adult tissue that are unable to be analyzed in inv mutant mice showing postnatal lethality. In addition, the shRNA-based gene silencing system against the tag sequence of the fusion gene can be utilized as a new technique to regulate gene expression in either in vitro or in vivo experiments. PMID:24586938

  7. Expression of the Acyl-Coenzyme A: Cholesterol Acyltransferase GFP Fusion Protein in Sf21 Insect Cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mahtani, H. K.; Richmond, R. C.; Chang, T. Y.; Chang, C. C. Y.; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    The enzyme acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is an important contributor to the pathological expression of plaque leading to artherosclerosis n a major health problem. Adequate knowledge of the structure of this protein will enable pharmaceutical companies to design drugs specific to the enzyme. ACAT is a membrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum.t The protein has never been purified to homogeneity.T.Y. Chang's laboratory at Dartmouth College provided a 4-kb cDNA clone (K1) coding for a structural gene of the protein. We have modified the gene sequence and inserted the cDNA into the BioGreen His Baculovirus transfer vector. This was successfully expressed in Sf2l insect cells as a GFP-labeled ACAT protein. The advantage to this ACAT-GFP fusion protein (abbreviated GCAT) is that one can easily monitor its expression as a function of GFP excitation at 395 nm and emission at 509 nm. Moreover, the fusion protein GCAT can be detected on Western blots with the use of commercially available GFP antibodies. Antibodies against ACAT are not readily available. The presence of the 6xHis tag in the transfer vector facilitates purification of the recombinant protein since 6xHis fusion proteins bind with high affinity to Ni-NTA agarose. Obtaining highly pure protein in large quantities is essential for subsequent crystallization. The purified GCAT fusion protein can readily be cleaved into distinct GFP and ACAT proteins in the presence of thrombin. Thrombin digests the 6xHis tag linking the two protein sequences. Preliminary experiments have indicated that both GCAT and ACAT are expressed as functional proteins. The ultimate aim is to obtain large quantities of the ACAT protein in pure and functional form appropriate for protein crystal growth. Determining protein structure is the key to the design and development of effective drugs. X-ray analysis requires large homogeneous crystals that are difficult to obtain in the gravity environment of earth

  8. The N-terminal domain of a tick evasin is critical for chemokine binding and neutralization and confers specific binding activity to other evasins

    PubMed Central

    Eaton, James R. O.; Alenazi, Yara; Singh, Kamayani; Davies, Graham; Geis-Asteggiante, Lucia; Kessler, Benedikt; Robinson, Carol V.; Kawamura, Akane; Bhattacharya, Shoumo

    2018-01-01

    Tick chemokine-binding proteins (evasins) are an emerging class of biologicals that target multiple chemokines and show anti-inflammatory activities in preclinical disease models. Using yeast surface display, we identified a CCL8-binding evasin, P672, from the tick Rhipicephalus pulchellus. We found that P672 binds CCL8 and eight other CC-class chemokines with a Kd < 10 nm and four other CC chemokines with a Kd between 10 and 100 nm and neutralizes CCL3, CCL3L1, and CCL8 with an IC50 < 10 nm. The CC chemokine–binding profile was distinct from that of evasin 1 (EVA1), which does not bind CCL8. We also show that P672's binding activity can be markedly modulated by the location of a StrepII-His purification tag. Combining native MS and bottom-up proteomics, we further demonstrated that P672 is glycosylated and forms a 1:1 complex with CCL8, disrupting CCL8 homodimerization. Homology modeling of P672 using the crystal structure of the EVA1 and CCL3 complex as template suggested that 44 N-terminal residues of P672 form most of the contacts with CCL8. Replacing the 29 N-terminal residues of EVA1 with the 44 N-terminal residues of P672 enabled this hybrid evasin to bind and neutralize CCL8, indicating that the CCL8-binding properties of P672 reside, in part, in its N-terminal residues. This study shows that the function of certain tick evasins can be manipulated simply by adding a tag. We conclude that homology modeling helps identify regions with transportable chemokine-binding functions within evasins, which can be used to construct hybrid evasins with altered properties. PMID:29487134

  9. SpyTag/SpyCatcher Cyclization Enhances the Thermostability of Firefly Luciferase

    PubMed Central

    Si, Meng; Xu, Qing

    2016-01-01

    SpyTag can spontaneously form a covalent isopeptide bond with its protein partner SpyCatcher. Firefly luciferase from Photinus pyralis was cyclized in vivo by fusing SpyCatcher at the N terminus and SpyTag at the C terminus. Circular LUC was more thermostable and alkali-tolerant than the wild type, without compromising the specific activity. Structural analysis indicated that the cyclized LUC increased the thermodynamic stability of the structure and remained more properly folded at high temperatures when compared with the wild type. We also prepared an N-terminally and C-terminally shortened form of the SpyCatcher protein and cyclization using this truncated form led to even more thermostability than the original form. Our findings suggest that cyclization with SpyTag and SpyCatcher is a promising and effective strategy to enhance thermostability of enzymes. PMID:27658030

  10. Endogenous GLP-1 mediates postprandial reductions in activation in central reward and satiety areas in patients with type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    ten Kulve, Jennifer S; Veltman, Dick J; van Bloemendaal, Liselotte; Barkhof, Frederik; Deacon, Carolyn F; Holst, Jens J; Konrad, Robert J; Sloan, John H; Drent, Madeleine L; Diamant, Michaela; IJzerman, Richard G

    2015-12-01

    The central nervous system (CNS) is a major player in the regulation of food intake. The gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been proposed to have an important role in this regulation by relaying information about nutritional status to the CNS. We hypothesised that endogenous GLP-1 has effects on CNS reward and satiety circuits. This was a randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled intervention study, performed in a university medical centre in the Netherlands. We included patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy lean control subjects. Individuals were eligible if they were 40-65 years. Inclusion criteria for the healthy lean individuals included a BMI <25 kg/m(2) and normoglycaemia. Inclusion criteria for the patients with type 2 diabetes included BMI >26 kg/m(2), HbA1c levels between 42 and 69 mmol/mol (6.0-8.5%) and treatment for diabetes with only oral glucose-lowering agents. We assessed CNS activation, defined as blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal, in response to food pictures in obese patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 20) and healthy lean individuals (n = 20) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). fMRI was performed in the fasted state and after meal intake on two occasions, once during infusion of the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin 9-39, which was administered to block actions of endogenous GLP-1, and on the other occasion during saline (placebo) infusion. Participants were blinded for the type of infusion. The order of infusion was determined by block randomisation. The primary outcome was the difference in BOLD signal, i.e. in CNS activation, in predefined regions in the CNS in response to viewing food pictures. All patients were included in the analyses. Patients with type 2 diabetes showed increased CNS activation in CNS areas involved in the regulation of feeding (insula, amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex) in response to food pictures compared with lean individuals (p ≤ 0.04). Meal intake reduced activation in the

  11. Effects of exendin-4 and selenium on the expression of GLP-1R, IRS-1, and preproinsulin in the pancreas of diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Barakat, Ghinwa; Moustafa, Mohamed E; Khalifeh, Ibrahim; Hodroj, Mohammad H; Bikhazi, Anwar; Rizk, Sandra

    2016-08-01

    The mechanisms by which exendin-4 and selenium exert their antidiabetic actions are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of exendin-4 or selenium administration on the expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), and preproinsulin in the pancreas of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin administration. Diabetic rats were injected intraperitoneally with 0.03 μg exendin-4/kg body weight/daily or treated with 5 ppm selenium in drinking water for a period of 4 weeks. GLP-1R and IRS-1 levels were decreased while the level of preproinsulin messenger RNA (mRNA) was increased in the pancreas of diabetic untreated rats, as compared to that in control rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with exendin-4 increased protein and mRNA levels of GLP-1R, and IRS-1, and the mRNA level of preproinsulin in the pancreas, as compared to their levels in diabetic untreated rats. Selenium treatment of diabetic rats increased the pancreatic mRNA levels of GLP-1R, IRS-1, and preproinsulin. Exendin-4 or selenium treatment of diabetic rats also increased the numbers of pancreatic islets and GLP-1R molecules in the pancreas. Therefore, exendin-4 and selenium may exert their antidiabetic effects by increasing GLP-1R, IRS-1, and preproinsulin expression in the pancreas and by increasing the number of pancreatic islets.

  12. Does endogenous GLP-1 affect resting energy expenditure and fuel selection in overweight and obese adults?

    PubMed

    Poggiogalle, E; Donini, L M; Chiesa, C; Pacifico, L; Lenzi, A; Perna, S; Faliva, M; Naso, M; Rondanelli, M

    2018-04-01

    To investigate the association between fasting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels and resting energy expenditure (REE), and respiratory quotient (RQ) in overweight and obese adults. Study participants were enrolled at the Dietetic and Metabolic Unit, University of Pavia, Italy. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 25 and ≤ 45 years, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 and ≤ 35 kg/m 2 . Diabetic subjects were excluded. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. REE was evaluated using indirect calorimetry, and RQ was calculated from respiratory gas exchanges. Fasting GLP-1, glucose, insulin and free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and 24-h norepinephrine urinary excretion were measured. Homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-β) were calculated. Thirty-seven participants were included (age 43.4 ± 1.6 years; BMI 30.6 ± 0.5 kg/m 2 ). REE was not associated with fasting GLP-1 levels (p = 0.98) after adjustment for age, sex, fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM). Similarly, no association was observed between RQ and GLP-1 levels (p = 0.95), after adjustment for age, sex, and body fat. In adults subjects with increased adiposity fasting, GLP-1 levels do not seem to play a role in the regulation of energy metabolism and in fuel selection.

  13. PRINT: A Protein Bioconjugation Method with Exquisite N-terminal Specificity

    PubMed Central

    Sur, Surojit; Qiao, Yuan; Fries, Anja; O’Meally, Robert N.; Cole, Robert N.; Kinzler, Kenneth W.; Vogelstein, Bert; Zhou, Shibin

    2015-01-01

    Chemical conjugation is commonly used to enhance the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and potency of protein therapeutics, but often leads to non-specific modification or loss of bioactivity. Here, we present a simple, versatile and widely applicable method that allows exquisite N-terminal specific modification of proteins. Combining reversible side-chain blocking and protease mediated cleavage of a commonly used HIS tag appended to a protein, we generate with high yield and purity exquisitely site specific and selective bio-conjugates of TNF-α by using amine reactive NHS ester chemistry. We confirm the N terminal selectivity and specificity using mass spectral analyses and show near complete retention of the biological activity of our model protein both in vitro and in vivo murine models. We believe that this methodology would be applicable to a variety of potentially therapeutic proteins and the specificity afforded by this technique would allow for rapid generation of novel biologics. PMID:26678960

  14. 99mTc Labeled Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-Analogue (99mTc-GLP1) Scintigraphy in the Management of Patients with Occult Insulinoma

    PubMed Central

    Sowa-Staszczak, Anna; Trofimiuk-Müldner, Małgorzata; Stefańska, Agnieszka; Tomaszuk, Monika; Buziak-Bereza, Monika; Gilis-Januszewska, Aleksandra; Jabrocka-Hybel, Agata; Głowa, Bogusław; Małecki, Maciej; Bednarczuk, Tomasz; Kamiński, Grzegorz; Kowalska, Aldona; Mikołajczak, Renata; Janota, Barbara; Hubalewska-Dydejczyk, Alicja

    2016-01-01

    Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the utility of [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 scintigraphy in the management of patients with hypoglycemia, particularly in the detection of occult insulinoma. Materials and Methods Forty patients with hypoglycemia and increased/confusing results of serum insulin and C-peptide concentration and negative/inconclusive results of other imaging examinations were enrolled in the study. In all patients GLP-1 receptor imaging was performed to localise potential pancreatic lesions. Results Positive results of GLP-1 scintigraphy were observed in 28 patients. In 18 patients postsurgical histopathological examination confirmed diagnosis of insulinoma. Two patients had contraindications to the surgery, one patient did not want to be operated. One patient, who presented with postprandial hypoglycemia, with positive result of GLP-1 imaging was not qualified for surgery and is in the observational group. Eight patients were lost for follow up, among them 6 patients with positive GLP-1 scintigraphy result. One patient with negative scintigraphy was diagnosed with malignant insulinoma. In two patients with negative scintigraphy Munchausen syndrome was diagnosed (patients were taking insulin). Other seven patients with negative results of 99mTcGLP-1 scintigraphy and postprandial hypoglycemia with C-peptide and insulin levels within the limits of normal ranges are in the observational group. We would like to mention that 99mTc-GLP1-SPECT/CT was also performed in 3 pts with nesidioblastosis (revealing diffuse tracer uptake in two and a focal lesion in one case) and in two patients with malignant insulinoma (with the a focal uptake in the localization of a removed pancreatic headin one case and negative GLP-1 1 scintigraphy in the other patient). Conclusions 99mTc-GLP1-SPECT/CT could be helpful examination in the management of patients with hypoglycemia enabling proper localization of the pancreatic lesion and effective

  15. Feedback suppression of meal-induced glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion mediated through elevations in intact GLP-1 caused by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition: a randomized, prospective comparison of sitagliptin and vildagliptin treatment.

    PubMed

    Baranov, Oleg; Kahle, Melanie; Deacon, Carolyn F; Holst, Jens J; Nauck, Michael A

    2016-11-01

    To compare directly the clinical effects of vildagliptin and sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a special emphasis on incretin hormones and L-cell feedback inhibition induced by dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-4) inhibition. A total of 24 patients (12 on a diet/exercise regimen, 12 on metformin) were treated, in randomized order, for 7-9 days, with either vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily = 100 mg/d), sitagliptin (100 mg once daily in those on diet, 50 mg twice daily in those on metformin treatment = 100 mg/d) or placebo (twice daily). A mixed-meal test was performed. Intact glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide concentrations were doubled by both DPP-4 inhibitors. Meal-related total GLP-1 responses were reduced by vildagliptin and sitagliptin treatment alike in the majority of patients (vildagliptin: p = 0.0005; sitagliptin: p = 0.019), but with substantial inter-individual variation. L-cell feedback appeared to be more pronounced in those whose intact GLP-1 relative to total GLP-1 increased more, and who had greater reductions in fasting plasma glucose after DPP-4 inhibition. K-cell feedback inhibition overall was not significant. There were no differences in any of the clinical variables (glycaemia, insulin and glucagon secretory responses) between vildagliptin and sitagliptin treatment. Vildagliptin and sitagliptin affected incretin hormones, glucose concentrations, insulin and glucagon secretion in a similar manner. Inter-individual variations in L-cell feedback inhibition may indicate heterogeneity in the clinical response to DPP-4 inhibition. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. Preparation of protein samples for mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing.

    PubMed

    Glenn, Gary

    2014-01-01

    The preparation of protein samples for mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing is a key step in successfully identifying proteins. Mass spectrometry is a very sensitive technique, and as such, samples must be prepared carefully since they can be subject to contamination of the sample (e.g., due to incomplete subcellular fractionation or purification of a multiprotein complex), overwhelming of the sample by highly abundant proteins, and contamination from skin or hair (keratin can be a very common hit). One goal of sample preparation for mass spec is to reduce the complexity of the sample - in the example presented here, mitochondria are purified, solubilized, and fractionated by sucrose density gradient sedimentation prior to preparative 1D SDS-PAGE. It is important to verify the purity and integrity of the sample so that you can have confidence in the hits obtained. More protein is needed for N-terminal sequencing and ideally it should be purified to a single band when run on an SDS-polyacrylamide gel. The example presented here involves stably expressing a tagged protein in HEK293 cells and then isolating the protein by affinity purification and SDS-PAGE. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Live-cell analysis of endogenous GFP-RPB1 uncovers rapid turnover of initiating and promoter-paused RNA Polymerase II.

    PubMed

    Steurer, Barbara; Janssens, Roel C; Geverts, Bart; Geijer, Marit E; Wienholz, Franziska; Theil, Arjan F; Chang, Jiang; Dealy, Shannon; Pothof, Joris; van Cappellen, Wiggert A; Houtsmuller, Adriaan B; Marteijn, Jurgen A

    2018-05-08

    Initiation and promoter-proximal pausing are key regulatory steps of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcription. To study the in vivo dynamics of endogenous Pol II during these steps, we generated fully functional GFP-RPB1 knockin cells. GFP-RPB1 photobleaching combined with computational modeling revealed four kinetically distinct Pol II fractions and showed that on average 7% of Pol II are freely diffusing, while 10% are chromatin-bound for 2.4 seconds during initiation, and 23% are promoter-paused for only 42 seconds. This unexpectedly high turnover of Pol II at promoters is most likely caused by premature termination of initiating and promoter-paused Pol II and is in sharp contrast to the 23 minutes that elongating Pol II resides on chromatin. Our live-cell-imaging approach provides insights into Pol II dynamics and suggests that the continuous release and reinitiation of promoter-bound Pol II is an important component of transcriptional regulation. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

  18. Use of Hes1-GFP reporter mice to assess activity of the Hes1 promoter in bone cells under chronic inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Hengwei; Sun, Wen; Li, Xing; Wang, Mengmeng; Boyce, Brendan F; Hilton, Matthew J; Xing, Lianping

    2016-01-01

    Notch signaling plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis partially by controlling the formation of osteoblasts from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We reported that TNF activates Notch signaling in MSCs which inhibits osteoblast differentiation in TNF transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice, a mouse model of chronic inflammatory arthritis. In the current study, we used Hes1-GFP and Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg mice to study the distribution and dynamic change of Notch active cells in normal and inflammatory bone loss and mechanisms mediating their enhanced proliferation. We found that Hes1-GFP+ cells are composed of cells expressing mesenchymal, hematopoietic and endothelial surface markers. CD45−/Hes1-GFP+ cells express high levels of mesenchymal markers and form CFU-F and CFU-ALP colonies. Expansion of CFU-F colonies is associated with a rapid increase in Hes1-GFP+ cell numbers and their GFP intensity. The GFP signal is lost when a CFU-F colony differentiates into an ALP+ osteoblast colony. TNF increases the numbers of CD45−/Hes1-GFP+ cells, which are stained negatively for osteoblast marker osteocalcin and localized adjacent to endosteal and trabecular bone surfaces. CD45−/Hes1-GFP+ cells in Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg mice have increased BrdU incorporation and PDGFRβ levels. TNF increases the number of proliferating Hes1-GFP+ cells, which is prevented by a specific PDGFRβ inhibitor. Notch inhibition blocks TNF-mediated PDGFRβ expression and cell proliferation. Thus, TNF-induced MSC proliferation is mediated by PDGFRβ signal, which works at downstream of Notch. Hes1-GFP mice can be used to assess the activation status of Notch in bone cells. PMID:27269414

  19. Activation of PPARβ/δ protects pancreatic β cells from palmitate-induced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of GLP-1 receptor.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yan; Tong, Yuzhen; Gong, Meng; Lu, Yanrong; Wang, Chengshi; Zhou, Mingliang; Yang, Qiu; Mao, Tingrui; Tong, Nanwei

    2014-02-01

    We previously showed that activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)β/δ can protect pancreatic β cells against lipotoxic apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism remained unclear. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) has been reported to exhibit a protective effect against lipotoxic apoptosis in pancreatic β cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms that PPARβ/δ activation suppressed apoptosis and improved β cell function impaired by fatty acids, focusing on contribution of GLP-1R. Isolated rat islets and rat insulin-secreting INS-1 cells were treated with the PPARβ/δ agonist GW501516 (GW) in the presence or absence of palmitate (PA) and transfected with siRNA for PPARβ/δ or treated with the PPARβ/δ antagonist GSK0660. Apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation, Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry. GLP-1R expression in INS-1 cells and islets was assayed by immunoblotting, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunofluorescence staining. SREBP-1c, Caveolin-1, Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and caspase-3 expression was measured using immunoblotting and qPCR. Our results showed that PPARβ/δ activation decreased apoptosis in β cells and robustly stimulated GLP-1R expression under lipotoxic conditions. GW enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) impaired by PA through stimulation of GLP-1R expression in β cells. Moreover, SREBP-1c/Caveolin-1 signaling was involved in PPARβ/δ-regulated GLP-1R expression. Finally, GW exerted anti-apoptotic effects via interfering with GLP-1R-dependent Akt/Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl/caspase-3 signaling pathways. Our study suggested that the anti-apoptotic action of GW may involve its transcriptional regulation of GLP-1R, and PPARβ/δ activation may represent a new therapeutic method for protecting pancreatic β cells from lipotoxicity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Crystal Structure of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 in Complex with the Extracellular Domain of the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor*

    PubMed Central

    Underwood, Christina Rye; Garibay, Patrick; Knudsen, Lotte Bjerre; Hastrup, Sven; Peters, Günther H.; Rudolph, Rainer; Reedtz-Runge, Steffen

    2010-01-01

    GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an incretin released from intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. Activation of the GLP-1 receptor potentiates the synthesis and release of insulin from pancreatic β-cells in a glucose-dependent manner. The GLP-1 receptor belongs to class B of the G-protein-coupled receptors, a subfamily characterized by a large N-terminal extracellular ligand binding domain. Exendin-4 and GLP-1 are 50% identical, and exendin-4 is a full agonist with similar affinity and potency for the GLP-1 receptor. We recently solved the crystal structure of the GLP-1 receptor extracellular domain in complex with the competitive antagonist exendin-4(9–39). Interestingly, the isolated extracellular domain binds exendin-4 with much higher affinity than the endogenous agonist GLP-1. Here, we have solved the crystal structure of the extracellular domain in complex with GLP-1 to 2.1 Åresolution. The structure shows that important hydrophobic ligand-receptor interactions are conserved in agonist- and antagonist-bound forms of the extracellular domain, but certain residues in the ligand-binding site adopt a GLP-1-specific conformation. GLP-1 is a kinked but continuous α-helix from Thr13 to Val33 when bound to the extracellular domain. We supplemented the crystal structure with site-directed mutagenesis to link the structural information of the isolated extracellular domain with the binding properties of the full-length receptor. The data support the existence of differences in the binding modes of GLP-1 and exendin-4 on the full-length GLP-1 receptor. PMID:19861722

  1. Sqstm1-GFP knock-in mice reveal dynamic actions of Sqstm1 during autophagy and under stress conditions in living cells.

    PubMed

    Eino, Atsushi; Kageyama, Shun; Uemura, Takefumi; Annoh, Hiromichi; Saito, Tetsuya; Narita, Ichiei; Waguri, Satoshi; Komatsu, Masaaki

    2015-12-01

    Sqstm1 serves as a signaling hub and receptor for selective autophagy. Consequently, dysregulation of Sqstm1 causes imbalances in signaling pathways and disrupts proteostasis, thereby contributing to the development of human diseases. Environmental stresses influence the level of Sqstm1 by altering its expression and/or autophagic degradation, and also changes the localization of Sqstm1, making it difficult to elucidate the actions and roles of this protein. In this study, we developed knock-in mice expressing Sqstm1 fused to GFP (Sqstm1-GFP(KI/+)). Using these Sqstm1-GFP(KI/+) mice, we revealed for the first time the dynamics of endogenous Sqstm1 in living cells. Sqstm1-GFP was translocated to a restricted area of LC3-positive structures, which primarily correspond to the inside of autophagosomes, and then degraded. Moreover, exposure to arsenite induced expression of Sqstm1-GFP, followed by accumulation of the fusion protein in large aggregates that were degraded by autophagy. Furthermore, suppression of autophagy in Sqstm1-GFP(KI/+) mouse livers caused accumulation of Sqstm1-GFP and formation of GFP-positive aggregate structures, leading to severe hepatic failure. These results indicate that Sqstm1-GFP(KI/+) mice are a useful tool for analyzing Sqstm1 in living cells and intact animals. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  2. Use of Hes1-GFP reporter mice to assess activity of the Hes1 promoter in bone cells under chronic inflammation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hengwei; Sun, Wen; Li, Xing; Wang, Mengmeng; Boyce, Brendan F; Hilton, Matthew J; Xing, Lianping

    2016-09-01

    Notch signaling plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis partially by controlling the formation of osteoblasts from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We reported that TNF activates Notch signaling in MSCs which inhibits osteoblast differentiation in TNF transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice, a mouse model of chronic inflammatory arthritis. In the current study, we used Hes1-GFP and Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg mice to study the distribution and dynamic change of Notch active cells in normal and inflammatory bone loss and mechanisms mediating their enhanced proliferation. We found that Hes1-GFP+ cells are composed of cells expressing mesenchymal, hematopoietic and endothelial surface markers. CD45-/Hes1-GFP+ cells express high levels of mesenchymal markers and form CFU-F and CFU-ALP colonies. Expansion of CFU-F colonies is associated with a rapid increase in Hes1-GFP+ cell numbers and their GFP intensity. The GFP signal is lost when a CFU-F colony differentiates into an ALP+ osteoblast colony. TNF increases the numbers of CD45-/Hes1-GFP+ cells, which are stained negatively for osteoblast marker osteocalcin and localized adjacent to endosteal and trabecular bone surfaces. CD45-/Hes1-GFP+ cells in Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg mice have increased BrdU incorporation and PDGFRβ levels. TNF increases the number of proliferating Hes1-GFP+ cells, which is prevented by a specific PDGFRβ inhibitor. Notch inhibition blocks TNF-mediated PDGFRβ expression and cell proliferation. Thus, TNF-induced MSC proliferation is mediated by PDGFRβ signal, which works at downstream of Notch. Hes1-GFP mice can be used to assess the activation status of Notch in bone cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Pancreatic beta-cell responses to GLP-1 after near-normalization of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Asmar, Meena; Højberg, Patricia V; Deacon, Carolyn F; Hare, Kristine; Holst, Jens J; Madsbad, Sten

    2010-02-25

    This study investigated the effects of strict glycaemic control on beta-cell function in nine obese subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), using graded glucose infusions together with infusions of saline or GLP-1 before (HbA(1)c: 8.0+/-0.4%) and after four weeks of near-normalization of blood glucose (BG) using insulin (mean diurnal BG: 6.4+/-0.3 mmol/l; HbA(1)c: 6.6+/-0.3%). Nine matched healthy subjects acted as controls. In controls, area-under-curve (AUC) for amylin, C-peptide and proinsulin were higher with GLP-1 than saline (P<0.001). The AUC amylin/C-peptide ratio was similar on both days, while AUC proinsulin/C-peptide ratio was higher with GLP-1 (P=0.02). In the patients, amylin, C-peptide and proinsulin AUCs were unaltered by near-normoglycaemia per se. Proinsulin responses to GLP-1 were unchanged, but amylin and C-peptide AUCs increased (P<0.05) after insulin treatment, and AUC amylin/C-peptide ratios rose to control levels. Near-normoglycaemia tended to reduce AUC proinsulin/C-peptide ratio, which was significant (P=0.04) with GLP-1, but still higher than with saline (P=0.004). In conclusion, amylin, C-peptide and proinsulin responses to glucose were unaffected by four weeks of near-normoglycaemia, whereas GLP-1 increased amylin and C-peptide secretion and amylin/C-peptide ratio. Near-normoglycaemia reduced proinsulin/C-peptide ratio during stimulation with GLP-1, suggesting that strict glycaemic control might ameliorate some of the disturbances in beta-cell function characterizing T2DM. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Human FGF1 promoter is active in ependymal cells and dopaminergic neurons in the brains of F1B-GFP transgenic mice.

    PubMed

    Chen, Mei-Shu; Lin, Hua-Kuo; Chiu, Hsun; Lee, Don-Ching; Chung, Yu-Fen; Chiu, Ing-Ming

    2015-03-01

    FGF1 is involved in multiple biological functions and exhibits the importance in neuroprotective effects. Our previous studies indicated that, in human brain and retina, the FGF1B promoter controlled the expression of FGF1. However, the exact function and regulation of FGF1 in brain is still unclear. Here, we generated F1B-GFP transgenic mice that expressed the GFP reporter gene under the control of human FGF1B promoter (-540 to +31). Using the fresh brain sections of F1B-GFP transgenic mice, we found that the F1B-GFP cells expressed strong fluorescent signals in the ventricular system throughout the brain. The results of immunohistochemistry further showed that two distinct populations of F1B-GFP(+) cells existed in the brains of F1B-GFP transgenic mice. We demonstrated that one population of F1B-GFP(+) cells was ependymal cells, which distributed along the entire ventricles, and the second population of F1B-GFP(+) cells was neuronal cells that projected their long processes into multiple directions in specific areas of the brain. The double labeling of F1B-GFP(+) cells and tyrosine hydroxylase indicated that a subpopulation of F1B-GFP(+) -neuronal cells was dopaminergic neurons. Importantly, these F1B-GFP(+) /TH(+) cells were distributed in the main dopaminergic neuronal groups including hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, and raphe nuclei. These results suggested that human FGF1B promoter was active in ependymal cells, neurons, and a portion of dopaminergic neurons. Thus, the F1B-GFP transgenic mice provide an animal model not only for studying FGF1 gene expression in vivo but also for understanding the role of FGF1 contribution in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. © 2014 The Authors Developmental Neurobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. GFP tagging of sieve element occlusion (SEO) proteins results in green fluorescent forisomes.

    PubMed

    Pélissier, Hélène C; Peters, Winfried S; Collier, Ray; van Bel, Aart J E; Knoblauch, Michael

    2008-11-01

    Forisomes are Ca(2+)-driven, ATP-independent contractile protein bodies that reversibly occlude sieve elements in faboid legumes. They apparently consist of at least three proteins; potential candidates have been described previously as 'FOR' proteins. We isolated three genes from Medicago truncatula that correspond to the putative forisome proteins and expressed their green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion products in Vicia faba and Glycine max using the composite plant methodology. In both species, expression of any of the constructs resulted in homogenously fluorescent forisomes that formed sieve tube plugs upon stimulation; no GFP fluorescence occurred elsewhere. Isolated fluorescent forisomes reacted to Ca(2+) and chelators by contraction and expansion, respectively, and did not lose fluorescence in the process. Wild-type forisomes showed no affinity for free GFP in vitro. The three proteins shared numerous conserved motifs between themselves and with hypothetical proteins derived from the genomes of M. truncatula, Vitis vinifera and Arabidopsis thaliana. However, they showed neither significant similarities to proteins of known function nor canonical metal-binding motifs. We conclude that 'FOR'-like proteins are components of forisomes that are encoded by a well-defined gene family with relatives in taxa that lack forisomes. Since the mnemonic FOR is already registered and in use for unrelated genes, we suggest the acronym SEO (sieve element occlusion) for this family. The absence of binding sites for divalent cations suggests that the Ca(2+) binding responsible for forisome contraction is achieved either by as yet unidentified additional proteins, or by SEO proteins through a novel, uncharacterized mechanism.

  6. GFP Tagging of Sieve Element Occlusion (SEO) Proteins Results in Green Fluorescent Forisomes

    PubMed Central

    Pélissier, Hélène C.; Peters, Winfried S.; Collier, Ray; van Bel, Aart J. E.; Knoblauch, Michael

    2008-01-01

    Forisomes are Ca2+-driven, ATP-independent contractile protein bodies that reversibly occlude sieve elements in faboid legumes. They apparently consist of at least three proteins; potential candidates have been described previously as ‘FOR’ proteins. We isolated three genes from Medicago truncatula that correspond to the putative forisome proteins and expressed their green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion products in Vicia faba and Glycine max using the composite plant methodology. In both species, expression of any of the constructs resulted in homogenously fluorescent forisomes that formed sieve tube plugs upon stimulation; no GFP fluorescence occurred elsewhere. Isolated fluorescent forisomes reacted to Ca2+ and chelators by contraction and expansion, respectively, and did not lose fluorescence in the process. Wild-type forisomes showed no affinity for free GFP in vitro. The three proteins shared numerous conserved motifs between themselves and with hypothetical proteins derived from the genomes of M. truncatula, Vitis vinifera and Arabidopsis thaliana. However, they showed neither significant similarities to proteins of known function nor canonical metal-binding motifs. We conclude that ‘FOR’-like proteins are components of forisomes that are encoded by a well-defined gene family with relatives in taxa that lack forisomes. Since the mnemonic FOR is already registered and in use for unrelated genes, we suggest the acronym SEO (sieve element occlusion) for this family. The absence of binding sites for divalent cations suggests that the Ca2+ binding responsible for forisome contraction is achieved either by as yet unidentified additional proteins, or by SEO proteins through a novel, uncharacterized mechanism. PMID:18784195

  7. [The preparation of recombinant adenovirus Ad-Rad50-GFP and detection of the optimal multiplicity of infection in CNE1 transfected hv Ad-Rad50-GFP].

    PubMed

    Yan, Ruicheng; Huang, Jiancong; Zhu, Ling; Chang, Lihong; Li, Jingjia; Wu, Xifu; Ye, Jin; Zhang, Gehua

    2015-12-01

    The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) of the recombinant adenovirus Ad-Rad50-GFP carrying a mutant Rad50 gene expression region on the cell growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the viral amplification efficiency of CNE1 cell infected by this adenovirus were studied. The biological titer of Ad-Rad50-GFP was measured by end point dilution method. The impact of recombinant adenoviral vector transfection on the growth of CNE1 cells was observed by cell growth curve. Transfection efficacy of recombinant adenoviral vector was observed and calculated through fluorescence microscope. The expression f mutant Rad50 in the Ad-Rad50-GFP transfected CNE1 cells with optimal MOI was detected by Western Blot after transfection. The biological titer of Ad-Rad50-GFP was 1.26 x 10¹¹ pfu/ml. CNE1 cell growth was not influenced significantly as they were transfected by recombinant adenoviral vector with MOI less than 50. Transfection efficacy of recombinant adenoviral vector was most salient at 24 hours after transfection, with the high expression of mutant Rad50, and the efficiency still remained about 70% after 72 hours. Recombinant adenoviral vector Ad-Rad50-GFP could transfect CNE1 cells as well as result in the expression of mutant Rad50 in CNE1 cells effectively. MOI = 50 was the optimal multiplicity of infection of CNE1 cells transfected by recombinant adenoviral vector Ad-Rad50-GFP.

  8. Prolongation of GFP-expressed skin graft after intrathymic injection of GFP positive splenocytes in adult rat

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hakamata, Yoji; Igarashi, Yuka; Murakami, Takashi; Kobayashi, Eiji

    2006-02-01

    GFP is a fluorescent product of the jellyfish Aequorea victoria and has been used for a variety of biological experiments as a reporter molecule. While GFP possesses advantages for the non-invasive imaging of viable cells, GFP-positive cells are still considered potential xeno-antigens. It is difficult to observe the precise fate of transplanted cells/organs in recipients without immunological control. The aim of this study was to determine whether intrathymic injection of GFP to recipients and the depletion of peripheral lymphocytes could lead to donor-specific unresponsiveness to GFP-expressed cell. LEW rats were administered intraperitoneally with 0.2 ml of anti-rat lymphocyte serum (ALS) 1 day prior to intrathymic injection of donor splenocytes or adeno-GFP vector. Donor cells and vector were non-invasively inoculated into the thymus under high frequency ultrasound imaging using an echo-guide. All animals subsequently received a 7 days GFP-expressed skin graft from the same genetic background GFP LEW transgenic rat. Skin graft survival was greater in rats injected with donor splenocytes (23.6+/-9.1) compared with adeno-GFP (13.0+/-3.7) or untreated control rats (9.5+/-1.0). Intrathymic injection of donor antigen into adult rats can induce donor-specific unresponsiveness. Donor cells can be observed for a long-term in recipients with normal immunity using this strategy.

  9. In Vitro Transcripts of Wild-Type and Fluorescent Protein-Tagged Triticum mosaic virus (Family Potyviridae) are Biologically Active in Wheat.

    PubMed

    Tatineni, Satyanarayana; McMechan, Anthony J; Bartels, Melissa; Hein, Gary L; Graybosch, Robert A

    2015-11-01

    Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) (genus Poacevirus, family Potyviridae) is a recently described eriophyid mite-transmitted wheat virus. In vitro RNA transcripts generated from full-length cDNA clones of TriMV proved infectious on wheat. Wheat seedlings inoculated with in vitro transcripts elicited mosaic and mottling symptoms similar to the wild-type virus, and the progeny virus was efficiently transmitted by wheat curl mites, indicating that the cloned virus retained pathogenicity, movement, and wheat curl mite transmission characteristics. A series of TriMV-based expression vectors was constructed by engineering a green fluorescent protein (GFP) or red fluorescent protein (RFP) open reading frame with homologous NIa-Pro cleavage peptides between the P1 and HC-Pro cistrons. We found that GFP-tagged TriMV with seven or nine amino acid cleavage peptides efficiently processed GFP from HC-Pro. TriMV-GFP vectors were stable in wheat for more than 120 days and for six serial passages at 14-day intervals by mechanical inoculation and were transmitted by wheat curl mites similarly to the wild-type virus. Fluorescent protein-tagged TriMV was observed in wheat leaves, stems, and crowns. The availability of fluorescent protein-tagged TriMV will facilitate the examination of virus movement and distribution in cereal hosts and the mechanisms of cross protection and synergistic interactions between TriMV and Wheat streak mosaic virus.

  10. Macroscopic in vivo imaging of facial nerve regeneration in Thy1-GFP rats.

    PubMed

    Placheta, Eva; Wood, Matthew D; Lafontaine, Christine; Frey, Manfred; Gordon, Tessa; Borschel, Gregory H

    2015-01-01

    Facial nerve injury leads to severe functional and aesthetic deficits. The transgenic Thy1-GFP rat is a new model for facial nerve injury and reconstruction research that will help improve clinical outcomes through translational facial nerve injury research. To determine whether serial in vivo imaging of nerve regeneration in the transgenic rat model is possible, facial nerve regeneration was imaged under the main paradigms of facial nerve injury and reconstruction. Fifteen male Thy1-GFP rats, which express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in their neural structures, were divided into 3 groups in the laboratory: crush-injury, direct repair, and cross-face nerve grafting (30-mm graft length). The distal nerve stump or nerve graft was predegenerated for 2 weeks. The facial nerve of the transgenic rats was serially imaged at the time of operation and after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of regeneration. The imaging was performed under a GFP-MDS-96/BN excitation stand (BLS Ltd). Facial nerve injury. Optical fluorescence of regenerating facial nerve axons. Serial in vivo imaging of the regeneration of GFP-positive axons in the Thy1-GFP rat model is possible. All animals survived the short imaging procedures well, and nerve regeneration was followed over clinically relevant distances. The predegeneration of the distal nerve stump or the cross-face nerve graft was, however, necessary to image the regeneration front at early time points. Crush injury was not suitable to sufficiently predegenerate the nerve (and to allow for degradation of the GFP through Wallerian degeneration). After direct repair, axons regenerated over the coaptation site in between 2 and 4 weeks. The GFP-positive nerve fibers reached the distal end of the 30-mm-long cross-face nervegrafts after 4 to 8 weeks of regeneration. The time course of facial nerve regeneration was studied by serial in vivo imaging in the transgenic rat model. Nerve regeneration was followed over clinically relevant distances in a small

  11. Adding prandial GLP-1 receptor agonists to basal insulin: a promising option for type 2 diabetes therapy.

    PubMed

    Goldenberg, Ronald M; Berard, Lori

    2018-01-01

    Diabetes mellitus is a serious and increasingly prevalent condition in Canada and around the world. Treatment strategies have become increasingly complex, with a widening array of pharmacological agents available for glycemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). New therapies that act in concert with available basal insulins may represent alternatives to basal insulin intensification with prandial or pre-mixed insulin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have recently shown promise as useful additions to basal insulin, with significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin and potentially beneficial effects on body weight. This review will focus on pivotal clinical trials to assess the potential benefits of adding prandial GLP-1 RAs to basal insulin in patients with T2DM. Clinical studies combining prandial GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin (published between 2011 and July 2017) were identified and reviewed in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (Issue 6, June 2017), and clinicaltrials.gov. Most of the studies presented in this review show that the addition of a prandial GLP-1 RA to basal insulin results in equal or slightly superior efficacy compared to the addition of prandial insulin, together with weight loss and less hypoglycemia. The results of the studies suggest that a prandial GLP-1 RA as an add-on to basal insulin may be a safe and effective treatment intensification option (vs basal-plus or basal-bolus insulin).

  12. Regulation of Endogenous (Male) Rodent GLP-1 Secretion and Human Islet Insulin Secretion by Antagonism of Somatostatin Receptor 5.

    PubMed

    Farb, Thomas B; Adeva, Marta; Beauchamp, Thomas J; Cabrera, Over; Coates, David A; Meredith, Tamika DeShea; Droz, Brian A; Efanov, Alexander; Ficorilli, James V; Gackenheimer, Susan L; Martinez-Grau, Maria A; Molero, Victoriano; Ruano, Gema; Statnick, Michael A; Suter, Todd M; Syed, Samreen K; Toledo, Miguel A; Willard, Francis S; Zhou, Xin; Bokvist, Krister B; Barrett, David G

    2017-11-01

    Incretin and insulin responses to nutrient loads are suppressed in persons with diabetes, resulting in decreased glycemic control. Agents including sulfonylureas and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) partially reverse these effects and provide therapeutic benefit; however, their modes of action limit efficacy. Because somatostatin (SST) has been shown to suppress insulin and glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion through the Gi-coupled SST receptor 5 (SSTR5) isoform in vitro, antagonism of SSTR5 may improve glycemic control via intervention in both pathways. Here, we show that a potent and selective SSTR5 antagonist reverses the blunting effects of SST on insulin secretion from isolated human islets, and demonstrate that SSTR5 antagonism affords increased levels of systemic GLP-1 in vivo. Knocking out Sstr5 in mice provided a similar increase in systemic GLP-1 levels, which were not increased further by treatment with the antagonist. Treatment of mice with the SSTR5 antagonist in combination with a DPP4i resulted in increases in systemic GLP-1 levels that were more than additive and resulted in greater glycemic control compared with either agent alone. In isolated human islets, the SSTR5 antagonist completely reversed the inhibitory effect of exogenous SST-14 on insulin secretion. Taken together, these data suggest that SSTR5 antagonism should increase circulating GLP-1 levels and stimulate insulin secretion (directly and via GLP-1) in humans, improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society.

  13. Difference in protective effects of GIP and GLP-1 on endothelial cells according to cyclic adenosine monophosphate response.

    PubMed

    Lim, Dong-Mee; Park, Keun-Young; Hwang, Won-Min; Kim, Ju-Young; Kim, Byung-Joon

    2017-05-01

    Receptors for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are present in vascular endothelial cells. Previous studies investigating euglycemic status have demonstrated that GIP is directly involved in the physiology of blood vessels by controlling the blood flow rate of portal veins and that GLP-1 has a protective effect on blood vessels by acting on endothelial cells. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effects of GIP and GLP-1 on endothelial cells in patients with hyperglycemia remain unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the effect of the incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP differed with regards to the reversal of endothelial cell dysfunction caused by hyperglycemia. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was measured using the Griess reagent system kit and the expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the cell was measured at a wavelength of 405 nm with the ELISA reader using the cyclic AMP EIA kit. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to a high glucose concentration decreased NO and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels but increased inducible NOS (iNOS) levels. However, when HUVECs were pretreated with GLP-1, a reduction of iNOS expression was observed and the expression of eNOS and NO were increased, as opposed to pretreatment with GIP. The results differed according to the response of cAMP, the second messenger of incretin hormones: The GIP pretreatment group did not exhibit an increase in cAMP levels while the GLP-1 pretreatment group did. The results of the present study provide evidence that GLP-1, but not GIP, has a protective effect on endothelial function associated with cardiovascular disease, as it is associated with increased eNOS expression and the levels of NO. This effect may be due to an increase in the cAMP concentration during hyperglycemic events.

  14. The downregulation of sweet taste receptor signaling in enteroendocrine L-cells mediates 3-deoxyglucosone-induced attenuation of high glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fei; Song, Xiudao; Zhou, Liang; Liang, Guoqiang; Huang, Fei; Jiang, Guorong; Zhang, Lurong

    2017-12-26

    Sweet taste receptors (STRs) involve in regulating the release of glucose-stimulated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Our in vivo and in vitro studies found that 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG) inhibited glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion. This study investigated the role of STRs in 3DG-induced inhibition of high glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion. STC-1 cells were incubated with lactisole or 3DG for 1 h under 25 mM glucose conditions. Western blotting was used to study the expression of STRs signaling molecules and ELISA was used to analyse GLP-1 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. Lactisole inhibited GLP-1 secretion. Exposure to 25 mM glucose increased the expressions of STRs subunits when compared with 5.6 mM glucose. 3DG decreased GLP-1 secretion and STRs subunits expressions, with affecting other components of STRs pathway, including the downregulation of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5) expression and the reduction of intracellular cAMP levels. 3DG attenuates high glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion by reducing STR subunit expression and downstream signaling components.

  15. Terminating Devices in Spoken French.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Andrews, Barry J.

    1989-01-01

    A study examines the way in which one group of discourse connectors, terminators, function in contemporary spoken French. Three types of terminators, elements used at the end of an utterance or section to indicate its completion, are investigated, including utterance terminators, interrogative tags, and terminal tags. (Author/MSE)

  16. Glucose Tolerance, Lipids, and GLP-1 Secretion in JCR:LA-cp Rats Fed a High Protein Fiber Diet

    PubMed Central

    Reimer, Raylene A.; Russell, James C.

    2013-01-01

    Background We have shown that individually, dietary fiber and protein increase secretion of the anorexigenic and insulinotropic hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Objective Our objective was to combine, in one diet, high levels of fiber and protein to maximize GLP-1 secretion, improve glucose tolerance, and reduce weight gain. Methods and Procedures Lean (+/?) and obese (cp/cp) male James C Russell corpulent (JCR:LA-cp) rats lacking a functional leptin receptor were fed one of four experimental diets (control, high protein (HP), high fiber (HF, prebiotic fiber inulin), or combination (CB)) for 3 weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to evaluate plasma GLP-1, insulin and glucose. Plasma lipids and intestinal proglucagon mRNA expression were determined. Results Energy intake was lower with the HF diet in lean and obese rats. Weight gain did not differ between diets. Higher colonic proglucagon mRNA in lean rats fed a CB diet was associated with higher GLP-1 secretion during OGTT. The HP diet significantly reduced plasma glucose area under the curve (AUC) during OGTT in obese rats, which reflected both an increased GLP-1 AUC and higher fasting insulin. Diets containing inulin resulted in the lowest plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Discussion Overall, combining HP with HF in the diet increased GLP-1 secretion in response to oral glucose, but did not improve glucose tolerance or lipid profiles more than the HF diet alone did. We also suggest that glycemic and insulinemic response to prebiotics differ among rat models and future research work should examine their role in improving glucose tolerance in diet-induced vs. genetic obesity with overt hyperleptinemia. PMID:18223610

  17. Plasmid Stability in Dried Cells of the Desert Cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis and its Potential for GFP Imaging of Survivors on Earth and in Space

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Billi, Daniela

    2012-06-01

    Two GFP-based plasmids, namely pTTQ18-GFP-pDU1mini and pDUCA7-GFP, of about 7 kbp and 15 kbp respectively, able to replicate in Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 and CCMEE 123, were developed. Both plasmids were maintained in Chroococcidiopsis cells after 18 months of dry storage as demonstrated by colony PCR, plasmid restriction analysis, GFP imaging and colony-forming ability under selection of dried transformants; thus suggesting that strategies employed by this cyanobacterium to stabilize dried chromosomal DNA, must have protected plasmid DNA. The suitability of pDU1mini-plasmid for GFP tagging in Chroococcidiopsis was investigated by using the RecA homolog of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. After 2 months of dry storage, the presence of dried cells with a GFP-RecASyn distribution resembling that of hydrated cells, supported its capability of preventing desiccation-induced genome damage, whereas the rewetted cells with filamentous GFP-RecASyn structures revealed sub-lethal DNA damage. The long-term stability of plasmid DNA in dried Chroococcidiopsis has implication for space research, for example when investigating the recovery of dried cells after Martian and space simulations or when developing life support systems based on phototrophs with genetically enhanced stress tolerance and stored in the dry state for prolonged periods.

  18. A new pH-responsive peptide tag for protein purification.

    PubMed

    Nonaka, Takahiro; Tsurui, Noriko; Mannen, Teruhisa; Kikuchi, Yoshimi; Shiraki, Kentaro

    2018-06-01

    This paper describes a new pH-responsive peptide tag that adds a protein reversible precipitation and redissolution character. This peptide tag is a part of a cell surface protein B (CspB) derived from Corynebacterium glutamicum. Proinsulin that genetically fused with a peptide of N-terminal 6, 17, 50, or 250 amino acid residues of CspB showed that the reversible precipitation and redissolution depended on the pH. The transition occurred within a physiological and narrow pH range. A CspB50 tag comprising 50 amino acid residues of N-terminal CspB was further evaluated as a representative using other pharmaceutical proteins. Below pH 6.8, almost all CspB50-Teriparatide fusion formed an aggregated state. Subsequent addition of alkali turned the cloudy protein solution transparent above pH 7.3, in which almost all the CspB50-Teriparatide fusion redissolved. The CspB50-Bivalirudin fusion showed a similar behavior with slightly different pH range. This tag is offering a new protein purification method based on liquid-solid separation which does not require an affinity ligand. This sharp response around neutral pH is useful as a pH-responsive tag for the purification of unstable proteins at a non-physiological pH. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Simultaneous quantification of intracellular and secreted active and inactive glucagon-like peptide-1 from cultured cells.

    PubMed

    Amao, Michiko; Kitahara, Yoshiro; Tokunaga, Ayaka; Shimbo, Kazutaka; Eto, Yuzuru; Yamada, Naoyuki

    2015-03-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin peptide that regulates islet hormone secretion. During recent years, incretin-based therapies have been widely used for patients with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 peptides undergo N- and C-terminal processing for gain or loss of functions. We developed a method to quantify picomolar quantities of intact GLP-1 peptides using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). By employing this label-free selected reaction monitoring (SRM) method, we were able to analyze secreted GLP-1(1-37), GLP-1(7-37), and GLP-1(7-36 amid from human enteroendocrine NCI-H716 cells after stimulation with nateglinide, glucose, and sucralose. The absolute total concentrations of secreted GLP-1 peptides at baseline and after stimulation with nateglinide, glucose, and sucralose were 167.3, 498.9, 238.3, and 143.1 pM, respectively. Meanwhile, the ratios of GLP-1(1-37), GLP-1(7-37), and GLP-1(7-36 amide) to total GLP-1 peptides were similar (6 ± 3, 26 ± 3, and 78 ± 5%, respectively). The SRM assay can analyze the concentrations of individual GLP-1 peptides and, therefore, is a tool to investigate the physiological roles of GLP-1 peptides. Furthermore, the molecular species secreted from NCI-H716 cells were unknown. Therefore, we performed a secretopeptidome analysis of supernatants collected from cultured NCI-H716 cells. Together with GLP-1 peptides, we detected neuroendocrine convertase 1, which regulates peptide hormones released from intestinal endocrine L-cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Markers of β-Cell Failure Predict Poor Glycemic Response to GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes.

    PubMed

    Jones, Angus G; McDonald, Timothy J; Shields, Beverley M; Hill, Anita V; Hyde, Christopher J; Knight, Bridget A; Hattersley, Andrew T

    2016-02-01

    To assess whether clinical characteristics and simple biomarkers of β-cell failure are associated with individual variation in glycemic response to GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. We prospectively studied 620 participants with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥58 mmol/mol (7.5%) commencing GLP-1RA therapy as part of their usual diabetes care and assessed response to therapy over 6 months. We assessed the association between baseline clinical measurements associated with β-cell failure and glycemic response (primary outcome HbA1c change 0-6 months) with change in weight (0-6 months) as a secondary outcome using linear regression and ANOVA with adjustment for baseline HbA1c and cotreatment change. Reduced glycemic response to GLP-1RAs was associated with longer duration of diabetes, insulin cotreatment, lower fasting C-peptide, lower postmeal urine C-peptide-to-creatinine ratio, and positive GAD or IA2 islet autoantibodies (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Participants with positive autoantibodies or severe insulin deficiency (fasting C-peptide ≤0.25 nmol/L) had markedly reduced glycemic response to GLP-1RA therapy (autoantibodies, mean HbA1c change -5.2 vs. -15.2 mmol/mol [-0.5 vs. -1.4%], P = 0.005; C-peptide <0.25 nmol/L, mean change -2.1 vs. -15.3 mmol/mol [-0.2 vs. -1.4%], P = 0.002). These markers were predominantly present in insulin-treated participants and were not associated with weight change. Clinical markers of low β-cell function are associated with reduced glycemic response to GLP-1RA therapy. C-peptide and islet autoantibodies represent potential biomarkers for the stratification of GLP-1RA therapy in insulin-treated diabetes. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

  1. Naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) receptors in human intestinal cell lines.

    PubMed

    Sams, Anette; Hastrup, Sven; Andersen, Marie; Thim, Lars

    2006-02-17

    Although clinical trials with GLP-2 receptor agonists are currently ongoing, the mechanisms behind GLP-2-induced intestinal epithelial growth remain to be understood. To approach the GLP-2 mechanism of action this study aimed to identify intestinal cell lines endogenously expressing the GLP-2 receptor. Here we report the first identification of a cell line endogenously expressing functional GLP-2 receptors. The human intestinal epithelial cell line, FHC, expressed GLP-2 receptor encoding mRNA (RT-PCR) and GLP-2 receptor protein (Western blot). In cultured FHC cells, GLP-2 induced concentration dependent cAMP accumulation (pEC(50)=9.7+/-0.04 (mean+/-S.E.M., n=4)). In addition, a naturally occurring human intestinal fibroblast cell line, 18Co, endogenously expressing GLP-2 receptor encoding mRNA (RT-PCR) and protein (Western blot) was identified. No receptor functionality (binding or G-protein signalling) could be demonstrated in 18Co cells. The identified gut-relevant cell lines provide tools for future clarification of the mechanisms underlying GLP-2-induced epithelial growth.

  2. Meiosis-specific loading of the centromere-specific histone CENH3 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Ravi, Maruthachalam; Shibata, Fukashi; Ramahi, Joseph S; Nagaki, Kiyotaka; Chen, Changbin; Murata, Minoru; Chan, Simon W L

    2011-06-01

    Centromere behavior is specialized in meiosis I, so that sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes are pulled toward the same side of the spindle (through kinetochore mono-orientation) and chromosome number is reduced. Factors required for mono-orientation have been identified in yeast. However, comparatively little is known about how meiotic centromere behavior is specialized in animals and plants that typically have large tandem repeat centromeres. Kinetochores are nucleated by the centromere-specific histone CENH3. Unlike conventional histone H3s, CENH3 is rapidly evolving, particularly in its N-terminal tail domain. Here we describe chimeric variants of CENH3 with alterations in the N-terminal tail that are specifically defective in meiosis. Arabidopsis thaliana cenh3 mutants expressing a GFP-tagged chimeric protein containing the H3 N-terminal tail and the CENH3 C-terminus (termed GFP-tailswap) are sterile because of random meiotic chromosome segregation. These defects result from the specific depletion of GFP-tailswap protein from meiotic kinetochores, which contrasts with its normal localization in mitotic cells. Loss of the GFP-tailswap CENH3 variant in meiosis affects recruitment of the essential kinetochore protein MIS12. Our findings suggest that CENH3 loading dynamics might be regulated differently in mitosis and meiosis. As further support for our hypothesis, we show that GFP-tailswap protein is recruited back to centromeres in a subset of pollen grains in GFP-tailswap once they resume haploid mitosis. Meiotic recruitment of the GFP-tailswap CENH3 variant is not restored by removal of the meiosis-specific cohesin subunit REC8. Our results reveal the existence of a specialized loading pathway for CENH3 during meiosis that is likely to involve the hypervariable N-terminal tail. Meiosis-specific CENH3 dynamics may play a role in modulating meiotic centromere behavior.

  3. Meiosis-Specific Loading of the Centromere-Specific Histone CENH3 in Arabidopsis thaliana

    PubMed Central

    Ravi, Maruthachalam; Shibata, Fukashi; Ramahi, Joseph S.; Nagaki, Kiyotaka; Chen, Changbin; Murata, Minoru; Chan, Simon W. L.

    2011-01-01

    Centromere behavior is specialized in meiosis I, so that sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes are pulled toward the same side of the spindle (through kinetochore mono-orientation) and chromosome number is reduced. Factors required for mono-orientation have been identified in yeast. However, comparatively little is known about how meiotic centromere behavior is specialized in animals and plants that typically have large tandem repeat centromeres. Kinetochores are nucleated by the centromere-specific histone CENH3. Unlike conventional histone H3s, CENH3 is rapidly evolving, particularly in its N-terminal tail domain. Here we describe chimeric variants of CENH3 with alterations in the N-terminal tail that are specifically defective in meiosis. Arabidopsis thaliana cenh3 mutants expressing a GFP-tagged chimeric protein containing the H3 N-terminal tail and the CENH3 C-terminus (termed GFP-tailswap) are sterile because of random meiotic chromosome segregation. These defects result from the specific depletion of GFP-tailswap protein from meiotic kinetochores, which contrasts with its normal localization in mitotic cells. Loss of the GFP-tailswap CENH3 variant in meiosis affects recruitment of the essential kinetochore protein MIS12. Our findings suggest that CENH3 loading dynamics might be regulated differently in mitosis and meiosis. As further support for our hypothesis, we show that GFP-tailswap protein is recruited back to centromeres in a subset of pollen grains in GFP-tailswap once they resume haploid mitosis. Meiotic recruitment of the GFP-tailswap CENH3 variant is not restored by removal of the meiosis-specific cohesin subunit REC8. Our results reveal the existence of a specialized loading pathway for CENH3 during meiosis that is likely to involve the hypervariable N-terminal tail. Meiosis-specific CENH3 dynamics may play a role in modulating meiotic centromere behavior. PMID:21695238

  4. Characterization of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor-binding determinants.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Q; Jeng, W; Wheeler, M B

    2000-12-01

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a potent insulinotropic hormone currently under study as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes. Since an understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to high-affinity receptor (R) binding and activation may facilitate the development of more potent GLP-1R agonists, we have localized specific regions of GLP-1R required for binding. The purified N-terminal fragment (hereafter referred to as NT) of the GLP-1R produced in either insect (Sf9) or mammalian (COS-7) cells was shown to bind GLP-1. The physical interaction of NT with GLP-1 was first demonstrated by cross-linking ((125)I-GLP-1/NT complex band at approximately 28 kDa) and secondly by attachment to Ni(2+)-NTA beads. The GLP-1R NT protein attached to beads bound GLP-1, but with lower affinity (inhibitory concentration (IC(50)): 4.5 x 10(-7) M) than wild-type (WT) GLP-1R (IC(50): 5.2 x 10(-9)M). The low affinity of GLP-1R NT suggested that other receptor domains may contribute to GLP-1 binding. This was supported by studies using chimeric glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 receptors. GIP(1-151)/GLP-1R, but not GIP(1-222)/GLP-1R, exhibited specific GLP-1 binding and GLP-1-induced cAMP production, suggesting that the region encompassing transmembrane (TM) domain 1 through to TM3 was required for binding. Since it was hypothesized that certain charged or polar amino acids in this region might be involved in binding, these residues (TM2-TM3) were analyzed by substitution mutagenesis. Five mutants (K197A, D198A, K202A, D215A, R227A) displayed remarkably reduced binding affinity. These studies indicate that the NT domain of the GLP-1R is able to bind GLP-1, but charged residues concentrated at the distal TM2/extracellular loop-1 (EC1) interface (K197, D198, K202) and in EC1 (D215 and R227) probably contribute to the binding determinants of the GLP-1R.

  5. Coagonist of GLP-1 and glucagon decreases liver inflammation and atherosclerosis in dyslipidemic condition.

    PubMed

    Patel, Vishal; Joharapurkar, Amit; Kshirsagar, Samadhan; Sutariya, Brijesh; Patel, Maulik; Pandey, Dheerendra; Patel, Hiren; Ranvir, Ramchandra; Kadam, Shekhar; Patel, Dipam; Bahekar, Rajesh; Jain, Mukul

    2018-02-25

    Dyslipidemia enhances progression of atherosclerosis. Coagonist of GLP-1 and glucagon are under clinical investigation for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Earlier, we have observed that coagonist reduced circulating and hepatic lipids, independent of its anorexic effects. Here, we investigated the role of coagonist of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors in complications of diet-induced dyslipidemia in hamsters and humanized double transgenic mice. Hamsters fed on high fat high cholesterol diet were treated for 8 weeks with coagonist of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors (75 and 150 μg/kg). Pair-fed control was maintained. Cholesterol fed transgenic mice overexpressing hApoB100 and hCETP with coagonist (300 μg/kg) for 4 weeks. After the completion of treatment, biochemical estimations were done. Coagonist treatment reduced triglycerides in plasma, liver and aorta, plasma cholesterol and hepatic triglyceride secretion rate. Expressions of HMG-CoA reductase and SBREBP-1C were reduced and expressions of LDLR, CYP7A1, ABCA1 and ABCB11 were increased in liver, due to coagonist treatment. Coagonist treatment increased bile flow rate and biliary cholesterol excretion. IL-6 and TNF-α were reduced in plasma and expression of TNF-α, MCP-1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 decreased in liver. Treatment with coagonist reduced oxidative stress in liver and aorta. Energy expenditure was increased and respiratory quotient was reduced by coagonist treatment. These changes were correlated with reduced hepatic inflammation and lipids in liver and aorta in coagonist treated hamsters. Coagonist treatment also reduced lipids in cholesterol-fed transgenic mice. These changes were independent of glycaemia and anorexia observed after coagonist treatment. Long term treatment with coagonist of GLP-1 and glucagon receptor ameliorated diet-induced dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis by regulating bile homeostasis, liver inflammation and energy expenditure. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Elevated Postoperative Endogenous GLP-1 Levels Mediate Effects of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Neural Responsivity to Food Cues.

    PubMed

    Ten Kulve, Jennifer S; Veltman, Dick J; Gerdes, Victor E A; van Bloemendaal, Liselotte; Barkhof, Frederik; Deacon, Carolyn F; Holst, Jens J; Drent, Madeleine L; Diamant, Michaela; IJzerman, Richard G

    2017-11-01

    It has been suggested that weight reduction and improvements in satiety after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are partly mediated via postoperative neuroendocrine changes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gut hormone secreted after food ingestion and is associated with appetite and weight reduction, mediated via effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Secretion of GLP-1 is greatly enhanced after RYGB. We hypothesized that postoperative elevated GLP-1 levels contribute to the improved satiety regulation after RYGB via effects on the CNS. Effects of the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin 9-39 (Ex9-39) and placebo were assessed in 10 women before and after RYGB. We used functional MRI to investigate CNS activation in response to visual food cues (pictures) and gustatory food cues (consumption of chocolate milk), comparing results with Ex9-39 versus placebo before and after RYGB. After RYGB, CNS activation was reduced in the rolandic operculum and caudate nucleus in response to viewing food pictures ( P = 0.03) and in the insula in response to consumption of palatable food ( P = 0.003). GLP-1 levels were significantly elevated postoperatively ( P < 0.001). After RYGB, GLP-1 receptor blockade resulted in a larger increase in activation in the caudate nucleus in response to food pictures ( P = 0.02) and in the insula in response to palatable food consumption ( P = 0.002). We conclude that the effects of RYGB on CNS activation in response to visual and gustatory food cues may be mediated by central effects of GLP-1. Our findings provide further insights into the mechanisms underlying the weight-lowering effects of RYGB. © 2017 by the American Diabetes Association.

  7. A comparative safety review between GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes treatment.

    PubMed

    Consoli, Agostino; Formoso, Gloria; Baldassarre, Maria Pompea Antonia; Febo, Fabrizio

    2018-03-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are of particular interest in type 2 diabetes treatment strategies, due to their efficacy in reducing HbA1c with a low risk of hypoglycaemia, to their positive effects on body weight and blood pressure and in light of their effects on cardiovascular risk and on nephroprotection emerged from the most recent cardiovascular outcome trials. Since it is therefore very likely that GLP-1RA and SGLT2i use will become more and more common, it is more and more important to gather and discuss information about their safety profile. Area Covered: adverse events and the safety concerns most often emerged in trials with GLP-1RA namely, exenatide long acting release (LAR), dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide, lixisenatide or SGLT2i, namely empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and SGLT2i with an attempt at comparing the safety profiles of molecules of these two classes. Expert opinion: GLP-1RA and SGLT2i, although each associated with different specific side effects, share a 'similar' safety profile and are both drugs relatively easy to handle. The potentially complementary mechanisms of action, the cardio and nephroprotective effects demonstrated by molecules of both classes, make these drugs potentially useful even in add on to each other.

  8. Roles of increased glycaemic variability, GLP-1 and glucagon in hypoglycaemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

    PubMed Central

    Tharakan, George; Behary, Preeshila; Wewer Albrechtsen, Nicolai J; Chahal, Harvinder; Kenkre, Julia; Miras, Alexander D; Ahmed, Ahmed R; Holst, Jens J; Bloom, Stephen R

    2017-01-01

    Objective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is currently the most effective treatment for diabetes and obesity. An increasingly recognized and highly disabling complication of RYGB is postprandial hypoglycaemia (PPH). The pathophysiology of PPH remains unclear with multiple mechanisms suggested including nesidioblastosis, altered insulin clearance and increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. Whilst many PPH patients respond to dietary modification, some have severely disabling symptoms. Multiple treatments are proposed, including dietary modification, GLP-1 antagonism, GLP-1 analogues and even surgical reversal, with none showing a more decided advantage over the others. A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of PPH could guide the development of new therapeutic strategies. Methods We studied a cohort of PPH patients at the Imperial Weight Center. We performed continuous glucose monitoring to characterize their altered glycaemic variability. We also performed a mixed meal test (MMT) and measured gut hormone concentrations. Results We found increased glycaemic variability in our cohort of PPH patients, specifically a higher mean amplitude glucose excursion (MAGE) score of 4.9. We observed significantly greater and earlier increases in insulin, GLP-1 and glucagon in patients who had hypoglycaemia in response to an MMT (MMT Hypo) relative to those that did not (MMT Non-Hypo). No significant differences in oxyntomodulin, GIP or peptide YY secretion were seen between these two groups. Conclusion An early peak in GLP-1 and glucagon may together trigger an exaggerated insulinotropic response to eating and consequent hypoglycaemia in patients with PPH. PMID:28855269

  9. Effective scheme of photolysis of GFP in live cell as revealed with confocal fluorescence microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Glazachev, Yu I.; Orlova, D. Y.; Řezníčková, P.; Bártová, E.

    2018-05-01

    We proposed an effective kinetics scheme of photolysis of green fluorescent protein (GFP) observed in live cells with a commercial confocal fluorescence microscope. We investigated the photolysis of GFP-tagged heterochromatin protein, HP1β-GFP, in live nucleus with the pulse position modulation approach, which has several advantages over the classical pump-and-probe method. At the basis of the proposed scheme lies a process of photoswitching from the native fluorescence state to the intermediate fluorescence state, which has a lower fluorescence yield and recovers back to native state in the dark. This kinetics scheme includes four effective parameters (photoswitching, reverse switching, photodegradation rate constants, and relative brightness of the intermediate state) and covers the time scale from dozens of milliseconds to minutes of the experimental fluorescence kinetics. Additionally, the applicability of the scheme was demonstrated in the cases of continuous irradiation and the classical pump-and-probe approach using numerical calculations and analytical solutions. An interesting finding of experimental data analysis was that the overall photodegradation of GFP proceeds dominantly from the intermediate state, and demonstrated approximately the second-order reaction versus irradiation power. As a practical example, the proposed scheme elucidates the artifacts of fluorescence recovery after the photobleaching method, and allows us to propose some suggestions on how to diminish them.

  10. Effective scheme of photolysis of GFP in live cell as revealed with confocal fluorescence microscopy.

    PubMed

    Glazachev, Yu I; Orlova, D Y; Řezníčková, P; Bártová, E

    2018-03-23

    We proposed an effective kinetics scheme of photolysis of green fluorescent protein (GFP) observed in live cells with a commercial confocal fluorescence microscope. We investigated the photolysis of GFP-tagged heterochromatin protein, HP1β-GFP, in live nucleus with the pulse position modulation approach, which has several advantages over the classical pump-and-probe method. At the basis of the proposed scheme lies a process of photoswitching from the native fluorescence state to the intermediate fluorescence state, which has a lower fluorescence yield and recovers back to native state in the dark. This kinetics scheme includes four effective parameters (photoswitching, reverse switching, photodegradation rate constants, and relative brightness of the intermediate state) and covers the time scale from dozens of milliseconds to minutes of the experimental fluorescence kinetics. Additionally, the applicability of the scheme was demonstrated in the cases of continuous irradiation and the classical pump-and-probe approach using numerical calculations and analytical solutions. An interesting finding of experimental data analysis was that the overall photodegradation of GFP proceeds dominantly from the intermediate state, and demonstrated approximately the second-order reaction versus irradiation power. As a practical example, the proposed scheme elucidates the artifacts of fluorescence recovery after the photobleaching method, and allows us to propose some suggestions on how to diminish them.

  11. Influences of Dietary Added Sugar Consumption on Striatal Food-Cue Reactivity and Postprandial GLP-1 Response

    PubMed Central

    Dorton, Hilary M.; Luo, Shan; Monterosso, John R.; Page, Kathleen A.

    2018-01-01

    Sugar consumption in the United States exceeds recommendations from the American Heart Association. Overconsumption of sugar is linked to risk for obesity and metabolic disease. Animal studies suggest that high-sugar diets alter functions in brain regions associated with reward processing, including the dorsal and ventral striatum. Human neuroimaging studies have shown that these regions are responsive to food cues, and that the gut-derived satiety hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY), suppress striatal food-cue responsivity. We aimed to determine the associations between dietary added sugar intake, striatal responsivity to food cues, and postprandial GLP-1 and PYY levels. Twenty-two lean volunteers underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan during which they viewed pictures of food and non-food items after a 12-h fast. Before scanning, participants consumed a glucose drink. A subset of 19 participants underwent an additional fMRI session in which they consumed water as a control condition. Blood was sampled for GLP-1, and PYY levels and hunger ratings were assessed before and ~75 min after drink consumption. In-person 24-h dietary recalls were collected from each participant on three to six separate occasions over a 2-month period. Average percent calories from added sugar were calculated using information from 24-h dietary recalls. A region-of-interest analysis was performed to compare the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response to food vs. non-food cues in the bilateral dorsal striatum (caudate/putamen) and ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens). The relationships between added sugar, striatal responses, and hormone changes after drink consumption were assessed using Spearman’s correlations. We observed a positive correlation between added sugar intake and BOLD response to food cues in the dorsal striatum and a similar trend in the nucleus accumbens after glucose, but not water, consumption. Added sugar intake

  12. Influences of Dietary Added Sugar Consumption on Striatal Food-Cue Reactivity and Postprandial GLP-1 Response.

    PubMed

    Dorton, Hilary M; Luo, Shan; Monterosso, John R; Page, Kathleen A

    2017-01-01

    Sugar consumption in the United States exceeds recommendations from the American Heart Association. Overconsumption of sugar is linked to risk for obesity and metabolic disease. Animal studies suggest that high-sugar diets alter functions in brain regions associated with reward processing, including the dorsal and ventral striatum. Human neuroimaging studies have shown that these regions are responsive to food cues, and that the gut-derived satiety hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY), suppress striatal food-cue responsivity. We aimed to determine the associations between dietary added sugar intake, striatal responsivity to food cues, and postprandial GLP-1 and PYY levels. Twenty-two lean volunteers underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan during which they viewed pictures of food and non-food items after a 12-h fast. Before scanning, participants consumed a glucose drink. A subset of 19 participants underwent an additional fMRI session in which they consumed water as a control condition. Blood was sampled for GLP-1, and PYY levels and hunger ratings were assessed before and ~75 min after drink consumption. In-person 24-h dietary recalls were collected from each participant on three to six separate occasions over a 2-month period. Average percent calories from added sugar were calculated using information from 24-h dietary recalls. A region-of-interest analysis was performed to compare the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response to food vs. non-food cues in the bilateral dorsal striatum (caudate/putamen) and ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens). The relationships between added sugar, striatal responses, and hormone changes after drink consumption were assessed using Spearman's correlations. We observed a positive correlation between added sugar intake and BOLD response to food cues in the dorsal striatum and a similar trend in the nucleus accumbens after glucose, but not water, consumption. Added sugar intake

  13. 49 CFR 234.239 - Tagging of wires and interference of wires or tags with signal apparatus.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... with signal apparatus. 234.239 Section 234.239 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... Tagging of wires and interference of wires or tags with signal apparatus. Each wire shall be tagged or... of the apparatus. This requirement applies to each wire at each terminal in all housings including...

  14. 49 CFR 234.239 - Tagging of wires and interference of wires or tags with signal apparatus.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... with signal apparatus. 234.239 Section 234.239 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... Tagging of wires and interference of wires or tags with signal apparatus. Each wire shall be tagged or... of the apparatus. This requirement applies to each wire at each terminal in all housings including...

  15. Effects of the glucagon-like polypeptide-1 analogue (Val8)GLP-1 on learning, progenitor cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the C57B/16 mouse brain.

    PubMed

    McGovern, Stephen F J; Hunter, Kerry; Hölscher, Christian

    2012-09-14

    Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Here, we tested the properties of the glucagon-like polypetide-1 (GLP-1) analogue (Val8)GLP-1, a drug originally developed as a treatment for T2DM at a range of doses (2.5 nmol; 25 nmol; 100 nmol; or 250 nmol/kg bw ip.) in an acute memory study in wild type C57B/l6 mice. We also tested (Val8)GLP-1 and the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin (9-39) in a chronic study (3 weeks at 25 nmol/kg bw ip. once-daily). We found that (Val8)GLP-1 crossed the blood brain barrier readily and that peripheral injection increased levels in the brain 30 min post-injection ip. but not 2h post-injection in rats. In the acute study, the low dose of 2.5 nmol/kg ip. enhanced motor activity in the open field task, while total distance travelled, exploratory behaviour and anxiety was not affected at any dose. Learning an object recognition task was not affected either. In the chronic study, no effect was observed in the open field assessment. The antagonist exendin (9-39) impaired object recognition learning and spatial learning in a water maze task, demonstrating the importance of GLP-1 signalling in memory formation. Locomotor activity was also affected in some cases. Blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity was not affected in chronically treated mice. Neuronal stem cells and neurogenesis was enhanced by (Val8)GLP-1 in the dentate gyrus of wild type mice. The results demonstrate that (Val8)GLP-1 is safe in a range of doses, crosses the BBB and has potentially beneficial effects in the CNS by enhancing neurogenesis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. The α-Secretase-derived N-terminal Product of Cellular Prion, N1, Displays Neuroprotective Function in Vitro and in Vivo*

    PubMed Central

    Guillot-Sestier, Marie-Victoire; Sunyach, Claire; Druon, Charlotte; Scarzello, Sabine; Checler, Frédéric

    2009-01-01

    Cellular prion protein (PrPc) undergoes a disintegrin-mediated physiological cleavage, generating a soluble amino-terminal fragment (N1), the function of which remained unknown. Recombinant N1 inhibits staurosporine-induced caspase-3 activation by modulating p53 transcription and activity, whereas the PrPc-derived pathological fragment (N2) remains biologically inert. Furthermore, N1 protects retinal ganglion cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis, reduces the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling-positive and p53-immunoreactive neurons in a pressure-induced ischemia model of the rat retina and triggers a partial recovery of b-waves but not a-waves of rat electroretinograms. Our work is the first demonstration that the α-secretase-derived PrPc fragment N1, but not N2, displays in vivo and in vitro neuroprotective function by modulating p53 pathway. It further demonstrates that distinct N-terminal cleavage products of PrPc harbor different biological activities underlying the various phenotypes linking PrPc to cell survival. PMID:19850936

  17. Energy profile of nanobody-GFP complex under force.

    PubMed

    Klamecka, Kamila; Severin, Philip M; Milles, Lukas F; Gaub, Hermann E; Leonhardt, Heinrich

    2015-09-10

    Nanobodies (Nbs)-the smallest known fully functional and naturally occuring antigen-binding fragments-have attracted a lot of attention throughout the last two decades. Exploring their potential beyond the current use requires more detailed characterization of their binding forces as those cannot be directly derived from the binding affinities. Here we used atomic force microscope to measure rupture force of the Nb-green fluorescent protein (GFP) complex in various pulling geometries and derived the energy profile characterizing the interaction along the direction of the pulling force. We found that-despite identical epitopes-the Nb binds stronger (41-56 pN) to enhanced GFP than to wild-type GFP (28-45 pN). Measured forces make the Nb-GFP pair a potent reference for investigating molecular forces in living systems both in and ex vivo.

  18. Disappearance of GFP-Positive Hepatocytes Transplanted into the Liver of Syngeneic Wild-Type Rats Pretreated with Retrorsine

    PubMed Central

    Maeda, Hiromichi; Shigoka, Masatoshi; Wang, Yongchun; Fu, Yingxin; Wesson, Russell N.; Lin, Qing; Montgomery, Robert A.; Enzan, Hideaki; Sun, Zhaoli

    2014-01-01

    Background and Aim Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a widely used molecular tag to trace transplanted cells in rodent liver injury models. The differing results from various previously reported studies using GFP could be attributed to the immunogenicity of GFP. Methods Hepatocytes were obtained from GFP-expressing transgenic (Tg) Lewis rats and were transplanted into the livers of wild-type Lewis rats after they had undergone a partial hepatectomy. The proliferation of endogenous hepatocytes in recipient rats was inhibited by pretreatment with retrorsine to enhance the proliferation of the transplanted hepatocytes. Transplantation of wild-type hepatocytes into GFP-Tg rat liver was also performed for comparison. Results All biopsy specimens taken seven days after transplantation showed engraftment of transplanted hepatocytes, with the numbers of transplanted hepatocytes increasing until day 14. GFP-positive hepatocytes in wild-type rat livers were decreased by day 28 and could not be detected on day 42, whereas the number of wild-type hepatocytes steadily increased in GFP-Tg rat liver. Histological examination showed degenerative change of GFP-positive hepatocytes and the accumulation of infiltrating cells on day 28. PCR analysis for the GFP transgene suggested that transplanted hepatocytes were eliminated rather than being retained along with the loss of GFP expression. Both modification of the immunological response using tacrolimus and bone marrow transplantation prolonged the survival of GFP-positive hepatocytes. In contrast, host immunization with GFP-positive hepatocytes led to complete loss of GFP-positive hepatocytes by day 14. Conclusion GFP-positive hepatocytes isolated from GFP-Tg Lewis rats did not survive long term in the livers of retrorsine-pretreated wild-type Lewis rats. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon most likely involves an immunological reaction against GFP. The influence of GFP immunogenicity on cell transplantation models should be

  19. Knock-In Mice with NOP-eGFP Receptors Identify Receptor Cellular and Regional Localization.

    PubMed

    Ozawa, Akihiko; Brunori, Gloria; Mercatelli, Daniela; Wu, Jinhua; Cippitelli, Andrea; Zou, Bende; Xie, Xinmin Simon; Williams, Melissa; Zaveri, Nurulain T; Low, Sarah; Scherrer, Grégory; Kieffer, Brigitte L; Toll, Lawrence

    2015-08-19

    The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor, the fourth member of the opioid receptor family, is involved in many processes common to the opioid receptors including pain and drug abuse. To better characterize receptor location and trafficking, knock-in mice were created by inserting the gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) into the NOP receptor gene (Oprl1) and producing mice expressing a functional NOP-eGFP C-terminal fusion in place of the native NOP receptor. The NOP-eGFP receptor was present in brain of homozygous knock-in animals in concentrations somewhat higher than in wild-type mice and was functional when tested for stimulation of [(35)S]GTPγS binding in vitro and in patch-clamp electrophysiology in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and hippocampal slices. Inhibition of morphine analgesia was equivalent when tested in knock-in and wild-type mice. Imaging revealed detailed neuroanatomy in brain, spinal cord, and DRG and was generally consistent with in vitro autoradiographic imaging of receptor location. Multicolor immunohistochemistry identified cells coexpressing various spinal cord and DRG cellular markers, as well as coexpression with μ-opioid receptors in DRG and brain regions. Both in tissue slices and primary cultures, the NOP-eGFP receptors appear throughout the cell body and in processes. These knock-in mice have NOP receptors that function both in vitro and in vivo and appear to be an exceptional tool to study receptor neuroanatomy and correlate with NOP receptor function. The NOP receptor, the fourth member of the opioid receptor family, is involved in pain, drug abuse, and a number of other CNS processes. The regional and cellular distribution has been difficult to determine due to lack of validated antibodies for immunohistochemical analysis. To provide a new tool for the investigation of receptor localization, we have produced knock-in mice with a fluorescent-tagged NOP receptor in place of the native NOP receptor. These

  20. Minireview: Signal Bias, Allosterism, and Polymorphic Variation at the GLP-1R: Implications for Drug Discovery

    PubMed Central

    Koole, Cassandra; Savage, Emilia E.; Christopoulos, Arthur; Miller, Laurence J.

    2013-01-01

    The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) controls the physiological responses to the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 and is a major therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, owing to the broad range of effects that are mediated upon its activation. These include the promotion of glucose-dependent insulin secretion, increased insulin biosynthesis, preservation of β-cell mass, improved peripheral insulin action, and promotion of weight loss. Regulation of GLP-1R function is complex, with multiple endogenous and exogenous peptides that interact with the receptor that result in the activation of numerous downstream signaling cascades. The current understanding of GLP-1R signaling and regulation is limited, with the desired spectrum of signaling required for the ideal therapeutic outcome still to be determined. In addition, there are several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (used in this review as defining a natural change of single nucleotide in the receptor sequence; clinically, this is viewed as a single-nucleotide polymorphism only if the frequency of the mutation occurs in 1% or more of the population) distributed within the coding sequence of the receptor protein that have the potential to produce differential responses for distinct ligands. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of GLP-1R function, in particular highlighting recent advances in the field on ligand-directed signal bias, allosteric modulation, and probe dependence and the implications of these behaviors for drug discovery and development. PMID:23864649

  1. A library of MiMICs allows tagging of genes and reversible, spatial and temporal knockdown of proteins in Drosophila

    DOE PAGES

    Nagarkar-Jaiswal, Sonal; Lee, Pei-Tseng; Campbell, Megan E.; ...

    2015-03-31

    Here, we document a collection of ~7434 MiMIC (Minos Mediated Integration Cassette) insertions of which 2854 are inserted in coding introns. They allowed us to create a library of 400 GFP-tagged genes. We show that 72% of internally tagged proteins are functional, and that more than 90% can be imaged in unfixed tissues. Moreover, the tagged mRNAs can be knocked down by RNAi against GFP (iGFPi), and the tagged proteins can be efficiently knocked down by deGradFP technology. The phenotypes associated with RNA and protein knockdown typically correspond to severe loss of function or null mutant phenotypes. Finally, we demonstratemore » reversible, spatial, and temporal knockdown of tagged proteins in larvae and adult flies. This new strategy and collection of strains allows unprecedented in vivo manipulations in flies for many genes. These strategies will likely extend to vertebrates.« less

  2. Water Permeation Across Biological Membranes: Mechanism and Dynamics of Aquaporin-1 and GlpF

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de Groot, Bert L.; Grubmüller, Helmut

    2001-12-01

    ``Real time'' molecular dynamics simulations of water permeation through human aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and the bacterial glycerol facilitator GlpF are presented. We obtained time-resolved, atomic-resolution models of the permeation mechanism across these highly selective membrane channels. Both proteins act as two-stage filters: Conserved fingerprint [asparagine-proline-alanine (NPA)] motifs form a selectivity-determining region; a second (aromatic/arginine) region is proposed to function as a proton filter. Hydrophobic regions near the NPA motifs are rate-limiting water barriers. In AQP1, a fine-tuned water dipole rotation during passage is essential for water selectivity. In GlpF, a glycerol-mediated ``induced fit'' gating motion is proposed to generate selectivity for glycerol over water.

  3. Infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of the HC2n+1O+ (n = 2-5) cations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jin, Jiaye; Li, Wei; Liu, Yuhong; Wang, Guanjun; Zhou, Mingfei

    2017-06-01

    The carbon chain cations, HC2n+1O+ (n = 2-5), are produced via pulsed laser vaporization of a graphite target in supersonic expansions containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The infrared spectra are measured via mass-selected infrared photodissociation spectroscopy of the CO "tagged" [HC2n+1O.CO]+ cation complexes in the 1600-3500 cm-1 region. The geometries and electronic ground states of these cation complexes are determined by their infrared spectra compared to the predications of theoretical calculations. All of the HC2n+1O+ (n = 2-5) core cations are characterized to be linear carbon chain derivatives terminated by hydrogen and oxygen, which have the closed-shell singlet ground states with polyyne-like carbon chain structures.

  4. A high-throughput immobilized bead screen for stable proteins and multi-protein complexes

    PubMed Central

    Lockard, Meghan A.; Listwan, Pawel; Pedelacq, Jean-Denis; Cabantous, Stéphanie; Nguyen, Hau B.; Terwilliger, Thomas C.; Waldo, Geoffrey S.

    2011-01-01

    We describe an in vitro colony screen to identify Escherichia coli expressing soluble proteins and stable, assembled multiprotein complexes. Proteins with an N-terminal 6His tag and C-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) S11 tag are fluorescently labeled in cells by complementation with a coexpressed GFP 1–10 fragment. After partial colony lysis, the fluorescent soluble proteins or complexes diffuse through a supporting filtration membrane and are captured on Talon® resin metal affinity beads immobilized in agarose. Images of the fluorescent colonies convey total expression and the level of fluorescence bound to the beads indicates how much protein is soluble. Both pieces of information can be used together when selecting clones. After the assay, colonies can be picked and propagated, eliminating the need to make replica plates. We used the method to screen a DNA fragment library of the human protein p85 and preferentially obtained clones expressing the full-length ‘breakpoint cluster region-homology' and NSH2 domains. The assay also distinguished clones expressing stable multi-protein complexes from those that are unstable due to missing subunits. Clones expressing stable, intact heterotrimeric E.coli YheNML complexes were readily identified in libraries dominated by complexes of YheML missing the N subunit. PMID:21642284

  5. Plasmid stability in dried cells of the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis and its potential for GFP imaging of survivors on Earth and in space.

    PubMed

    Billi, Daniela

    2012-06-01

    Two GFP-based plasmids, namely pTTQ18-GFP-pDU1(mini) and pDUCA7-GFP, of about 7 kbp and 15 kbp respectively, able to replicate in Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 and CCMEE 123, were developed. Both plasmids were maintained in Chroococcidiopsis cells after 18 months of dry storage as demonstrated by colony PCR, plasmid restriction analysis, GFP imaging and colony-forming ability under selection of dried transformants; thus suggesting that strategies employed by this cyanobacterium to stabilize dried chromosomal DNA, must have protected plasmid DNA. The suitability of pDU1(mini)-plasmid for GFP tagging in Chroococcidiopsis was investigated by using the RecA homolog of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. After 2 months of dry storage, the presence of dried cells with a GFP-RecA(Syn) distribution resembling that of hydrated cells, supported its capability of preventing desiccation-induced genome damage, whereas the rewetted cells with filamentous GFP-RecA(Syn) structures revealed sub-lethal DNA damage. The long-term stability of plasmid DNA in dried Chroococcidiopsis has implication for space research, for example when investigating the recovery of dried cells after Martian and space simulations or when developing life support systems based on phototrophs with genetically enhanced stress tolerance and stored in the dry state for prolonged periods.

  6. Appetite-related peptides in childhood and adolescence: role of ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1.

    PubMed

    Horner, Katy; Lee, SoJung

    2015-11-01

    During childhood and adolescence, a number of factors, including age, puberty, sex, race, and body composition, may contribute to differences in satiety, food intake, and appetite-related peptides. These peptides include the orexigenic peptide ghrelin and anorexigenic gut peptides peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). For example, lower fasting ghrelin levels, lower postprandial ghrelin suppression, and blunted PYY and GLP-1 responses to food intake could contribute to a dysregulation of appetite in already obese children and adolescents. Whereas, changes in these peptides observed during puberty could facilitate growth. A greater understanding of the major moderating factors of appetite-related peptides in the pediatric population is essential to improve interpretation of study findings and for effective tailoring of strategies targeting appetite control to individuals. While more studies are needed, there is some evidence to suggest that exercise-based lifestyle interventions could be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve appetite-peptide profiles in overweight and obese children and adolescents. The aim of this review is (i) to discuss the potential moderating factors of ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1, including age and puberty, sex, race and body composition; and (ii) to examine the effects of exercise interventions on these appetite-related gut peptides in children and adolescents.

  7. GLP-1 receptor signaling is not required for reduced body weight after RYGB in rodents

    PubMed Central

    Ye, Jianping; Hao, Zheng; Mumphrey, Michael B.; Townsend, R. Leigh; Patterson, Laurel M.; Stylopoulos, Nicholas; Münzberg, Heike; Morrison, Christopher D.; Drucker, Daniel J.

    2014-01-01

    Exaggerated GLP-1 and PYY secretion is thought to be a major mechanism in the reduced food intake and body weight after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Here, we use complementary pharmacological and genetic loss-of-function approaches to test the role of increased signaling by these gut hormones in high-fat diet-induced obese rodents. Chronic brain infusion of a supramaximal dose of the selective GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-9–39 into the lateral cerebral ventricle significantly increased food intake and body weight in both RYGB and sham-operated rats, suggesting that, while contributing to the physiological control of food intake and body weight, central GLP-1 receptor signaling tone is not the critical mechanism uniquely responsible for the body weight-lowering effects of RYGB. Central infusion of the selective Y2R-antagonist BIIE0246 had no effect in either group, suggesting that it is not critical for the effects of RYGB on body weight under the conditions tested. In a recently established mouse model of RYGB that closely mimics surgery and weight loss dynamics in humans, obese GLP-1R-deficient mice lost the same amount of body weight and fat mass and maintained similarly lower body weight compared with wild-type mice. Together, the results surprisingly provide no support for important individual roles of either gut hormone in the specific mechanisms by which RYGB rats settle at a lower body weight. It is likely that the beneficial effects of bariatric surgeries are expressed through complex mechanisms that require combination approaches for their identification. PMID:24430883

  8. GLP-1 receptor signaling is not required for reduced body weight after RYGB in rodents.

    PubMed

    Ye, Jianping; Hao, Zheng; Mumphrey, Michael B; Townsend, R Leigh; Patterson, Laurel M; Stylopoulos, Nicholas; Münzberg, Heike; Morrison, Christopher D; Drucker, Daniel J; Berthoud, Hans-Rudolf

    2014-03-01

    Exaggerated GLP-1 and PYY secretion is thought to be a major mechanism in the reduced food intake and body weight after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Here, we use complementary pharmacological and genetic loss-of-function approaches to test the role of increased signaling by these gut hormones in high-fat diet-induced obese rodents. Chronic brain infusion of a supramaximal dose of the selective GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-9-39 into the lateral cerebral ventricle significantly increased food intake and body weight in both RYGB and sham-operated rats, suggesting that, while contributing to the physiological control of food intake and body weight, central GLP-1 receptor signaling tone is not the critical mechanism uniquely responsible for the body weight-lowering effects of RYGB. Central infusion of the selective Y2R-antagonist BIIE0246 had no effect in either group, suggesting that it is not critical for the effects of RYGB on body weight under the conditions tested. In a recently established mouse model of RYGB that closely mimics surgery and weight loss dynamics in humans, obese GLP-1R-deficient mice lost the same amount of body weight and fat mass and maintained similarly lower body weight compared with wild-type mice. Together, the results surprisingly provide no support for important individual roles of either gut hormone in the specific mechanisms by which RYGB rats settle at a lower body weight. It is likely that the beneficial effects of bariatric surgeries are expressed through complex mechanisms that require combination approaches for their identification.

  9. Flavonoid-rich extract of Chromolaena odorata modulate circulating GLP-1 in Wistar rats: computational evaluation of TGR5 involvement.

    PubMed

    Omotuyi, Olaposi Idowu; Nash, Oyekanmi; Inyang, Olumide Kayode; Ogidigo, Joyce; Enejoh, Ojochenemi; Okpalefe, Okiemute; Hamada, Tsuyoshi

    2018-02-01

    Chromolaena odorata is a major bio-resource in folkloric treatment of diabetes. In the present study, its anti-diabetic component and underlying mechanism were investigated. A library containing 140 phytocompounds previously characterized from C. odorata was generated and docked (Autodock Vina) into homology models of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4, Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 (TGR5), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor, renal sodium dependent glucose transporter (SGLUT)-1/2 and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) proteins 1&2. GLP-1 gene (RT-PCR) modulation and its release (EIA) by C. odorata were confirmed in vivo. From the docking result above, TGR5 was identified as a major target for two key C. odorata flavonoids (5,7-dihydroxy-6-4-dimethoxyflavanone and homoesperetin-7-rutinoside); sodium taurocholate and C. odorata powder included into the diet of the animals both raised the intestinal GLP-1 expression versus control ( p  < 0.05); When treated with flavonoid-rich extract of C. odorata (CoF) or malvidin, circulating GLP-1 increased by 130.7% in malvidin-treated subjects (0 vs. 45 min). CoF treatment also resulted in 128.5 and 275% increase for 10 and 30 mg/kg b.w., respectively. The results of this study support that C. odorata flavonoids may modulate the expression of GLP-1 and its release via TGR5. This finding may underscore its anti-diabetic potency.

  10. The complete N-terminal extension of heparin cofactor II is required for maximal effectiveness as a thrombin exosite 1 ligand

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Heparin cofactor II (HCII) is a circulating protease inhibitor, one which contains an N-terminal acidic extension (HCII 1-75) unique within the serpin superfamily. Deletion of HCII 1-75 greatly reduces the ability of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to accelerate the inhibition of thrombin, and abrogates HCII binding to thrombin exosite 1. While a minor portion of HCII 1-75 can be visualized in a crystallized HCII-thrombin S195A complex, the role of the rest of the extension is not well understood and the affinity of the HCII 1-75 interaction has not been quantitatively characterized. To address these issues, we expressed HCII 1-75 as a small, N-terminally hexahistidine-tagged polypeptide in E. coli. Results Immobilized purified HCII 1-75 bound active α-thrombin and active-site inhibited FPR-ck- or S195A-thrombin, but not exosite-1-disrupted γT-thrombin, in microtiter plate assays. Biotinylated HCII 1-75 immobilized on streptavidin chips bound α-thrombin and FPR-ck-thrombin with similar KD values of 330-340 nM. HCII 1-75 competed thrombin binding to chip-immobilized HCII 1-75 more effectively than HCII 54-75 but less effectively than the C-terminal dodecapeptide of hirudin (mean Ki values of 2.6, 8.5, and 0.29 μM, respectively). This superiority over HCII 54-75 was also demonstrated in plasma clotting assays and in competing the heparin-catalysed inhibition of thrombin by plasma-derived HCII; HCII 1-53 had no effect in either assay. Molecular modelling of HCII 1-75 correctly predicted those portions of the acidic extension that had been previously visualized in crystal structures, and suggested that an α-helix found between residues 26 and 36 stabilizes one found between residues 61-67. The latter region has been previously shown by deletion mutagenesis and crystallography to play a crucial role in the binding of HCII to thrombin exosite 1. Conclusions Assuming that the KD value for HCII 1-75 of 330-340 nM faithfully predicts that of this region in intact

  11. Ezetimibe-sensitive cholesterol uptake by NPC1L1 protein does not require endocytosis.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Tory A; Pfeffer, Suzanne R

    2016-06-01

    Human NPC1L1 protein mediates cholesterol absorption in the intestine and liver and is the target of the drug ezetimibe, which is used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Previous studies concluded that NPC1L1-GFP protein trafficking is regulated by cholesterol binding and that ezetimibe blocks NPC1L1-GFP function by inhibiting its endocytosis. We used cell surface biotinylation to monitor NPC1L1-GFP endocytosis and show that ezetimibe does not alter the rate of NPC1L1-GFP endocytosis in cultured rat hepatocytes grown under normal growth conditions. As expected, NPC1L1-GFP endocytosis depends in part on C-terminal, cytoplasmically oriented sequences, but endocytosis does not require cholesterol binding to NPC1L1's N-terminal domain. In addition, two small- molecule inhibitors of general (and NPC1L1-GFP) endocytosis failed to inhibit the ezetimibe-sensitive uptake of [(3)H]cholesterol from taurocholate micelles. These experiments demonstrate that cholesterol uptake by NPC1L1 does not require endocytosis; moreover, ezetimibe interferes with NPC1L1's cholesterol adsorption activity without blocking NPC1L1 internalization in RH7777 cells. © 2016 Johnson and Pfeffer. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). Two months after publication it is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

  12. Pancreatic differentiation of Pdx1-GFP reporter mouse induced pluripotent stem cells.

    PubMed

    Porciuncula, Angelo; Kumar, Anujith; Rodriguez, Saray; Atari, Maher; Araña, Miriam; Martin, Franz; Soria, Bernat; Prosper, Felipe; Verfaillie, Catherine; Barajas, Miguel

    2016-12-01

    Efficient induction of defined lineages in pluripotent stem cells constitutes the determinant step for the generation of therapeutically relevant replacement cells to potentially treat a wide range of diseases, including diabetes. Pancreatic differentiation has remained an important challenge in large part because of the need to differentiate uncommitted pluripotent stem cells into highly specialized hormone-secreting cells, which has been shown to require a developmentally informed step-by-step induction procedure. Here, in the framework of using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate pancreatic cells for pancreatic diseases, we have generated and characterized iPSCs from Pdx1-GFP transgenic mice. The use of a GFP reporter knocked into the endogenous Pdx1 promoter allowed us to monitor pancreatic induction based on the expression of Pdx1, a pancreatic master transcription factor, and to isolate a pure Pdx1-GFP + population for downstream applications. Differentiated cultures timely expressed markers specific to each stage and end-stage progenies acquired a rather immature beta-cell phenotype, characterized by polyhormonal expression even among cells highly expressing the Pdx1-GFP reporter. Our findings highlight the utility of employing a fluorescent protein reporter under the control of a master developmental gene in order to devise novel differentiation protocols for relevant cell types for degenerative diseases such as pancreatic beta cells for diabetes. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Residues within the Transmembrane Domain of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Involved in Ligand Binding and Receptor Activation: Modelling the Ligand-Bound Receptor

    PubMed Central

    Coopman, K.; Wallis, R.; Robb, G.; Brown, A. J. H.; Wilkinson, G. F.; Timms, D.

    2011-01-01

    The C-terminal regions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) bind to the N terminus of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), facilitating interaction of the ligand N terminus with the receptor transmembrane domain. In contrast, the agonist exendin-4 relies less on the transmembrane domain, and truncated antagonist analogs (e.g. exendin 9–39) may interact solely with the receptor N terminus. Here we used mutagenesis to explore the role of residues highly conserved in the predicted transmembrane helices of mammalian GLP-1Rs and conserved in family B G protein coupled receptors in ligand binding and GLP-1R activation. By iteration using information from the mutagenesis, along with the available crystal structure of the receptor N terminus and a model of the active opsin transmembrane domain, we developed a structural receptor model with GLP-1 bound and used this to better understand consequences of mutations. Mutation at Y152 [transmembrane helix (TM) 1], R190 (TM2), Y235 (TM3), H363 (TM6), and E364 (TM6) produced similar reductions in affinity for GLP-1 and exendin 9–39. In contrast, other mutations either preferentially [K197 (TM2), Q234 (TM3), and W284 (extracellular loop 2)] or solely [D198 (TM2) and R310 (TM5)] reduced GLP-1 affinity. Reduced agonist affinity was always associated with reduced potency. However, reductions in potency exceeded reductions in agonist affinity for K197A, W284A, and R310A, while H363A was uncoupled from cAMP generation, highlighting critical roles of these residues in translating binding to activation. Data show important roles in ligand binding and receptor activation of conserved residues within the transmembrane domain of the GLP-1R. The receptor structural model provides insight into the roles of these residues. PMID:21868452

  14. SH3-like motif-containing C-terminal domain of staphylococcal teichoic acid transporter suggests possible function.

    PubMed

    Ko, Tzu-Ping; Tseng, Shih-Ting; Lai, Shu-Jung; Chen, Sheng-Chia; Guan, Hong-Hsiang; Shin Yang, Chia; Jung Chen, Chun; Chen, Yeh

    2016-09-01

    The negatively charged bacterial polysaccharides-wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are synthesized intracellularly and exported by a two-component transporter, TagGH, comprising a transmembrane subunit TagG and an ATPase subunit TagH. We determined the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of TagH (TagH-C) to investigate its function. The structure shows an N-terminal SH3-like subdomain wrapped by a C-terminal subdomain with an anti-parallel β-sheet and an outer shell of α-helices. A stretch of positively charged surface across the subdomain interface is flanked by two negatively charged regions, suggesting a potential binding site for negatively charged polymers, such as WTAs or acidic peptide chains. Proteins 2016; 84:1328-1332. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Direct control of peripheral lipid deposition by CNS GLP-1 receptor signaling is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and blunted in diet-induced obesity.

    PubMed

    Nogueiras, Ruben; Pérez-Tilve, Diego; Veyrat-Durebex, Christelle; Morgan, Donald A; Varela, Luis; Haynes, William G; Patterson, James T; Disse, Emmanuel; Pfluger, Paul T; López, Miguel; Woods, Stephen C; DiMarchi, Richard; Diéguez, Carlos; Rahmouni, Kamal; Rohner-Jeanrenaud, Françoise; Tschöp, Matthias H

    2009-05-06

    We investigated a possible role of the central glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor system as an essential brain circuit regulating adiposity through effects on nutrient partitioning and lipid metabolism independent from feeding behavior. Both lean and diet-induced obesity mice were used for our experiments. GLP-1 (7-36) amide was infused in the brain for 2 or 7 d. The expression of key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism was measured by real-time PCR or Western blot. To test the hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system may be responsible for informing adipocytes about changes in CNS GLP-1 tone, we have performed direct recording of sympathetic nerve activity combined with experiments in genetically manipulated mice lacking beta-adrenergic receptors. Intracerebroventricular infusion of GLP-1 in mice directly and potently decreases lipid storage in white adipose tissue. These effects are independent from nutrient intake. Such CNS control of adipocyte metabolism was found to depend partially on a functional sympathetic nervous system. Furthermore, the effects of CNS GLP-1 on adipocyte metabolism were blunted in diet-induced obese mice. The CNS GLP-1 system decreases fat storage via direct modulation of adipocyte metabolism. This CNS GLP-1 control of adipocyte lipid metabolism appears to be mediated at least in part by the sympathetic nervous system and is independent of parallel changes in food intake and body weight. Importantly, the CNS GLP-1 system loses the capacity to modulate adipocyte metabolism in obese states, suggesting an obesity-induced adipocyte resistance to CNS GLP-1.

  16. A library of MiMICs allows tagging of genes and reversible, spatial and temporal knockdown of proteins in Drosophila

    PubMed Central

    Nagarkar-Jaiswal, Sonal; Lee, Pei-Tseng; Campbell, Megan E; Chen, Kuchuan; Anguiano-Zarate, Stephanie; Cantu Gutierrez, Manuel; Busby, Theodore; Lin, Wen-Wen; He, Yuchun; Schulze, Karen L; Booth, Benjamin W; Evans-Holm, Martha; Venken, Koen JT; Levis, Robert W; Spradling, Allan C; Hoskins, Roger A; Bellen, Hugo J

    2015-01-01

    Here, we document a collection of ∼7434 MiMIC (Minos Mediated Integration Cassette) insertions of which 2854 are inserted in coding introns. They allowed us to create a library of 400 GFP-tagged genes. We show that 72% of internally tagged proteins are functional, and that more than 90% can be imaged in unfixed tissues. Moreover, the tagged mRNAs can be knocked down by RNAi against GFP (iGFPi), and the tagged proteins can be efficiently knocked down by deGradFP technology. The phenotypes associated with RNA and protein knockdown typically correspond to severe loss of function or null mutant phenotypes. Finally, we demonstrate reversible, spatial, and temporal knockdown of tagged proteins in larvae and adult flies. This new strategy and collection of strains allows unprecedented in vivo manipulations in flies for many genes. These strategies will likely extend to vertebrates. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05338.001 PMID:25824290

  17. N-terminal RASSF family

    PubMed Central

    Underhill-Day, Nicholas; Hill, Victoria

    2011-01-01

    Epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes is a hallmark of cancer development. RASSF1A (Ras Association Domain Family 1 isoform A) tumor suppressor gene is one of the most frequently epigenetically inactivated genes in a wide range of adult and children's cancers and could be a useful molecular marker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. RASSF1A has been shown to play a role in several biological pathways, including cell cycle control, apoptosis and microtubule dynamics. RASSF2, RASSF4, RASSF5 and RASSF6 are also epigenetically inactivated in cancer but have not been analyzed in as wide a range of malignancies as RASSF1A. Recently four new members of the RASSF family were identified these are termed N-Terminal RASSF genes (RASSF7–RASSF10). Molecular and biological analysis of these newer members has just begun. This review highlights what we currently know in respects to structural, functional and molecular properties of the N-Terminal RASSFs. PMID:21116130

  18. Differential sensitivities to dioxin-like compounds PCB 126 and PeCDF between Tg(cyp1a:gfp) transgenic medaka and zebrafish larvae.

    PubMed

    Xu, Hongyan; Li, Caixia; Suklai, Pacharaporn; Zeng, Qinghua; Chong, Raymond; Gong, Zhiyuan

    2018-02-01

    It has been intensively documented that there are species-differences in the sensitivity to dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) in mammalian and avian. However, this issue is still unclear in fish. This study aimed at evaluating the differential sensitivities to DLCs in fish larvae. Here, larvae of Tg(cyp1a:gfp) medaka and Tg(cyp1a:gfp) zebrafish were tested with 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD), polychlorinated biphenyl 126 (PCB 126) and 2,3,4,7,8,-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF). Comparative analyses were performed on induction of GFP fluorescence, expression of endogenous cyp1a mRNAs and EROD activity between the two species after exposure to these chemicals. We found that PCB 126 and PeCDF exposure at high concentrations induced strong GFP expression in multiple organs (liver, head kidney and gut) in both medaka and zebrafish larvae. Moreover, the expression of endogenous cyp1a mRNA was significantly elevated in the zebrafish larvae exposed to TCDD, PCB 126 and PeCDF at different concentrations. Likewise, almost all the exposure conditions could cause prominent elevation of EROD activity in the zebrafish larvae, while the EROD activities were just slightly elevated in the medaka larvae exposed to 1 nM and 0.5 nM of TCDD as well as to 1.5 nM and 15 nM of PeCDF, but not in the medaka larvae exposed to PCB 126. Taken together, zebrafish was proved to be more sensitive than medaka to PCB 126 and to PeCDF in this study. The findings suggested species-specific sensitivity to DLCs in fish and will facilitate choosing a sensitive and reliable fish model or tool to evaluate the risk of dioxins and DLCs exposure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Transcriptome profiling of sleeping, waking, and sleep deprived adult heterozygous Aldh1L1 - eGFP-L10a mice.

    PubMed

    Bellesi, Michele; de Vivo, Luisa; Tononi, Giulio; Cirelli, Chiara

    2015-12-01

    Transcriptomic studies revealed that hundreds of mRNAs show differential expression in the brains of sleeping relative to awake rats, mice, flies, and sparrows. Although these results have offered clues regarding the molecular consequences of sleep and sleep loss, their functional significance thus far has been limited. This is probably because the previous studies pooled transcripts from all brain cells, including neurons and glia. In Bellesi et al. 2015 [1], we used the translating ribosome affinity purification technology (TRAP) and microarray analysis to obtain a genome-wide mRNA profiling of astrocytes as a function of sleep and wake. We used bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice expressing eGFP tagged ribosomal protein L10a under the promoter of the Aldh1L1 gene, a highly expressed astrocytic gene. Using this approach, we could extract only the astrocytic mRNAs, and only those already committed to be translated into proteins (L10a is part of the translational machinery). Here, we report a detailed description of the protocol used in the study [1]. Array data have been submitted to NCBI GEO under accession number (GSE69079).

  20. Identifying and quantifying proteolytic events and the natural N terminome by terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates.

    PubMed

    Kleifeld, Oded; Doucet, Alain; Prudova, Anna; auf dem Keller, Ulrich; Gioia, Magda; Kizhakkedathu, Jayachandran N; Overall, Christopher M

    2011-09-22

    Analysis of the sequence and nature of protein N termini has many applications. Defining the termini of proteins for proteome annotation in the Human Proteome Project is of increasing importance. Terminomics analysis of protease cleavage sites in degradomics for substrate discovery is a key new application. Here we describe the step-by-step procedures for performing terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (TAILS), a 2- to 3-d (depending on method of labeling) high-throughput method to identify and distinguish protease-generated neo-N termini from mature protein N termini with all natural modifications with high confidence. TAILS uses negative selection to enrich for all N-terminal peptides and uses primary amine labeling-based quantification as the discriminating factor. Labeling is versatile and suited to many applications, including biochemical and cell culture analyses in vitro; in vivo analyses using tissue samples from animal and human sources can also be readily performed. At the protein level, N-terminal and lysine amines are blocked by dimethylation (formaldehyde/sodium cyanoborohydride) and isotopically labeled by incorporating heavy and light dimethylation reagents or stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture labels. Alternatively, easy multiplex sample analysis can be achieved using amine blocking and labeling with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification, also known as iTRAQ. After tryptic digestion, N-terminal peptide separation is achieved using a high-molecular-weight dendritic polyglycerol aldehyde polymer that binds internal tryptic and C-terminal peptides that now have N-terminal alpha amines. The unbound naturally blocked (acetylation, cyclization, methylation and so on) or labeled mature N-terminal and neo-N-terminal peptides are recovered by ultrafiltration and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Hierarchical substrate winnowing discriminates substrates from the background proteolysis products and

  1. β cell membrane remodelling and procoagulant events occur in inflammation-driven insulin impairment: a GLP-1 receptor dependent and independent control.

    PubMed

    Gleizes, Céline; Kreutter, Guillaume; Abbas, Malak; Kassem, Mohamad; Constantinescu, Andrei Alexandru; Boisramé-Helms, Julie; Yver, Blandine; Toti, Florence; Kessler, Laurence

    2016-02-01

    Inflammation and hyperglycaemia are associated with a prothrombotic state. Cell-derived microparticles (MPs) are the conveyors of active procoagulant tissue factor (TF) and circulate at high concentration in diabetic patients. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analogue, is known to promote insulin secretion and β-cell preservation. In this in vitro study, we examined the link between insulin impairment, procoagulant activity and plasma membrane remodelling, under inflammatory conditions. Rin-m5f β-cell function, TF activity mediated by MPs and their modulation by 1 μM liraglutide were examined in a cell cross-talk model. Methyl-β-cyclodextrine (MCD), a cholesterol depletor, was used to evaluate the involvement of raft on TF activity, MP shedding and insulin secretion as well as Soluble N-éthylmaleimide-sensitive-factor Attachment protein Receptor (SNARE)-dependent exocytosis. Cytokines induced a two-fold increase in TF activity at MP surface that was counteracted by liraglutide. Microparticles prompted TF activity on the target cells and a two-fold decrease in insulin secretion via protein kinase A (PKA) and p38 signalling, that was also abolished by liraglutide. Large lipid raft clusters were formed in response to cytokines and liraglutide or MCD-treated cells showed similar patterns. Cells pre-treated by saturating concentration of the GLP-1r antagonist exendin (9-39), showed a partial abolishment of the liraglutide-driven insulin secretion and liraglutide-decreased TF activity. Measurement of caspase 3 cleavage and MP shedding confirmed the contribution of GLP-1r-dependent and -independent pathways. Our results confirm an integrative β-cell response to GLP-1 that targets receptor-mediated signalling and membrane remodelling pointing at the coupling of insulin secretion and inflammation-driven procoagulant events. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and

  2. Central GLP-1 receptor signalling accelerates plasma clearance of triacylglycerol and glucose by activating brown adipose tissue in mice.

    PubMed

    Kooijman, Sander; Wang, Yanan; Parlevliet, Edwin T; Boon, Mariëtte R; Edelschaap, David; Snaterse, Gido; Pijl, Hanno; Romijn, Johannes A; Rensen, Patrick C N

    2015-11-01

    Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) agonism, used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has recently been shown to increase thermogenesis via the brain. As brown adipose tissue (BAT) produces heat by burning triacylglycerol (TG) and takes up glucose for de novo lipogenesis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of chronic central GLP-1R activation by exendin-4 to facilitate clearance of lipids and glucose from the circulation by activating BAT. Lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) C57Bl/6J mice were used to explore the effect of a 5 day intracerebroventricular infusion of the GLP-1 analogue exendin-4 or vehicle on lipid and glucose uptake by BAT in both insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant conditions. Central administration of exendin-4 in lean mice increased sympathetic outflow towards BAT and white adipose tissue (WAT), resulting in increased thermogenesis as evidenced by increased uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) protein levels and decreased lipid content, while the uptake of TG-derived fatty acids was increased in both BAT and WAT. Interestingly, in DIO mice, the effects on WAT were blunted, while exendin-4 still increased sympathetic outflow towards BAT and increased the uptake of plasma TG-derived fatty acids and glucose by BAT. These effects were accompanied by increased fat oxidation, lower plasma TG and glucose concentrations, and reduced body weight. Collectively, our results suggest that BAT activation may be a major contributor to the glucose- and TG-lowering effects of GLP-1R agonism.

  3. The role of basal insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonist combination products in the management of type 2 diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Inman, Taylor R.; Plyushko, Erika; Austin, Nicholas P.; Johnson, Jeremy L.

    2018-01-01

    The prevalence of type 2 diabetes necessitates the development of new treatment options to individualize therapy. Basal insulin has been a standard treatment option for years, while glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have grown in use over the past decade due to glucose-lowering efficacy and weight loss potential. There are two new combination injectable products that have recently been approved combining basal insulins with GLP-1 RAs in single pen-injector devices. United States guidelines recently emphasize the option to use combination injectable therapy with GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin once the basal insulin has been optimally titrated as a second- or third-line agent in addition to metformin without reaching the goal A1c. Insulin glargine/lixisenatide 100/33 (IGlarLixi) can be dosed between 15 and 60 units once daily from a single pen-injector device. Insulin degludec/liraglutide 100/3.6 (IDegLira) can be dosed between 10 and 50 units once daily, also from a single pen-injector device. Maximum doses, while measured in units, correspond to limits defined by each individual GLP-1 RA. The dual use of basal insulin plus GLP-1 RA is non-inferior compared with basal insulin plus a single injection of prandial insulin at the largest meal and compared with twice daily-dosed premixed insulins; and this combination is associated with weight loss and less hypoglycemia. These new combination products could help providers effectively and efficiently follow clinical practice guidelines while enhancing patient adherence with injectable medications. PMID:29796245

  4. The role of basal insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonist combination products in the management of type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Inman, Taylor R; Plyushko, Erika; Austin, Nicholas P; Johnson, Jeremy L

    2018-05-01

    The prevalence of type 2 diabetes necessitates the development of new treatment options to individualize therapy. Basal insulin has been a standard treatment option for years, while glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have grown in use over the past decade due to glucose-lowering efficacy and weight loss potential. There are two new combination injectable products that have recently been approved combining basal insulins with GLP-1 RAs in single pen-injector devices. United States guidelines recently emphasize the option to use combination injectable therapy with GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin once the basal insulin has been optimally titrated as a second- or third-line agent in addition to metformin without reaching the goal A1c. Insulin glargine/lixisenatide 100/33 (IGlarLixi) can be dosed between 15 and 60 units once daily from a single pen-injector device. Insulin degludec/liraglutide 100/3.6 (IDegLira) can be dosed between 10 and 50 units once daily, also from a single pen-injector device. Maximum doses, while measured in units, correspond to limits defined by each individual GLP-1 RA. The dual use of basal insulin plus GLP-1 RA is non-inferior compared with basal insulin plus a single injection of prandial insulin at the largest meal and compared with twice daily-dosed premixed insulins; and this combination is associated with weight loss and less hypoglycemia. These new combination products could help providers effectively and efficiently follow clinical practice guidelines while enhancing patient adherence with injectable medications.

  5. [Construction of Plasmodium falciparum signal peptide peptidase-GFP mutant and its expression analysis in the malaria parasite].

    PubMed

    Li, Xue-rong; Wu, Yin-juan; Shang, Mei; Li, Ye; Xu, Jin; Yu, Xin-bing; Athar, Chishti

    2014-08-01

    To construct recombinant plasmid pSPPcGT which contains signal peptide peptidase gene of Plasmodium falciparum (PJSPP) and GFP, and transfect into P. falciparum (3D7 strain) to obtain mutant parasites which can express PJSPP-GFP. Plasmodium falciparum(3D7 strain) genomic DNA was extracted from cultured malaria parasites. The C-terminal region of PJSPP, an 883 bp gene fragment was amplified by PCR, and then cloned into pPM2GT vector to get recombinant vector pSPPcGT. The recombinant vectors were identified by PCR, double restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. pSPPcGT vector was transfected into malaria parasites. The positive clones were selected by adding inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase WR99210 to the culture medium. The pSPP-GFP-transfected parasites were fixed with methanol, stained with DAPI, and observed under immunofluorescence microscope. The PJSPP-GFP expression in P. falciparum was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The C-terminal region of PJSPP was amplified from P.falciparum (3D7 strain) genomic DNA by PCR with the length of 883 bp. The constructed recombinant vectors were identified by PCR screening, double restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. The pSPPcGT vector was transfected into P. falciparum and the positive clones were selected by WR99210. GFP fluorescence was observed in transfected parasites by immunofluorescence microscopy, and mainly located in the cytoplasm. The PJSPP-GFP expression in malaria parasites was confirmed by Western blotting with a relative molecular mass of Mr 64,000. Recombinant vector PJSPP-GFP is constructed and transfected into P. falciparum to obtain P. falciparum mutant clone which can express PfSPP-GFP.

  6. The glycerol-dependent metabolic persistence of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 reflects the regulatory logic of the GlpR repressor.

    PubMed

    Nikel, Pablo I; Romero-Campero, Francisco J; Zeidman, Joshua A; Goñi-Moreno, Ángel; de Lorenzo, Víctor

    2015-03-31

    The growth of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 on glycerol as the sole carbon source is characterized by a prolonged lag phase, not observed with other carbon substrates. We examined the bacterial growth in glycerol cultures while monitoring the metabolic activity of individual cells. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, as well as the analysis of the temporal start of growth in single-cell cultures, revealed that adoption of a glycerol-metabolizing regime was not the result of a gradual change in the whole population but rather reflected a time-dependent bimodal switch between metabolically inactive (i.e., nongrowing) and fully active (i.e., growing) bacteria. A transcriptional Φ(glpD-gfp) fusion (a proxy of the glycerol-3-phosphate [G3P] dehydrogenase activity) linked the macroscopic phenotype to the expression of the glp genes. Either deleting glpR (encoding the G3P-responsive transcriptional repressor that controls the expression of the glpFKRD gene cluster) or altering G3P formation (by overexpressing glpK, encoding glycerol kinase) abolished the bimodal glpD expression. These manipulations eliminated the stochastic growth start by shortening the otherwise long lag phase. Provision of glpR in trans restored the phenotypes lost in the ΔglpR mutant. The prolonged nongrowth regime of P. putida on glycerol could thus be traced to the regulatory device controlling the transcription of the glp genes. Since the physiological agonist of GlpR is G3P, the arrangement of metabolic and regulatory components at this checkpoint merges a positive feedback loop with a nonlinear transcriptional response, a layout fostering the observed time-dependent shift between two alternative physiological states. Phenotypic variation is a widespread attribute of prokaryotes that leads, inter alia, to the emergence of persistent bacteria, i.e., live but nongrowing members within a genetically clonal population. Persistence allows a fraction of cells to avoid the

  7. One library to make them all: streamlining the creation of yeast libraries via a SWAp-Tag strategy.

    PubMed

    Yofe, Ido; Weill, Uri; Meurer, Matthias; Chuartzman, Silvia; Zalckvar, Einat; Goldman, Omer; Ben-Dor, Shifra; Schütze, Conny; Wiedemann, Nils; Knop, Michael; Khmelinskii, Anton; Schuldiner, Maya

    2016-04-01

    The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is ideal for systematic studies relying on collections of modified strains (libraries). Despite the significance of yeast libraries and the immense variety of available tags and regulatory elements, only a few such libraries exist, as their construction is extremely expensive and laborious. To overcome these limitations, we developed a SWAp-Tag (SWAT) method that enables one parental library to be modified easily and efficiently to give rise to an endless variety of libraries of choice. To showcase the versatility of the SWAT approach, we constructed and investigated a library of ∼1,800 strains carrying SWAT-GFP modules at the amino termini of endomembrane proteins and then used it to create two new libraries (mCherry and seamless GFP). Our work demonstrates how the SWAT method allows fast and effortless creation of yeast libraries, opening the door to new ways of systematically studying cell biology.

  8. Selective binding and magnetic separation of His-tagged proteins using Fe3O4/PAM/NTA-Ni2+ Magnetic Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Huiling; Li, Mengyun; Tu, Shu; Sun, Honghao

    2018-03-01

    Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with polyacrylamide (PAM) were synthesized. The magnetic core, with an average hydrodynamic size of 235.5 nm, allowed the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) rapid separation from solutions under an external magnetic field. NTA-Ni2+ was modified on the surface of Fe3O4/PAM MNPs to selectively trap his-tagged green fluorescent protein (GFP). The results showed that Fe3O4/PAM/NTA-Ni2+ MNPs exhibited remarkable capability of selective binding and separating his-tagged GFP. The adsorption efficiency was 93.37%.

  9. Multiple-interactions among EMILIN1 and EMILIN2 N- and C-terminal domains.

    PubMed

    Bot, Simonetta; Andreuzzi, Eva; Capuano, Alessandra; Schiavinato, Alvise; Colombatti, Alfonso; Doliana, Roberto

    2015-01-01

    EMILIN1 and EMILIN2 belong to a family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins characterized by the N-terminal cysteine-rich EMI domain, a long segment with high probabilty for coiled-coil structure formation and a C-terminal gC1q domain. To study EMILIN1 and EMILIN2 interaction and assembly we have applied qualitative and quantitative two hybrid systems using constructs corresponding to the gC1q and EMI domains. The identified interactions were further confirmed in yeast extracts of co-transfected cells followed by co-immunoprecipitation. The data indicated that gC1q domains are able to self-interact as well as to interact one each other and with the EMI domains, but no self interactions were detected between the EMI domains. Furthermore EMILINs interactions were studied in 293-EBNA cells co-transfected with full lenght EMILIN1 and EMILIN2 constructs. Specific antibodies were able to co-immunoprecipitate EMILINs, indicating that also full-lenght proteins can give rise to non-covalent homo- and hetero-multimers even if reduced and alkylated before mixing. Immunofluorescence analysis on mouse cell cultures and tissues sections with specific antibodies showed co-distribution of EMILIN1 and EMILIN2. Thus, we can hypothesize that EMILINs multimers are formed by head-to-tail interaction between C-terminal and N-terminal domains of EMILIN1 and/or EMILIN2 but also by tail-to-tail interaction between gC1q domains. These multiple interactions may regulate homo-typic and/or hetero-typic linear and eventually lateral branching assemblies of EMILIN1 and EMILIN2 in tissues. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Identification of a small molecule yeast TORC1 inhibitor with a multiplex screen based on flow cytometry.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jun; Young, Susan M; Allen, Chris; Seeber, Andrew; Péli-Gulli, Marie-Pierre; Panchaud, Nicolas; Waller, Anna; Ursu, Oleg; Yao, Tuanli; Golden, Jennifer E; Strouse, J Jacob; Carter, Mark B; Kang, Huining; Bologa, Cristian G; Foutz, Terry D; Edwards, Bruce S; Peterson, Blake R; Aubé, Jeffrey; Werner-Washburne, Margaret; Loewith, Robbie J; De Virgilio, Claudio; Sklar, Larry A

    2012-04-20

    TOR (target of rapamycin) is a serine/threonine kinase, evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human, which functions as a fundamental controller of cell growth. The moderate clinical benefit of rapamycin in mTOR-based therapy of many cancers favors the development of new TOR inhibitors. Here we report a high-throughput flow cytometry multiplexed screen using five GFP-tagged yeast clones that represent the readouts of four branches of the TORC1 signaling pathway in budding yeast. Each GFP-tagged clone was differentially color-coded, and the GFP signal of each clone was measured simultaneously by flow cytometry, which allows rapid prioritization of compounds that likely act through direct modulation of TORC1 or proximal signaling components. A total of 255 compounds were confirmed in dose-response analysis to alter GFP expression in one or more clones. To validate the concept of the high-throughput screen, we have characterized CID 3528206, a small molecule most likely to act on TORC1 as it alters GFP expression in all five GFP clones in a manner analogous to that of rapamycin. We have shown that CID 3528206 inhibited yeast cell growth and that CID 3528206 inhibited TORC1 activity both in vitro and in vivo with EC(50)'s of 150 nM and 3.9 μM, respectively. The results of microarray analysis and yeast GFP collection screen further support the notion that CID 3528206 and rapamycin modulate similar cellular pathways. Together, these results indicate that the HTS has identified a potentially useful small molecule for further development of TOR inhibitors.

  11. Identifying interacting proteins of a Caenorhabditis elegans voltage-gated chloride channel CLH-1 using GFP-Trap and mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Zi-Liang; Jiang, Jing; Yin, Jiang-An; Cai, Shi-Qing

    2014-06-25

    Chloride channels belong to a superfamily of ion channels that permit passive passage of anions, mainly chloride, across cell membrane. They play a variety of important physiological roles in regulation of cytosolic pH, cell volume homeostasis, organic solute transport, cell migration, cell proliferation, and differentiation. However, little is known about the functional regulation of these channels. In this study, we generated an integrated transgenic worm strain expressing green fluorescence protein (GFP) fused CLC-type chloride channel 1 (CLH-1::GFP), a voltage-gated chloride channel in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). CLH-1::GFP was expressed in some unidentified head neurons and posterior intestinal cells of C. elegans. Interacting proteins of CLH-1::GFP were purified by GFP-Trap, a novel system for efficient isolation of GFP fusion proteins and their interacting factors. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis revealed that a total of 27 high probability interacting proteins were co-trapped with CLHp-1::GFP. Biochemical evidence showed that eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 (EEF-1), one of these co-trapped proteins identified by MS, physically interacted with CLH-1, in consistent with GFP-Trap experiments. Further immunostaining data revealed that the protein level of CLH-1 was significantly increased upon co-expression with EEF-1. These results suggest that the combination of GFP-Trap purification with MS is an excellent tool to identify novel interacting proteins of voltage-gated chloride channels in C. elegans. Our data also show that EEF-1 is a regulator of voltage-gated chloride channel CLH-1.

  12. Add-on therapy with anagliptin in Japanese patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus treated with metformin and miglitol can maintain higher concentrations of biologically active GLP-1/total GIP and a lower concentration of leptin.

    PubMed

    Osonoi, Takeshi; Saito, Miyoko; Hariya, Natsuyo; Goto, Moritaka; Mochizuki, Kazuki

    2016-12-01

    Metformin, α-glucosidase inhibitors (α-GIs), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4Is) reduce hyperglycemia without excessive insulin secretion, and enhance postprandial plasma concentration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. We assessed add-on therapeutic effects of DPP-4I anagliptin in Japanese T2DM patients treated with metformin, an α-GI miglitol, or both drugs on postprandial responses of GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and on plasma concentration of the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin. Forty-two Japanese T2DM patients with inadequately controlled disease (HbA1c: 6.5%-8.0%) treated with metformin (n=14), miglitol (n=14) or a combination of the two drugs (n=14) received additional treatment with anagliptin (100mg, p.o., b.i.d.) for 52 weeks. We assessed glycemic control, postprandial responses of GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and on plasma concentration of leptin in those patients. Add-on therapy with anagliptin for 52 weeks improved glycemic control and increased the area under the curve of biologically active GLP-1 concentration without altering obesity indicators. Total GIP concentration at 52 weeks was reduced by add-on therapy in groups treated with miglitol compared with those treated with metformin. Add-on therapy reduced leptin concentrations. Add-on therapy with anagliptin in Japanese T2DM patients treated with metformin and miglitol for 52 weeks improved glycemic control and enhanced postprandial concentrations of active GLP-1/total GIP, and reduce the leptin concentration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Variable expression of GFP in different populations of peripheral cholinergic neurons of ChATBAC-eGFP transgenic mice.

    PubMed

    Brown, T Christopher; Bond, Cherie E; Hoover, Donald B

    2018-03-01

    Immunohistochemistry is used widely to identify cholinergic neurons, but this approach has some limitations. To address these problems, investigators developed transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) directed by the promoter for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the acetylcholine synthetic enzyme. Although, it was reported that these mice express GFP in all cholinergic neurons and non-neuronal cholinergic cells, we could not detect GFP in cardiac cholinergic nerves in preliminary experiments. Our goals for this study were to confirm our initial observation and perform a qualitative screen of other representative autonomic structures for the presences of GFP in cholinergic innervation of effector tissues. We evaluated GFP fluorescence of intact, unfixed tissues and the cellular localization of GFP and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), a specific cholinergic marker, in tissue sections and intestinal whole mounts. Our experiments identified two major tissues where cholinergic neurons and/or nerve fibers lacked GFP: 1) most cholinergic neurons of the intrinsic cardiac ganglia and all cholinergic nerve fibers in the heart and 2) most cholinergic nerve fibers innervating airway smooth muscle. Most cholinergic neurons in airway ganglia stained for GFP. Cholinergic systems in the bladder and intestines were fully delineated by GFP staining. GFP labeling of input to ganglia with long preganglionic projections (vagal) was sparse or weak, while that to ganglia with short preganglionic projections (spinal) was strong. Total absence of GFP might be due to splicing out of the GFP gene. Lack of GFP in nerve projections from GFP-positive cell bodies might reflect a transport deficiency. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Total PYY and GLP-1 in Healthy Females: A Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Hallworth, Jillian R; Copeland, Jennifer L; Doan, Jon; Hazell, Tom J

    2017-01-01

    We compared the acute response of anorexigenic signals (total PYY and GLP-1) in response to submaximal and supramaximal exercise. Nine females completed three sessions: (1) moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; 30 min; 65%  VO 2max ); (2) sprint interval training (SIT; 6 × 30 sec "all-out" cycling sprints with 4 min recovery); or (3) control (CTRL; no exercise). PYY and GLP-1 were measured via blood samples drawn before, immediately after, and 90 min after exercise. Perceptions of hunger were rated using a visual analogue scale at all blood sampling time points. There was a session × time interaction for GLP-1 ( p = 0.004) where SIT and MICT ( p < 0.015 and p < 0.001) were higher compared to CTRL both immediately and 90 min after exercise. There was a main effect of time for PYY where 90 min after exercise it was decreased versus before and immediately after exercise. There was a session × time interaction for hunger with lower ratings following SIT versus MICT ( p = 0.027) and CTRL ( p = 0.031) 90 min after exercise. These results suggest that though GLP-1 is elevated after exercise in women, it is not affected by exercise intensity though hunger was lower 90 min after exercise with SIT. As the sample size is small further study is needed to confirm these findings.

  15. Involvement of histone methyltransferase GLP in HIV-1 latency through catalysis of H3K9 dimethylation

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

    Ding, Donglin; Qu, Xiying; Li, Lin

    Understanding the mechanism of HIV-1 latency is crucial to eradication of the viral reservoir in HIV-1-infected individuals. However, the role of histone methyltransferase (HMT) G9a-like protein (GLP) in HIV-1 latency is still unclear. In the present work, we established four clonal cell lines containing HIV-1 vector. We found that the integration sites of most clonal cell lines favored active gene regions. However, we also observed hypomethylation of CpG of HIV 5′LTR in all four clonal cell lines. Additionally, 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine (MTA), a broad-spectrum histone methyltransferase inhibitor, was used to examine the role of histone methylation in HIV-1 latency. MTA was foundmore » to decrease the level of H3K9 dimethylation, causing reactivation of latent HIV-1 in C11 cells. GLP knockdown by small interfering RNA clearly induced HIV-1 LTR expression. Results suggest that GLP may play a significant role in the maintenance of HIV-1 latency by catalyzing dimethylation of H3K9. - Highlights: ► We have established an in vitro model of HIV-1 latency. ► The integration sites of most clonal cell lines favor in active gene regions. ► Hypomethylation occurs in CpG islands of HIV 5′LTR in all four clonal cell lines. ► MTA can reactivate latent HIV-1 by decreasing the level of H3K9 me2 in C11 cells. ► HMT GLP may play a significant role in the maintenance of HIV-1 latency.« less

  16. phyA-GFP is spectroscopically and photochemically similar to phyA and comprises both its native types, phyA' and phyA''.

    PubMed

    Sineshchekov, Vitaly; Sudnitsin, Artem; Ádám, Éva; Schäfer, Eberhard; Viczián, András

    2014-12-01

    Low-temperature fluorescence investigations of phyA-GFP used in experiments on its nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning were carried out. In etiolated hypocotyls of phyA-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana expressing phyA-GFP, it was found that it is similar to phyA in spectroscopic parameters with both its native types, phyA' and phyA'', present and their ratio shifted towards phyA'. In transgenic tobacco hypocotyls, native phyA and rice phyA-GFP were also identical to phyA in the wild type whereas phyA-GFP belonged primarily to the phyA' type. Finally, truncated oat Δ6-12 phyA-GFP expressed in phyA-deficient Arabidopsis was represented by the phyA' type in contrast to full-length oat phyA-GFP with an approximately equal proportion of the two phyA types. This correlates with a previous observation that Δ6-12 phyA-GFP can form only numerous tiny subnuclear speckles while its wild-type counterpart can also localize into bigger and fewer subnuclear protein complexes. Thus, phyA-GFP is spectroscopically and photochemically similar or identical to the native phyA, suggesting that the GFP tag does not affect the chromophore. phyA-GFP comprises phyA'-GFP and phyA''-GFP, suggesting that both of them are potential participants in nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning, which may contribute to its complexity.

  17. Excited state proton transfer in strongly enhanced GFP (sGFP2).

    PubMed

    van Oort, Bart; ter Veer, Mirelle J T; Groot, Marie Louise; van Stokkum, Ivo H M

    2012-07-07

    Proton transfer is an elementary process in biology. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) has served as an important model system to elucidate the mechanistic details of this reaction, because in GFP proton transfer can be induced by light absorption. We have used pump-dump-probe spectroscopy to study how proton transfer through the 'proton-wire' around the chromophore is affected by a combination of mutations in a modern GFP variety (sGFP2). The results indicate that in H(2)O, after absorption of a photon, a proton is transferred (A* → I*) in 5 ps, and back-transferred from a ground state intermediate (I → A) in 0.3 ns, similar to time constants found with GFPuv, although sGFP2 shows less heterogeneous proton transfer. This suggests that the mutations left the proton-transfer largely unchanged, indicating the robustness of the proton-wire. We used pump-dump-probe spectroscopy in combination with target analysis to probe suitability of the sGFP2 fluorophore for super-resolution microscopy.

  18. GLP-2: A POORLY UNDERSTOOD MEDIATOR ENROLLED IN VARIOUS BARIATRIC/METABOLIC SURGERY-RELATED PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISMS.

    PubMed

    Cazzo, Everton; Gestic, Martinho Antonio; Utrini, Murillo Pimentel; Chaim, Felipe David Mendonça; Geloneze, Bruno; Pareja, José Carlos; Chaim, Elinton Adami; Magro, Daniéla Oliveira

    2016-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a gastrointestinal hormone whose effects are predominantly trophic on the intestinal mucosa. Critically evaluate the current literature on the influence of bariatric/metabolic surgery on the levels of GLP-2 and its potential clinical implications. s: Narrative review through online research on the databases Medline and Lilacs. There were six prospective human studies, two cross-sectional human studies, and three experimental animal studies selected. There is evidence demonstrating significant increase in the levels of GLP-2 following gastric bypass, Scopinaro operation, and sleeve gastrectomy. There are no differences between gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in regards to the increase in the GLP-2 levels. There is no correlation between the postoperative levels of GLP-2 and the occurrence of adequate or insufficient postoperative weight loss. GLP-2 plays significant roles on the regulation of nutrient absorption, permeability of gut mucosa, control of bone resorption, and regulation of satiety. The overall impact of these effects potentially exerts a significant adaptive or compensatory effect within the context of varied bariatric surgical techniques. O peptídeo semelhante ao glucagon-2 (GLP-2) é hormônio gastrointestinal com efeitos predominantemente tróficos sobre a mucosa intestinal. Avaliar criticamente a literatura atual a respeito da cirurgia bariátrica/metabólica sobre os níveis de GLP-2 e suas potenciais implicações clínicas. Revisão narrativa realizada através de pesquisa on-line nas bases de dados Medline e LILACS. Foram selecionados seis estudos prospectivos em humanos, dois transversais em humanos e três experimentais em animais. Existem evidências demonstrando aumento significativo nos níveis de GLP-2 após o bypass gástrico, a operação de Scopinaro e a gastrectomia vertical. Não foram observadas diferenças entre o bypass gástrico e a gastrectomia vertical em relação ao aumento do GLP-2

  19. At the centennial of Michaelis and Menten, competing Michaelis-Menten steps explain effect of GLP-1 on blood-brain transfer and metabolism of glucose.

    PubMed

    Gejl, Michael; Rungby, Jørgen; Brock, Birgitte; Gjedde, Albert

    2014-08-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a potent insulinotropic incretin hormone with both pancreatic and extrapancreatic effects. Studies of GLP-1 reveal significant effects in regions of brain tissue that regulate appetite and satiety. GLP-1 mimetics are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. GLP-1 interacts with peripheral functions in which the autonomic nervous system plays an important role, and emerging pre-clinical findings indicate a potential neuroprotective role of the peptide, for example in models of stroke and in neurodegenerative disorders. A century ago, Leonor Michaelis and Maud Menten described the steady-state enzyme kinetics that still apply to the multiple receptors, transporters and enzymes that define the biochemical reactions of the brain, including the glucose-dependent impact of GLP-1 on blood-brain glucose transfer and metabolism. This MiniReview examines the potential of GLP-1 as a molecule of interest for the understanding of brain energy metabolism and with reference to the impact on brain metabolism related to appetite and satiety regulation, stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. These effects can be understood only by reference to the original formulation of the Michaelis-Menten equation as applied to a chain of kinetically controlled steps. Indeed, the effects of GLP-1 receptor activation on blood-brain glucose transfer and brain metabolism of glucose depend on the glucose concentration and relative affinities of the steps both in vitro and in vivo, as in the pancreas. © 2014 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

  20. Central GLP-2 enhances hepatic insulin sensitivity via activating PI3K signaling in POMC neurons.

    PubMed

    Shi, Xuemei; Zhou, Fuguo; Li, Xiaojie; Chang, Benny; Li, Depei; Wang, Yi; Tong, Qingchun; Xu, Yong; Fukuda, Makoto; Zhao, Jean J; Li, Defa; Burrin, Douglas G; Chan, Lawrence; Guan, Xinfu

    2013-07-02

    Glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1/GLP-2) are coproduced and highlighted as key modulators to improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity after bariatric surgery. However, it is unknown if CNS GLP-2 plays any physiological role in the control of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. We show that mice lacking GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) in POMC neurons display glucose intolerance and hepatic insulin resistance. GLP-2R activation in POMC neurons is required for GLP-2 to enhance insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production (HGP) and gluconeogenesis. GLP-2 directly modulates excitability of POMC neurons in GLP-2R- and PI3K-dependent manners. GLP-2 initiates GLP-2R-p85α interaction and facilitates PI3K-Akt-dependent FoxO1 nuclear exclusion in POMC neurons. Central GLP-2 suppresses basal HGP and enhances insulin sensitivity, which are abolished in POMC-p110α KO mice. Thus, CNS GLP-2 plays a key physiological role in the control of HGP through activating PI3K-dependent modulation of membrane excitability and nuclear transcription of POMC neurons in the brain. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. EGO-1, a Putative RNA-Directed RNA Polymerase, Promotes Germline Proliferation in Parallel With GLP-1/Notch Signaling and Regulates the Spatial Organization of Nuclear Pore Complexes and Germline P Granules in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Vought, Valarie E.; Ohmachi, Mitsue; Lee, Min-Ho; Maine, Eleanor M.

    2005-01-01

    Caenorhabditis elegans EGO-1, a putative cellular RNA-directed RNA polymerase, promotes several aspects of germline development, including proliferation, meiosis, and gametogenesis, and ensures a robust response to RNA interference. In C. elegans, GLP-1/Notch signaling from the somatic gonad maintains a population of proliferating germ cells, while entry of germ cells into meiosis is triggered by the GLD-1 and GLD-2 pathways. GLP-1 signaling prevents germ cells from entering meiosis by inhibiting GLD-1 and GLD-2 activity. We originally identified the ego-1 gene on the basis of a genetic interaction with glp-1. Here, we investigate the role of ego-1 in germline proliferation. Our data indicate that EGO-1 does not positively regulate GLP-1 protein levels or GLP-1 signaling activity. Moreover, GLP-1 signaling does not positively regulate EGO-1 activity. EGO-1 does not inhibit expression of GLD-1 protein in the distal germline. Instead, EGO-1 acts in parallel with GLP-1 signaling to influence the proliferation vs. meiosis fate choice. Moreover, EGO-1 and GLD-1 act in parallel to ensure germline health. Finally, the size and distribution of nuclear pore complexes and perinuclear P granules are altered in the absence of EGO-1, effects that disrupt germ cell biology per se and probably limit germline growth. PMID:15911573

  2. Extended Stokes shift in fluorescent proteins: chromophore-protein interactions in a near-infrared TagRFP675 variant.

    PubMed

    Piatkevich, Kiryl D; Malashkevich, Vladimir N; Morozova, Kateryna S; Nemkovich, Nicolai A; Almo, Steven C; Verkhusha, Vladislav V

    2013-01-01

    Most GFP-like fluorescent proteins exhibit small Stokes shifts (10-45 nm) due to rigidity of the chromophore environment that excludes non-fluorescent relaxation to a ground state. An unusual near-infrared derivative of the red fluorescent protein mKate, named TagRFP675, exhibits the Stokes shift, which is 30 nm extended comparing to that of the parental protein. In physiological conditions, TagRFP675 absorbs at 598 nm and emits at 675 nm that makes it the most red-shifted protein of the GFP-like protein family. In addition, its emission maximum strongly depends on the excitation wavelength. Structures of TagRFP675 revealed the common DsRed-like chromophore, which, however, interacts with the protein matrix via an extensive network of hydrogen bonds capable of large flexibility. Based on the spectroscopic, biochemical, and structural analysis we suggest that the rearrangement of the hydrogen bond interactions between the chromophore and the protein matrix is responsible for the TagRFP675 spectral properties.

  3. Pulmonary delivery of a GLP-1 receptor agonist, BMS-686117.

    PubMed

    Qian, Feng; Mathias, Neil; Moench, Paul; Chi, Cecilia; Desikan, Sridhar; Hussain, Munir; Smith, Ronald L

    2009-01-21

    Alternate delivery route of therapeutic peptides is an attractive non-invasive option to patients who must chronically self-administer their medication through injections. In recent years, much attention has centered on pulmonary peptide delivery of peptide drugs such as insulin and GLP-1 mimetic peptides in the treatment of type II diabetes. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of delivering BMS-686117, an 11-mer GLP-1 receptor peptide agonist, to the lung in rats via intratracheal administration. The pharmacokinetic profiles of three spray-dried, prototype inhaled powder formulations, 80/20 BMS-686117/trehalose (I), 100% BMS-686117 (II), and 20/80 BMS-686117/mannitol (III), as well as a lyophilized BMS-686117 powder, were compared with intravenously and subcutaneously administered peptide. The spray-dried formulations were mostly spherical particles with narrow particle size distribution between 2 to 10 microm, which are better suited for inhalation delivery than the lyophilized, irregular shape powder with a wide particle size distribution between 2 to 100 microm. Prototype III exhibited the best physical characteristics and in vivo performance, with bioavailability of 45% relative to subcutaneous administration. The T(max) for lung delivered peptide formulations were almost twice as fast as subcutaneous injection, suggesting potential for rapid absorption and onset of action. This study demonstrated that pulmonary delivery is a promising, non-invasive route for the administration of BMS-686117.

  4. The effect of excess expression of GFP in a novel heart-specific green fluorescence zebrafish regulated by nppa enhancer at early embryonic development.

    PubMed

    Huang, Wen; Deng, Yun; Dong, Wei; Yuan, Wuzhou; Wan, Yongqi; Mo, Xiaoyan; Li, Yongqing; Wang, Zequn; Wang, Yuequn; Ocorr, Karen; Zhang, Bo; Lin, Shuo; Wu, Xiushan

    2011-02-01

    In order to study the impalpable effect of GFP in homozygous heart-specific GFP-positive zebrafish during the early stage, the researchers analyzed the heart function of morphology and physiology at the first 3 days after fertilization. This zebrafish line was produced by a large-scale Tol2 transposon mediated enhancer trap screen that generated a transgenic zebrafish with a heart-specific expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged under control of the nppa enhancer. In situ hybridization experiments showed that the nppa:GFP line faithfully recapitulated both the spatial and temporal expressions of the endogenous nppa. Green fluorescence was intensively and specifically expressed in the myocardial cells located both in the heart chambers and in the atrioventricular canal. The embryonic heart of nppa:GFP line developed normally compared with those in the wild type. There was no difference between the nappa:GFP and wild type lines with respect to heart rate, overall size, ejection volume, and fractional shortening. Thus the excess expression of GFP in this transgenic line seemed to exert no detrimental effects on zebrafish hearts during the early stages.

  5. Expression, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analyses of two N-terminal acetyltransferase-related proteins from Thermoplasma acidophilum

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

    Han, Sang Hee; Ha, Jun Yong; Kim, Kyoung Hoon

    2006-11-01

    An N-terminal acetyltransferase ARD1 subunit-related protein (Ta0058) and an N-terminal acetyltransferase-related protein (Ta1140) from T. acidophilum were crystallized. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.17 and 2.40 Å, respectively. N-terminal acetylation is one of the most common protein modifications in eukaryotes, occurring in approximately 80–90% of cytosolic mammalian proteins and about 50% of yeast proteins. ARD1 (arrest-defective protein 1), together with NAT1 (N-acetyltransferase protein 1) and possibly NAT5, is responsible for the NatA activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In mammals, ARD1 is involved in cell proliferation, neuronal development and cancer. Interestingly, it has been reported that mouse ARD1 (mARD1{sup 225}) mediatesmore » ∊-acetylation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and thereby enhances HIF-1α ubiquitination and degradation. Here, the preliminary X-ray crystallographic analyses of two N-terminal acetyltransferase-related proteins encoded by the Ta0058 and Ta1140 genes of Thermoplasma acidophilum are reported. The Ta0058 protein is related to an N-terminal acetyltransferase complex ARD1 subunit, while Ta1140 is a putative N-terminal acetyltransferase-related protein. Ta0058 shows 26% amino-acid sequence identity to both mARD1{sup 225} and human ARD1{sup 235}.The sequence identity between Ta0058 and Ta1140 is 28%. Ta0058 and Ta1140 were overexpressed in Escherichia coli fused with an N-terminal purification tag. Ta0058 was crystallized at 297 K using a reservoir solution consisting of 0.1 M sodium acetate pH 4.6, 8%(w/v) polyethylene glycol 4000 and 35%(v/v) glycerol. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.17 Å. The Ta0058 crystals belong to space group P4{sub 1} (or P4{sub 3}), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 49.334, c = 70.384 Å, α = β = γ = 90°. The asymmetric unit contains a monomer, giving a calculated crystal volume per protein weight (V{sub M}) of 2.13 Å{sup 3} Da{sup −1} and a solvent

  6. Efficient sortase-mediated N-terminal labeling of TEV protease cleaved recombinant proteins.

    PubMed

    Sarpong, Kwabena; Bose, Ron

    2017-03-15

    A major challenge in attaching fluorophores or other handles to proteins is the availability of a site-specific labeling strategy that provides stoichiometric modification without compromising protein integrity. We developed a simple approach that combines TEV protease cleavage, sortase modification and affinity purification to N-terminally label proteins. To achieve stoichiometrically-labeled protein, we included a short affinity tag in the fluorophore-containing peptide for post-labeling purification of the modified protein. This strategy can be easily applied to any recombinant protein with a TEV site and we demonstrate this on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Membrane Scaffold Protein (MSP) constructs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Central GLP-2 enhances hepatic insulin sensitivity via activating PI3K signaling in POMC neurons

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Xuemei; Zhou, Fuguo; Li, Xiaojie; Chang, Benny; Li, Depei; Wang, Yi; Tong, Qingchun; Xu, Yong; Fukuda, Makoto; Zhao, Jean J.; Li, Defa; Burrin, Douglas G.; Chan, Lawrence; Guan, Xinfu

    2013-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1/2) are co-produced and highlighted as key modulators to improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity after bariatric surgery. However, it is unknown if CNS GLP-2 plays any physiological role in the control of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. We show that mice lacking GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) in POMC neurons display glucose intolerance and hepatic insulin resistance. GLP-2R activation in POMC neurons is required for GLP-2 to enhance insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production (HGP) and gluconeogenesis. GLP-2 directly modulates excitability of POMC neurons in GLP-2R- and PI3K-dependent manners. GLP-2 initiates GLP-2R-p85α interaction and facilitates PI3K-Akt-dependent FoxO1 nuclear exclusion in POMC neurons. Central GLP-2 suppresses basal HGP and enhances insulin sensitivity, which are abolished in POMC-p110α KO mice. Thus, CNS GLP-2 plays a key physiological role in the control of hepatic glucose production through activating PI3K-dependent modulation of membrane excitability and nuclear transcription of POMC neurons in the brain. PMID:23823479

  8. Transmission of Mannheimia haemolytica from domestic sheep (Ovis aries) to bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis): unequivocal demonstration with green fluorescent protein-tagged organisms.

    PubMed

    Lawrence, Paulraj K; Shanthalingam, Sudarvili; Dassanayake, Rohana P; Subramaniam, Renuka; Herndon, Caroline N; Knowles, Donald P; Rurangirwa, Fred R; Foreyt, William J; Wayman, Gary; Marciel, Ann Marie; Highlander, Sarah K; Srikumaran, Subramaniam

    2010-07-01

    Previous studies demonstrated that bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) died of pneumonia when commingled with domestic sheep (Ovis aries) but did not conclusively prove that the responsible pathogens were transmitted from domestic to bighorn sheep. The objective of this study was to determine, unambiguously, whether Mannheimia haemolytica can be transmitted from domestic to bighorn sheep when they commingle. Four isolates of M. haemolytica were obtained from the pharynx of two of four domestic sheep and tagged with a plasmid carrying the genes for green fluorescent protein (GFP) and ampicillin resistance (AP(R)). Four domestic sheep, colonized with the tagged bacteria, were kept about 10 m apart from four bighorn sheep for 1 mo with no clinical signs of pneumonia observed in the bighorn sheep during that period. The domestic and bighorn sheep were then allowed to have fence-line contact for 2 mo. During that period, three bighorn sheep acquired the tagged bacteria from the domestic sheep. At the end of the 2 mo of fence-line contact, the animals were allowed to commingle. All four bighorn sheep died 2 days to 9 days following commingling. The lungs from all four bighorn sheep showed gross and histopathologic lesions characteristic of M. haemolytica pneumonia. Tagged M. haemolytica were isolated from all four bighorn sheep, as confirmed by growth in ampicillin-containing culture medium, PCR-amplification of genes encoding GFP and Ap(R), and immunofluorescent staining of GFP. These results unequivocally demonstrate transmission of M. haemolytica from domestic to bighorn sheep, resulting in pneumonia and death of bighorn sheep.

  9. Generation of the Fluorescent HMGB1-GFP Fusion Protein in Insect Cells and Evaluation of its Immunogenicity in Two Mice Models.

    PubMed

    Anvar, Ali; Vahabpour, Rouhollah; Salahshourifar, Iman; Bolhassani, Azam

    2017-01-01

    High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved protein present in the nuclei and cytoplasm of cells which has an important role as a mediator of inflammation in the extracellular environment. HMGB1 was identified as an innate adjuvant that induces immune responses against soluble antigens in vivo. Our goal is the generation of recombinant HMGB1-GFP fusion protein in insect cells for evaluation of immune responses in mouse model. In the current study, we used a baculovirus expression system for insect cells that was based on expression of HMGB1 with target gene (GFP), and purified the recombinant HMGB1- GFP fusion protein. We then demonstrated whether immunogenicity of GFP changes in the presence or absence of recombinant HMGB1 acting as an adjuvant in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Our data showed that HMGB1 had a major influence on antibody immune responses induced by GFP in both animal models. The groups receiving HMGB1-GFP fusion protein showed total IgG and IgG2a responses significantly higher than IgG1 in BALB/c mice. Indeed, a mixed IgG1/IgG2a response was observed with high intensity toward IgG2a. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice immunized by HMGB1-GFP protein elicited the same levels of IgG1 and IgG2a. However, the levels of IgG2a and total IgG against the recombinant GFP (rGFP) in C57BL/6 mice were lower than those in BALB/c mice. We concluded that fusion of HMGB1 with GFP was immunologically more effective than GFP alone. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  10. Use of GFP for in vivo imaging: concepts and misconceptions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoffman, Robert M.

    2008-02-01

    Although GFP and fluorescent proteins are used extensively for in vivo imaging, there are many misconceptions about GFP imaging especially compared to luciferase. GFP is not toxic, indeed, transgenic animals with GFP expressed in every cell (1) live as long as non-transgenic animals. Cancer cells with GFP are as aggressive and malignant as the cells without GFP (2-4). Cell lines can be made very bright with fluorescent proteins with no toxicity. The in vivo signal from fluorescent proteins is at least 1,000 times greater than luciferase (5). GFP is so bright that a single molecule of GFP can be seen in a bacterium (6). GFP can be observed through the skin on deep organs (7). Skin autofluorescence presents no problem for in vivo GFP imaging with proper filters (8). Fur can be rapidly clipped removing this autofluorescence (9). GFP is readily quantified by the image area which correlates to tumor volume (10). There are now numerous clones of GFP, RFP, YFP and proteins that change color (11) that can be used in vivo.

  11. GFP Transgenic Medaka (Oryzias latipes) under the Inducible cyp1a Promoter Provide a Sensitive and Convenient Biological Indicator for the Presence of TCDD and Other Persistent Organic Chemicals

    PubMed Central

    Ng, Grace Hwee Boon; Gong, Zhiyuan

    2013-01-01

    Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are resistant to environmental degradation and can cause multitude of health problems. Cytochrome P450 1A (Cyp1a) is often up-regulated by POPs through the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway and is thus usually used as a biomarker for xenobiotics exposure. To develop a convenient in vivo tool to monitor xenobiotic contamination in the water, we have established GFP transgenic medaka using the inducible cyp1a promoter, Tg(cyp1a:gfp). Here we tested Tg(cyp1a:gfp) medaka at three different stages, prehatching embryos, newly hatched fry and adult with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodiebnzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a dioxin. While GFP induction was observed in all three stages, newly hatched fry were the most sensitive with the lowest observed effective concentration of 0.005 nM or 16.1 ng/L. The highly sensitive organs included the kidney, liver and intestine. With high concentrations of TCDD, several other organs such as the olfactory pit, tail fin, gills, lateral line neuromast cells and blood vessels also showed GFP expression. In addition, Tg(cyp1a:gfp) medaka fry also responded to two other AhR agonists, 3-methylcholanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene, for GFP induction, but no significant GFP induction was observed towards several other chemicals tested, indicating the specificity of this transgenic line. The GFP inducibility of Tg(cyp1a:gfp) medaka at both fry and adult stages may be useful for development of high-throughput assays as well as online water monitoring system to detect xenobiotic toxicity. PMID:23700472

  12. Acute activation of GLP-1-expressing neurons promotes glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Glucagon-like peptides are co-released from enteroendocrine L cells in the gut and preproglucagon (PPG) neurons in the Brainstem. PPG-derived GLP-1/2 are probably key neuroendocrine signals for the control of energy balance and glucose Homeostasis. The objective of this study was to determine whethe...

  13. TRV-GFP: a modified Tobacco rattle virus vector for efficient and visualizable analysis of gene function.

    PubMed

    Tian, Ji; Pei, Haixia; Zhang, Shuai; Chen, Jiwei; Chen, Wen; Yang, Ruoyun; Meng, Yonglu; You, Jie; Gao, Junping; Ma, Nan

    2014-01-01

    Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a useful tool for functional characterization of genes in plants. Unfortunately, the efficiency of infection by Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) is relatively low for some non-Solanaceae plants, which are economically important, such as rose (Rosa sp.). Here, to generate an easy traceable TRV vector, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was tagged to the 3' terminus of the coat protein gene in the original TRV2 vector, and the silencing efficiency of the modified TRV-GFP vector was tested in several plants, including Nicotiana benthamiana, Arabidopsis thaliana, rose, strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), and chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum). The results showed that the efficiency of infection by TRV-GFP was equal to that of the original TRV vector in each tested plant. Spread of the modified TRV virus was easy to monitor by using fluorescent microscopy and a hand-held UV lamp. When TRV-GFP was used to silence the endogenous phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene in rose cuttings and seedlings, the typical photobleached phenotype was observed in 75-80% plants which were identified as GFP positive by UV lamp. In addition, the abundance of GFP protein, which represented the concentration of TRV virus, was proved to correlate negatively with the level of the PDS gene, suggesting that GFP could be used as an indicator of the degree of silencing of a target gene. Taken together, this work provides a visualizable and efficient tool to predict positive gene silencing plants, which is valuable for research into gene function in plants, especially for non-Solanaceae plants.

  14. TRV–GFP: a modified Tobacco rattle virus vector for efficient and visualizable analysis of gene function

    PubMed Central

    Tian, Ji; Pei, Haixia; Ma, Nan

    2014-01-01

    Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a useful tool for functional characterization of genes in plants. Unfortunately, the efficiency of infection by Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) is relatively low for some non-Solanaceae plants, which are economically important, such as rose (Rosa sp.). Here, to generate an easy traceable TRV vector, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was tagged to the 3’ terminus of the coat protein gene in the original TRV2 vector, and the silencing efficiency of the modified TRV–GFP vector was tested in several plants, including Nicotiana benthamiana, Arabidopsis thaliana, rose, strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), and chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum). The results showed that the efficiency of infection by TRV–GFP was equal to that of the original TRV vector in each tested plant. Spread of the modified TRV virus was easy to monitor by using fluorescent microscopy and a hand-held UV lamp. When TRV–GFP was used to silence the endogenous phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene in rose cuttings and seedlings, the typical photobleached phenotype was observed in 75–80% plants which were identified as GFP positive by UV lamp. In addition, the abundance of GFP protein, which represented the concentration of TRV virus, was proved to correlate negatively with the level of the PDS gene, suggesting that GFP could be used as an indicator of the degree of silencing of a target gene. Taken together, this work provides a visualizable and efficient tool to predict positive gene silencing plants, which is valuable for research into gene function in plants, especially for non-Solanaceae plants. PMID:24218330

  15. Overexpression of YB1 C-terminal domain inhibits proliferation, angiogenesis and tumorigenicity in a SK-BR-3 breast cancer xenograft mouse model.

    PubMed

    Shi, Jian-Hong; Cui, Nai-Peng; Wang, Shuo; Zhao, Ming-Zhi; Wang, Bing; Wang, Ya-Nan; Chen, Bao-Ping

    2016-01-01

    Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB1) is a multifunctional transcription factor with vital roles in proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In this study, we have examined the role of its C-terminal domain (YB1 CTD) in proliferation, angiogenesis and tumorigenicity in breast cancer. Breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3 was infected with GFP-tagged YB1 CTD adenovirus expression vector. An 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) proliferation assay showed that YB1 CTD decreased SK-BR-3 cell proliferation, and down-regulated cyclin B1 and up-regulated p21 levels in SK-BR-3 cells. YB1 CTD overexpression changed the cytoskeletal organization and slightly inhibited the migration of SK-BR-3 cells. YB1 CTD also inhibited secreted VEGF expression in SK-BR-3 cells, which decreased SK-BR-3-induced EA.hy926 endothelial cell angiogenesis in vitro. YB1 CTD overexpression attenuated the ability of SK-BR-3 cells to form tumours in nude mice, and decreased in vivo VEGF levels and angiogenesis in the xenografts in SK-BR-3 tumour-bearing mice. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the vital role of YB1 CTD overexpression in inhibiting proliferation, angiogenesis and tumorigenicity of breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3.

  16. Select human cancer mutants of NRMT1 alter its catalytic activity and decrease N-terminal trimethylation.

    PubMed

    Shields, Kaitlyn M; Tooley, John G; Petkowski, Janusz J; Wilkey, Daniel W; Garbett, Nichola C; Merchant, Michael L; Cheng, Alan; Schaner Tooley, Christine E

    2017-08-01

    A subset of B-cell lymphoma patients have dominant mutations in the histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase EZH2, which change it from a monomethylase to a trimethylase. These mutations occur in aromatic resides surrounding the active site and increase growth and alter transcription. We study the N-terminal trimethylase NRMT1 and the N-terminal monomethylase NRMT2. They are 50% identical, but differ in key aromatic residues in their active site. Given how these residues affect EZH2 activity, we tested whether they are responsible for the distinct catalytic activities of NRMT1/2. Additionally, NRMT1 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer cells. Its loss promotes oncogenic phenotypes but sensitizes cells to DNA damage. Mutations of NRMT1 naturally occur in human cancers, and we tested a select group for altered activity. While directed mutation of the aromatic residues had minimal catalytic effect, NRMT1 mutants N209I (endometrial cancer) and P211S (lung cancer) displayed decreased trimethylase and increased monomethylase/dimethylase activity. Both mutations are located in the peptide-binding channel and indicate a second structural region impacting enzyme specificity. The NRMT1 mutants demonstrated a slower rate of trimethylation and a requirement for higher substrate concentration. Expression of the mutants in wild type NRMT backgrounds showed no change in N-terminal methylation levels or growth rates, demonstrating they are not acting as dominant negatives. Expression of the mutants in cells lacking endogenous NRMT1 resulted in minimal accumulation of N-terminal trimethylation, indicating homozygosity could help drive oncogenesis or serve as a marker for sensitivity to DNA damaging chemotherapeutics or γ-irradiation. © 2017 The Protein Society.

  17. The effects of fiber enrichment of pasta and fat content on gastric emptying, GLP-1, glucose, and insulin responses to a meal.

    PubMed

    Frost, G S; Brynes, A E; Dhillo, W S; Bloom, S R; McBurney, M I

    2003-02-01

    To assess whether the addition of viscous fiber at an amount recommended by the US FDA to allow a 'low saturated fat, cholesterol, soluble fiber and coronary heart disease', health claim label on a food package (1.7 g psyllium) and/or fat (30 g sunflower oil and 3 g sodium propionate) to a pasta meal would affect gastric emptying, postprandial glucose, insulin and GLP-1 concentrations. Ten subjects participated in a two-by-two single blind randomized crossover study. Four meals containing 50 g of available carbohydrate were consumed: pasta with or without psyllium enrichment served with a tomato sauce with (520 kcal per meal) and without (240 kcal per meal) fat. Blood samples were taken for 240 min following the meal and all subjects consumed a buffet meal at the end of the study. Gastric emptying was measured using the paracetamol absorption test. Blood was analysed for glucose, insulin, GLP-1. Visual analog scales were used to record feelings of hunger, pleasantness and nausea. The psyllium-enriched pasta had no significant effect on gastric emptying or the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for GLP-1, insulin or glucose compared with the control pasta. The addition of polyunsaturated fat and sodium propionate significantly increased the IAUC for GLP-1 (P<0.001), delaying gastric emptying (P<0.002), and decreasing glucose (P<0.002). A dose of 1.7 g psyllium did not evoke measurable effects on gastric emptying, postprandial GLP-1, insulin or glucose metabolism. However the addition of 30 g of oil and 3 g of sodium propionate to the pasta did reduce gastric emptying, increase GLP-1 and reduce glucose and insulin concentrations. While this short-term study may have implications in terms of reducing the risk of diabetes and improving coronary risk factor profiles the long term effects of these nutrients need to be studied.

  18. N-terminal SKIK peptide tag markedly improves expression of difficult-to-express proteins in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

    PubMed

    Ojima-Kato, Teruyo; Nagai, Satomi; Nakano, Hideo

    2017-05-01

    Despite advances in microbial protein expression systems, low production of proteins remains a great concern for some genes. Here we report that the insertion of a short peptide tag, consisting of Ser-Lys-Ile-Lys (SKIK), adjacent to the start codon of genes encoding difficult-to-express proteins can increase protein expression in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Protein expression levels of a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb), rabbit mAbs obtained from clonal B cells, and an artificially designed peptide were significantly increased simply by the addition of the SKIK tag in E. coli systems. In particular, a ∼30-fold increase in protein production was observed for the mouse mAb, and the artificially designed peptide band became detectable in sodium dodecyl sulfate-poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis after coomassie brilliant blue staining or western blotting on adding the SKIK tag. The tag also increased the expression of tagged proteins in S. cerevisiae and an E. coli cell-free protein synthesis system. Although the mechanism of high protein expression on addition of the tag is unclear, our findings offer great benefits to biotechnology research and industry. Copyright © 2016 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. N-Terminal Domain of Turkey Pancreatic Lipase is Active on Long Chain Triacylglycerols and Stabilized by Colipase

    PubMed Central

    Bou Ali, Madiha; Karray, Aida; Gargouri, Youssef; Ben Ali, Yassine

    2013-01-01

    The gene encoding the TPL N-terminal domain (N-TPL), fused with a His6-tag, was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris, under the control of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP) constitutive promoter. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed and secreted with an expression level of 5 mg/l of culture medium after 2 days of culture. The N-TPL was purified through a one-step Ni-NTA affinity column with a purification factor of approximately 23-fold. The purified N-TPL, with a molecular mass of 35 kDa, had a specific activity of 70 U/mg on tributyrin. Surprisingly, this domain was able to hydrolyse long chain TG with a specific activity of 11 U/mg using olive oil as substrate. This result was confirmed by TLC analysis showing that the N-TPL was able to hydrolyse insoluble substrates as olive oil. N-TPL was unstable at temperatures over 37°C and lost 70% of its activity at acid pH, after 5 min of incubation. The N-TPL exhibited non linear kinetics, indicating its rapid denaturation at the tributyrin–water interface. Colipase increased the N-TPL stability at the lipid-water interface, so the TPL N-terminal domain probably formed functional interactions with colipase despite the absence of the C-terminal domain. PMID:23977086

  20. Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment on body weight in obese antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Ishøy, Pelle L; Knop, Filip K; Broberg, Brian V; Bak, Nikolaj; Andersen, Ulrik B; Jørgensen, Niklas R; Holst, Jens J; Glenthøj, Birte Y; Ebdrup, Bjørn H

    2017-02-01

    Schizophrenia is associated with cardiovascular co-morbidity and a reduced life-expectancy of up to 20 years. Antipsychotics are dopamine D 2 receptor antagonists and are the standard of medical care in schizophrenia, but the drugs are associated with severe metabolic side effects such as obesity and diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are registered for treatment of both obesity and type 2 diabetes. We investigated metabolic effects of the GLP-1RA, exenatide once-weekly, in non-diabetic, antipsychotic-treated, obese patients with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic-treated, obese, non-diabetic, schizophrenia spectrum patients were randomized to double-blinded adjunctive treatment with once-weekly subcutaneous exenatide (n = 23) or placebo (n = 22) injections for 3 months. The primary outcome was loss of body weight after treatment and repeated measures analysis of variance was used as statistical analysis. Between March 2013 and June 2015, 40 patients completed the trial. At baseline, mean body weight was 118.3 ± 16.0 kg in the exenatide group and 111.7 ± 18.0 kg in the placebo group, with no group differences ( P = .23). The exenatide and placebo groups experienced significant ( P = .004), however similar ( P = .98), weight losses of 2.24 ± 3.3 and 2.23 ± 4.4 kg, respectively, after 3 months of treatment. Treatment with exenatide once-weekly did not promote weight loss in obese, antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia compared to placebo. Our results could suggest that the body weight-lowering effect of GLP-1RAs involves dopaminergic signaling, but blockade of other receptor systems may also play a role. Nevertheless, anti-obesity regimens effective in the general population may not be readily implemented in antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia. © 2016 The Authors. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. Generation of a Recombinant Akabane Virus Expressing Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein

    PubMed Central

    Takenaka-Uema, Akiko; Murata, Yousuke; Gen, Fumihiro; Ishihara-Saeki, Yukari; Watanabe, Ken-ichi; Uchida, Kazuyuki; Kato, Kentaro; Murakami, Shin; Haga, Takeshi

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT We generated a recombinant Akabane virus (AKAV) expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP-AKAV) by using reverse genetics. We artificially constructed an ambisense AKAV S genome encoding N/NSs on the negative-sense strand, and eGFP on the positive-sense strand with an intergenic region (IGR) derived from the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) S genome. The recombinant virus exhibited eGFP fluorescence and had a cytopathic effect in cell cultures, even after several passages. These results indicate that the gene encoding eGFP in the ambisense RNA could be stably maintained. Transcription of N/NSs and eGFP mRNAs of eGFP-AKAV was terminated within the IGR. The mechanism responsible for this appears to be different from that in RVFV, where the termination sites for N and NSs are determined by a defined signal sequence. We inoculated suckling mice intraperitoneally with eGFP-AKAV, which resulted in neurological signs and lethality equivalent to those seen for the parent AKAV. Fluorescence from eGFP in frozen brain slices from the eGFP-AKAV-infected mice was localized to the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata. Our approach to producing a fluorescent virus, using an ambisense genome, helped obtain eGFP-AKAV, a fluorescent bunyavirus whose viral genes are intact and which can be easily visualized. IMPORTANCE AKAV is the etiological agent of arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly syndrome in ruminants, which causes considerable economic loss to the livestock industry. We successfully generated a recombinant enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged AKAV containing an artificial ambisense S genome. This virus could become a useful tool for analyzing AKAV pathogenesis in host animals. In addition, our approach of using an ambisense genome to generate an orthobunyavirus stably expressing a foreign gene could contribute to establishing alternative vaccine strategies, such as bivalent vaccine virus constructs, for veterinary use against infectious diseases. PMID

  2. Synergism by individual macronutrients explains the marked early GLP-1 and islet hormone responses to mixed meal challenge in mice.

    PubMed

    Ahlkvist, L; Vikman, J; Pacini, G; Ahrén, B

    2012-10-10

    Apart from glucose, proteins and lipids also stimulate incretin and islet hormone secretion. However, the glucoregulatory effect of macronutrients in combination is poorly understood. We therefore developed an oral mixed meal model in mice to 1) explore the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and islet hormone responses to mixed meal versus isocaloric glucose, and 2) characterize the relative contribution of individual macronutrients to these responses. Anesthetized C57BL/6J female mice were orally gavaged with 1) a mixed meal (0.285 kcal; glucose, whey protein and peanut oil; 60/20/20% kcal) versus an isocaloric glucose load (0.285 kcal), and 2) a mixed meal (0.285 kcal) versus glucose, whey protein or peanut oil administered individually in their mixed meal caloric quantity, i.e., 0.171, 0.055 and 0.055 kcal, respectively. Plasma was analyzed for glucose, insulin and intact GLP-1 before and during oral challenges. Plasma glucose was lower after mixed meal versus after isocaloric glucose ingestion. In spite of this, the peak insulin response (P=0.02), the peak intact GLP-1 levels (P=0.006) and the estimated β-cell function (P=0.005) were higher. Furthermore, the peak insulin (P=0.004) and intact GLP-1 (P=0.006) levels were higher after mixed meal ingestion than the sum of responses to individual macronutrients. Compared to glucose alone, we conclude that there is a marked early insulin response to mixed meal ingestion, which emanates from a synergistic, rather than an additive, effect of the individual macronutrients in the mixed meal and is in part likely caused by increased levels of GLP-1. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. The generation of knock-in mice expressing fluorescently tagged galanin receptors 1 and 2

    PubMed Central

    Kerr, Niall; Holmes, Fiona E.; Hobson, Sally-Ann; Vanderplank, Penny; Leard, Alan; Balthasar, Nina; Wynick, David

    2015-01-01

    The neuropeptide galanin has diverse roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems, by activating the G protein-coupled receptors Gal1, Gal2 and the less studied Gal3 (GalR1–3 gene products). There is a wealth of data on expression of Gal1–3 at the mRNA level, but not at the protein level due to the lack of specificity of currently available antibodies. Here we report the generation of knock-in mice expressing Gal1 or Gal2 receptor fluorescently tagged at the C-terminus with, respectively, mCherry or hrGFP (humanized Renilla green fluorescent protein). In dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons expressing the highest levels of Gal1-mCherry, localization to the somatic cell membrane was detected by live-cell fluorescence and immunohistochemistry, and that fluorescence decreased upon addition of galanin. In spinal cord, abundant Gal1-mCherry immunoreactive processes were detected in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn, and highly expressing intrinsic neurons of the lamina III/IV border showed both somatic cell membrane localization and outward transport of receptor from the cell body, detected as puncta within cell processes. In brain, high levels of Gal1-mCherry immunofluorescence were detected within thalamus, hypothalamus and amygdala, with a high density of nerve endings in the external zone of the median eminence, and regions with lesser immunoreactivity included the dorsal raphe nucleus. Gal2-hrGFP mRNA was detected in DRG, but live-cell fluorescence was at the limits of detection, drawing attention to both the much lower mRNA expression than to Gal1 in mice and the previously unrecognized potential for translational control by upstream open reading frames (uORFs). PMID:26292267

  4. Identification of C-terminal phosphorylation sites of N-formyl peptide receptor-1 (FPR1) in human blood neutrophils.

    PubMed

    Maaty, Walid S; Lord, Connie I; Gripentrog, Jeannie M; Riesselman, Marcia; Keren-Aviram, Gal; Liu, Ting; Dratz, Edward A; Bothner, Brian; Jesaitis, Algirdas J

    2013-09-20

    Accumulation, activation, and control of neutrophils at inflammation sites is partly driven by N-formyl peptide chemoattractant receptors (FPRs). Occupancy of these G-protein-coupled receptors by formyl peptides has been shown to induce regulatory phosphorylation of cytoplasmic serine/threonine amino acid residues in heterologously expressed recombinant receptors, but the biochemistry of these modifications in primary human neutrophils remains relatively unstudied. FPR1 and FPR2 were partially immunopurified using antibodies that recognize both receptors (NFPRa) or unphosphorylated FPR1 (NFPRb) in dodecylmaltoside extracts of unstimulated and N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF) + cytochalasin B-stimulated neutrophils or their membrane fractions. After deglycosylation and separation by SDS-PAGE, excised Coomassie Blue-staining bands (∼34,000 Mr) were tryptically digested, and FPR1, phospho-FPR1, and FPR2 content was confirmed by peptide mass spectrometry. C-terminal FPR1 peptides (Leu(312)-Arg(322) and Arg(323)-Lys(350)) and extracellular FPR1 peptide (Ile(191)-Arg(201)) as well as three similarly placed FPR2 peptides were identified in unstimulated and fMLF + cytochalasin B-stimulated samples. LC/MS/MS identified seven isoforms of Ala(323)-Lys(350) only in the fMLF + cytochalasin B-stimulated sample. These were individually phosphorylated at Thr(325), Ser(328), Thr(329), Thr(331), Ser(332), Thr(334), and Thr(339). No phospho-FPR2 peptides were detected. Cytochalasin B treatment of neutrophils decreased the sensitivity of fMLF-dependent NFPRb recognition 2-fold, from EC50 = 33 ± 8 to 74 ± 21 nM. Our results suggest that 1) partial immunopurification, deglycosylation, and SDS-PAGE separation of FPRs is sufficient to identify C-terminal FPR1 Ser/Thr phosphorylations by LC/MS/MS; 2) kinases/phosphatases activated in fMLF/cytochalasin B-stimulated neutrophils produce multiple C-terminal tail FPR1 Ser/Thr phosphorylations but have little effect on corresponding FPR2 sites

  5. Bean peptides have higher in silico binding affinities than ezetimibe for the N-terminal domain of cholesterol receptor Niemann-Pick C1 Like-1.

    PubMed

    Real Hernandez, Luis M; Gonzalez de Mejia, Elvira

    2017-04-01

    Niemann-Pick C1 like-1 (NPC1L1) mediates cholesterol absorption at the apical membrane of enterocytes through a yet unknown mechanism. Bean, pea, and lentil proteins are naturally hydrolyzed during digestion to produce peptides. The potential for pulse peptides to have high binding affinities for NPC1L1 has not been determined. In this study , in silico binding affinities and interactions were determined between the N-terminal domain of NPC1L1 and 14 pulse peptides (5≥ amino acids) derived through pepsin-pancreatin digestion. Peptides were docked in triplicate to the N-terminal domain using docking program AutoDock Vina, and results were compared to those of ezetimibe, a prescribed NPC1L1 inhibitor. Three black bean peptides (-7.2 to -7.0kcal/mol) and the cowpea bean dipeptide Lys-Asp (-7.0kcal/mol) had higher binding affinities than ezetimibe (-6.6kcal/mol) for the N-terminal domain of NPC1L1. Lentil and pea peptides studied did not have high binding affinities. The common bean peptide Tyr-Ala-Ala-Ala-Thr (-7.2kcal/mol), which can be produced from black or navy bean proteins, had the highest binding affinity. Ezetimibe and peptides with high binding affinities for the N-terminal domain are expected to interact at different locations of the N-terminal domain. All high affinity black bean peptides are expected to have van der Waals interactions with SER130, PHE136, and LEU236 and a conventional hydrogen bond with GLU238 of NPC1L1. Due to their high affinity for the N-terminal domain of NPC1L1, black and cowpea bean peptides produced in the digestive track have the potential to disrupt interactions between NPC1L1 and membrane proteins that lead to cholesterol absorption. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Direct effects of glucose, insulin, GLP-1, and GIP on bulbospinal neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in neonatal wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Oshima, Naoki; Onimaru, Hiroshi; Matsubara, Hidehito; Uchida, Takahiro; Watanabe, Atsushi; Imakiire, Toshihiko; Nishida, Yasuhiro; Kumagai, Hiroo

    2017-03-06

    Although patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) often exhibit hypertension, the mechanisms responsible for this correlation are not well known. We hypothesized that the bulbospinal neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are affected by the levels of glucose, insulin, or incretins (glucagon like peptide-1 [GLP-1] or glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide [GIP]) in patients with DM. To investigate whether RVLM neurons are activated by glucose, insulin, GLP-1, or GIP, we examined changes in the membrane potentials of bulbospinal RVLM neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp technique during superfusion with various levels of glucose or these hormones in neonatal Wistar rats. A brainstem-spinal cord preparation was used for the experiments. A low level of glucose stimulated bulbospinal RVLM neurons. During insulin superfusion, almost all the RVLM neurons were depolarized, while during GLP-1 or GIP superfusion, almost all the RVLM neurons were hyperpolarized. Next, histological examinations were performed to examine transporters for glucose and receptors for insulin, GLP-1, and GIP on RVLM neurons. Low-level glucose-depolarized RVLM neurons exhibited the presence of glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3). Meanwhile, insulin-depolarized, GLP-1-hyperpolarized, and GIP-hyperpolarized RVLM neurons showed each of the respective specific receptor. These results indicate that a low level of glucose stimulates bulbospinal RVLM neurons via specific transporters on these neurons, inducing hypertension. Furthermore, an increase in insulin or a reduction in incretins may also activate the sympathetic nervous system and induce hypertension by activating RVLM neurons via their own receptors. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  7. Multiple regulatory elements for the glpA operon encoding anaerobic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and the glpD operon encoding aerobic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli: further characterization of respiratory control.

    PubMed

    Iuchi, S; Cole, S T; Lin, E C

    1990-01-01

    In Escherichia coli, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate can be oxidized by two different flavo-dehydrogenases, an anaerobic enzyme encoded by the glpACB operon and an aerobic enzyme encoded by the glpD operon. These two operons belong to the glp regulon specifying the utilization of glycerol, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate, and glycerophosphodiesters. In glpR mutant cells grown under conditions of low catabolite repression, the glpA operon is best expressed anaerobically with fumarate as the exogenous electron acceptor, whereas the glpD operon is best expressed aerobically. Increased anaerobic expression of glpA is dependent on the fnr product, a pleiotropic activator of genes involved in anaerobic respiration. In this study we found that the expression of a glpA1(Oxr) (oxygen-resistant) mutant operon, selected for increased aerobic expression, became less dependent on the FNR protein but more dependent on the cyclic AMP-catabolite gene activator protein complex mediating catabolite repression. Despite the increased aerobic expression of glpA1(Oxr), a twofold aerobic repressibility persisted. Moreover, anaerobic repression by nitrate respiration remained normal. Thus, there seems to exist a redox control apart from the FNR-mediated one. We also showed that the anaerobic repression of the glpD operon was fully relieved by mutations in either arcA (encoding a presumptive DNA recognition protein) or arcB (encoding a presumptive redox sensor protein). The arc system is known to mediate pleiotropic control of genes of aerobic function.

  8. cAMP-secretion coupling is impaired in diabetic GK/Par rat β-cells: a defect counteracted by GLP-1.

    PubMed

    Dolz, Manuel; Movassat, Jamileh; Bailbé, Danielle; Le Stunff, Hervé; Giroix, Marie-Hélène; Fradet, Magali; Kergoat, Micheline; Portha, Bernard

    2011-11-01

    cAMP-raising agents with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) as the first in class, exhibit multiple actions that are beneficial for the treatment of type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients, including improvement of glucose-induced insulin secretion (GIIS). To gain additional insight into the role of cAMP in the disturbed stimulus-secretion coupling within the diabetic β-cell, we examined more thoroughly the relationship between changes in islet cAMP concentration and insulin release in the GK/Par rat model of T2D. Basal cAMP content in GK/Par islets was significantly higher, whereas their basal insulin release was not significantly different from that of Wistar (W) islets. Even in the presence of IBMX or GLP-1, their insulin release did not significantly change despite further enhanced cAMP accumulation in both cases. The high basal cAMP level most likely reflects an increased cAMP generation in GK/Par compared with W islets since 1) forskolin dose-dependently induced an exaggerated cAMP accumulation; 2) adenylyl cyclase (AC)2, AC3, and G(s)α proteins were overexpressed; 3) IBMX-activated cAMP accumulation was less efficient and PDE-3B and PDE-1C mRNA were decreased. Moreover, the GK/Par insulin release apparatus appears less sensitive to cAMP, since GK/Par islets released less insulin at submaximal cAMP levels and required five times more cAMP to reach a maximal secretion rate no longer different from W. GLP-1 was able to reactivate GK/Par insulin secretion so that GIIS became indistinguishable from that of W. The exaggerated cAMP production is instrumental, since GLP-1-induced GIIS reactivation was lost in the presence the AC blocker 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine. This GLP-1 effect takes place in the absence of any improvement of the [Ca(2+)](i) response and correlates with activation of the cAMP-dependent PKA-dependent pathway.

  9. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors for the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Wiedeman, Paul E; Trevillyan, James M

    2003-04-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 (7-36) amide) is a gut hormone released from L-cells in the small intestine in response to the ingestion of nutrients and enhances the glucose-dependent secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells. In type 2 diabetic patients, the continuous infusion of GLP-1 (7-36) amide decreases plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c concentrations and improves beta-cell function. Hormone action is rapidly terminated by the N-terminal cleavage of GLP-1 at Ala2 by the aminopeptidase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV). The short in vivo half-life of GLP-1 (< 3 min) poses challenges to the development of exogenous GLP-1-based therapy. The inhibition of endogenous GLP-1 degradation by reducing DPPIV activity is an alternative strategy for improving the incretin action of GLP-1 in vivo. This review summarizes recent advances in the design of potent and selective small molecule inhibitors of DPPIV and the potential challenges to the development of DPPIV inhibitors for the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.

  10. N-terminal galanin-(1-16) fragment is an agonist at the hippocampal galanin receptor

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

    Fisone, G.; Berthold, M.; Bedecs, K.

    1989-12-01

    The galanin N-terminal fragment (galanin-(1-16)) has been prepared by solid-phase synthesis and by enzymic cleavage of galanin by endoproteinase Asp-N. This peptide fragment displaced {sup 125}I-labeled galanin in receptor autoradiography experiments on rat forebrain and spinal cord and in equilibrium binding experiments from high-affinity binding sites in the ventral hippocampus with an IC50 of approximately 3 nM. In tissue slices of the same brain area, galanin-(1-16), similarly to galanin, inhibited the muscarinic agonist-stimulated breakdown of inositol phospholipids. Upon intracerebroventricular administration, galanin-(1-16) (10 micrograms/15 microliters) also inhibited the scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg, s.c.)-evoked release of acetylcholine, as studied in vivo by microdialysis.more » Substitution of (L-Trp2) for (D-Trp2) resulted in a 500-fold loss in affinity as compared with galanin-(1-16). It is concluded that, in the ventral hippocampus, the N-terminal galanin fragment (galanin-(1-16)) is recognized by the galanin receptors controlling acetylcholine release and muscarinic agonist-stimulated inositol phospholipid breakdown as a high-affinity agonist and that amino acid residue (Trp2) plays an important role in the receptor-ligand interactions.« less

  11. In vivo dual-delivery of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor through composites prepared by microfluidics for diabetes therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Araújo, F.; Shrestha, N.; Gomes, M. J.; Herranz-Blanco, B.; Liu, D.; Hirvonen, J. J.; Granja, P. L.; Santos, H. A.; Sarmento, B.

    2016-05-01

    Oral delivery of proteins is still a challenge in the pharmaceutical field. Nanoparticles are among the most promising carrier systems for the oral delivery of proteins by increasing their oral bioavailability. However, most of the existent data regarding nanosystems for oral protein delivery is from in vitro studies, lacking in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy of these systems. Herein, a multifunctional composite system, tailored by droplet microfluidics, was used for dual delivery of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (iDPP4) in vivo. Oral delivery of GLP-1 with nano- or micro-systems has been studied before, but the simultaneous nanodelivery of GLP-1 with iDPP4 is a novel strategy presented here. The type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model, induced through the combined administration of streptozotocin and nicotinamide, a non-obese model of T2DM, was used. The combination of both drugs resulted in an increase in the hypoglycemic effects in a sustained, but prolonged manner, where the iDPP4 improved the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1. Four hours after the oral administration of the system, blood glucose levels were decreased by 44%, and were constant for another 4 h, representing half of the glucose area under the curve when compared to the control. An enhancement of the plasmatic insulin levels was also observed 6 h after the oral administration of the dual-drug composite system and, although no statistically significant differences existed, the amount of pancreatic insulin was also higher. These are promising results for the oral delivery of GLP-1 to be pursued further in a chronic diabetic model study.

  12. Nonfouling NTA-PEG-Based TEM Grid Coatings for Selective Capture of Histidine-Tagged Protein Targets from Cell Lysates.

    PubMed

    Benjamin, Christopher J; Wright, Kyle J; Hyun, Seok-Hee; Krynski, Kyle; Yu, Guimei; Bajaj, Ruchika; Guo, Fei; Stauffacher, Cynthia V; Jiang, Wen; Thompson, David H

    2016-01-19

    We report the preparation and performance of TEM grids bearing stabilized nonfouling lipid monolayer coatings. These films contain NTA capture ligands of controllable areal density at the distal end of a flexible poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 (PEG2000) spacer to avoid preferred orientation of surface-bound histidine-tagged (His-tag) protein targets. Langmuir-Schaefer deposition at 30 mN/m of mixed monolayers containing two novel synthetic lipids-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[(5-amido-1-carboxypentyl)iminodiacetic acid]polyethylene glycolamide 2000) (NTA-PEG2000-DSPE) and 1,2-(tricosa-10',12'-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(methoxypolyethylene glycolamide 350) (mPEG350-DTPE)-in 1:99 and 5:95 molar ratios prior to treatment with a 5 min, 254 nm light exposure was used for grid fabrication. These conditions were designed to limit nonspecific protein adsorption onto the stabilized lipid coating by favoring the formation of a mPEG350 brush layer below a flexible, mushroom conformation of NTA-PEG2000 at low surface density to enable specific immobilization and random orientation of the protein target on the EM grid. These grids were then used to capture His6-T7 bacteriophage and RplL from cell lysates, as well as purified His8-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and nanodisc solubilized maltose transporter, His6-MalFGK2. Our findings indicate that TEM grid supported, polymerized NTA lipid monolayers are capable of capturing His-tag protein targets in a manner that controls their areal densities, while efficiently blocking nonspecific adsorption and limiting film degradation, even upon prolonged detergent exposure.

  13. A visual screen for diet-regulated proteins in the Drosophila ovary using GFP protein trap lines

    PubMed Central

    Hsu, Hwei-Jan; Drummond-Barbosa, Daniela

    2017-01-01

    The effect of diet on reproduction is well documented in a large number of organisms; however, much remains to be learned about the molecular mechanisms underlying this connection. The Drosophila ovary has a well described, fast and largely reversible response to diet. Ovarian stem cells and their progeny proliferate and grow faster on a yeast-rich diet than on a yeast-free (poor) diet, and death of early germline cysts, degeneration of early vitellogenic follicles and partial block in ovulation further contribute to the ~60-fold decrease in egg laying observed on a poor diet. Multiple diet-dependent factors, including insulin-like peptides, the steroid ecdysone, the nutrient sensor Target of Rapamycin, AMP-dependent kinase, and adipocyte factors mediate this complex response. Here, we describe the results of a visual screen using a library of green fluorescent protein (GFP) protein trap lines to identify additional factors potentially involved in this response. In each GFP protein trap line, an artificial GFP exon is fused in frame to an endogenous protein, such that the GFP fusion pattern parallels the levels and subcellular localization of the corresponding native protein. We identified 53 GFP-tagged proteins that exhibit changes in levels and/or subcellular localization in the ovary at 12-16 hours after switching females from rich to poor diets, suggesting them as potential candidates for future functional studies. PMID:28093350

  14. Characterization of a new, inducible transgenic mouse model with GFP expression in melanocytes and their precursors.

    PubMed

    Joshi, Sandeep S; Tandukar, Bishal; Castaneda, Maira; Jiang, Shunlin; Diwakar, Ganesh; Hertzano, Ronna P; Hornyak, Thomas J

    2018-01-01

    Melanocytes are neural crest-derived cells that are responsible for mammalian hair follicle (HF) pigmentation. The Dct-LacZ transgenic mouse is extensively used to study melanocyte biology but lacks conditionally-inducible labelling and fluorescent labelling, enabling specific, viable isolation of melanocytes using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Here, we have generated a Tet-off bitransgenic mouse model, Dct-H2BGFP, containing Dct-tTA and TRE-H2BGFP transgenes. Characterization of Dct-H2BGFP mice confirmed a pattern of Dct-H2BGFP expression in melanoblasts, melanocyte stem cells (McSCs), and terminally differentiated melanocytes similar to the expression pattern of previously published mouse models Dct-LacZ and iDct-GFP. GFP expression is regulated by doxycycline. GFP is shown to co-localize with melanocyte label-retaining cells (LRCs) identified through BrdU retention. The GFP-expressing cells identified in vivo in the bulge and the secondary hair germ of telogen HFs of Dct-H2BGFP mice express the melanocyte and melanocyte stem cell markers Dct and Kit. Using Dct-H2BGFP mice, we separated GFP-expressing cells from the telogen HF based on FACS and showed that GFP-expressing cells express high levels of Kit and Dct, and lower levels of HF epithelial keratin genes. We also show that GFP-expressing cells express high levels of the melanocyte differentiation genes Tyr, Tyrp1, and Pmel17, further substantiating their identity within the melanocyte lineage. Thus, Dct-H2BGFP mice are not only useful for the in vivo identification of melanocytic cells, but also for isolating them viably and studying their molecular and biological properties. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  15. Noninvasive and real-time monitoring of molecular targeting therapy for lymph node and peritoneal metastasis in nude mice bearing xenografts of human colorectal cancer cells tagged with GFP and DsRed

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakanishi, Hayao; Hara, Masayasu; Ikehara, Yuzuru; Tatematsu, Masae

    2007-02-01

    We have developed an in vivo imaging system consisting of GFP- and DsRed-tagged human colonic cancer cell line, which has peritoneal and lymph node metastatic potential and show high sensitivity to EGFR targeting drugs, and convenient detection devices for GFP and DsRed. The latter includes a small handy fluorescence detection device for external monitoring of the therapeutic effect of the drug and a convenient stereo fluorescent microscope for internal visualization of micrometastases. We applied this imaging system to investigate anti-metastatic effects of EGFR targeting drugs such as gefitinib (Iressa). This system allowed sensitive detection of the development of peritoneal and lymph node metastases from the micrometastasis stage at the cellular level and also permited noninvasive, non-anesthetic monitoring of anti-metastatic effect of the drug in an animal facility without any pretreatment. Significant decreases in the intraabdominal metastatic tumor growth and prevention of inguinal lymph node metastasis by gefitinib treatment could be clearly monitored. These results suggest that convenient, low-cost, true real-time monitoring of therapeutic effect using such a fluorescence-mediated whole body imaging system seems to enhance the speed of preclinical study for novel anti-cancer agents and will allow us to understand the action mechanism of molecular targeting drugs.

  16. Tagging RDT&E. Volume 1. Technology Assessment and Development Reports

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-03-01

    weapon system component could have a unique, counterfeit and transfer resistant, and tamper indicating identifier (or tag), inspectors could...the random nature of the reflective surfaces on each particle, the tag is highly resistant to counterfeiting . Sym t, n- BDM Jnvolvement RPT Sandia...layers) that tampering has occurred. A reflective particle (RP) disk was added by PNL to increase the difficulty of counterfeiting the tag and to make

  17. Equivalent Increases in Circulating GLP-1 Following Jejunal Delivery of Intact and Hydrolysed Casein: Relevance to Satiety Induction Following Bariatric Surgery.

    PubMed

    le Roux, Carel W; Engström, My; Björnfot, Niclas; Fändriks, Lars; Docherty, Neil G

    2016-08-01

    Both Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) decrease the latency of food delivery to the proximal small intestine. This is implicated in exaggerated post-prandial release of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which provokes early satiety and reductions in food intake. Altered stomach anatomy also creates a deficit in enzymatic pre-processing. The impact of this state effect as a modulator of gut hormone responses remains underexplored. A double-blind cross-over trial study was conducted in 13 healthy subjects assigned to receive in the fasted state and in random order at 1 week apart, a direct jejunal infusion of either intact casein or a casein hydrolysate. Downstream effects on GLP-1 release, ratings of hunger and fullness and food and water intake on each study day were recorded when an ad libitum meal was provided 30 min after the infusion. Circulating GLP-1 was increased 25 min after infusions and peaked to a similar degree at 15 min post-meal initiation. The hormone surge had no impact on ratings of hunger and fullness ahead of the ad libitum meal. The kinetic and magnitude of satiation following each infusion was not significantly different. Food and water intake were likewise not differentially impacted by the two infusion types. Protein macronutrient state upon arrival in the small intestine does not in isolation impact upon GLP-1 responses and subsequent onset of satiety. This potentially points to rate of delivery being the dominant factor in exaggerated post-prandial GLP-1 responses in patients post-RYGB and VSG.

  18. Oxygen-dependent secretion of a bioactive hepcidin-GFP chimera.

    PubMed

    Chachami, Georgia; Lyberopoulou, Aggeliki; Kalousi, Alkmini; Paraskeva, Efrosyni; Pantopoulos, Kostas; Simos, George

    2013-06-14

    Hepcidin, a hepatic hormone, regulates serum iron levels by controlling both intestinal iron absorption and iron release from macrophages. Although transcription of hepcidin is controlled by diverse stimuli, it remains elusive if post-transcriptional steps of its production are also regulated. To address this issue, GFP was fused to the C-terminus of hepcidin and the chimeric hepcidin-GFP protein was expressed in hepatoma Huh7 cells. Expression and secretion of hepcidin-GFP were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy or western blotting and its activity was assessed by in vitro biological assays. Transient over-expression of hepcidin-GFP resulted in production and secretion of premature forms. On the other hand, stable low-level expression led to synthesis and secretion of a properly matured hepcidin-GFP. This form was biologically active since it affected appropriately the levels of IRP2 and ferritin in human THP1 monocytes and targeted ferroportin in mouse J774 macrophages. Treatment of hepcidin-GFP expressing cells with hypoxia (0.1% O2) altered the subcellular distribution of pro-hepcidin-GFP and significantly reduced the secretion of mature hepcidin-GFP. Our hepcidin-GFP expression system allows the investigation of post-transcriptional processing of hepcidin and implicates hypoxia in its secretion control. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Diverse C-Terminal Sequences Involved in Flavobacterium johnsoniae Protein Secretion

    PubMed Central

    Kulkarni, Surashree S.; Zhu, Yongtao; Brendel, Colton J.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Flavobacterium johnsoniae and many related bacteria secrete proteins across the outer membrane using the type IX secretion system (T9SS). Proteins secreted by T9SSs have amino-terminal signal peptides for export across the cytoplasmic membrane by the Sec system and carboxy-terminal domains (CTDs) targeting them for secretion across the outer membrane by the T9SS. Most but not all T9SS CTDs belong to the family TIGR04183 (type A CTDs). We functionally characterized diverse CTDs for secretion by the F. johnsoniae T9SS. Attachment of the CTDs from F. johnsoniae RemA, AmyB, and ChiA to the foreign superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) that had a signal peptide at the amino terminus resulted in secretion across the outer membrane. In each case, approximately 80 to 100 amino acids from the extreme carboxy termini were needed for efficient secretion. Several type A CTDs from distantly related members of the phylum Bacteroidetes functioned in F. johnsoniae, supporting the secretion of sfGFP by the F. johnsoniae T9SS. F. johnsoniae SprB requires the T9SS for secretion but lacks a type A CTD. It has a conserved C-terminal domain belonging to the family TIGR04131, which we refer to as a type B CTD. The CTD of SprB was required for its secretion, but attachment of C-terminal regions of SprB of up to 1,182 amino acids to sfGFP failed to result in secretion. Additional features outside the C-terminal region of SprB may be required for its secretion. IMPORTANCE Type IX protein secretion systems (T9SSs) are common in but limited to members of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Most proteins that are secreted by T9SSs have conserved carboxy-terminal domains that belong to the protein domain family TIGR04183 (type A CTDs) or TIGR04131 (type B CTDs). Here, we identify features of T9SS CTDs of F. johnsoniae that are required for protein secretion and demonstrate that type A CTDs from distantly related members of the phylum function with the F. johnsoniae T9SS to secrete the

  20. Crystallized N-terminal domain of influenza virus matrix protein M1 and method of determining and using same

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Luo, Ming (Inventor); Sha, Bingdong (Inventor)

    2000-01-01

    The matrix protein, M1, of influenza virus strain A/PR/8/34 has been purified from virions and crystallized. The crystals consist of a stable fragment (18 Kd) of the M1 protein. X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the crystals have a space group of P3.sub.t 21 or P3.sub.2 21. Vm calculations showed that there are two monomers in an asymmetric unit. A crystallized N-terminal domain of M1, wherein the N-terminal domain of M1 is crystallized such that the three dimensional structure of the crystallized N-terminal domain of M1 can be determined to a resolution of about 2.1 .ANG. or better, and wherein the three dimensional structure of the uncrystallized N-terminal domain of M1 cannot be determined to a resolution of about 2.1 .ANG. or better. A method of purifying M1 and a method of crystallizing M1. A method of using the three-dimensional crystal structure of M1 to screen for antiviral, influenza virus treating or preventing compounds. A method of using the three-dimensional crystal structure of M1 to screen for improved binding to or inhibition of influenza virus M1. The use of the three-dimensional crystal structure of the M1 protein of influenza virus in the manufacture of an inhibitor of influenza virus M1. The use of the three-dimensional crystal structure of the M1 protein of influenza virus in the screening of candidates for inhibition of influenza virus M1.

  1. Improvement of L-phenylalanine production from glycerol by recombinant Escherichia coli strains: the role of extra copies of glpK, glpX, and tktA genes.

    PubMed

    Gottlieb, Katrin; Albermann, Christoph; Sprenger, Georg A

    2014-07-11

    For the production of L-phenylalanine (L-Phe), two molecules of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and one molecule erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) are necessary. PEP stems from glycolysis whereas E4P is formed in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Glucose, commonly used for L-Phe production with recombinant E. coli, is taken up via the PEP-dependent phosphotransferase system which delivers glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). G6P enters either glycolysis or the PPP. In contrast, glycerol is phosphorylated by an ATP-dependent glycerol kinase (GlpK) thus saving one PEP. However, two gluconeogenic reactions (fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, FBPase) are necessary for growth and provision of E4P. Glycerol has become an important carbon source for biotechnology and reports on production of L-Phe from glycerol are available. However, the influence of FBPase and transketolase reactions on L-Phe production has not been reported. L-Phe productivity of parent strain FUS4/pF81 (plasmid-encoded genes for aroF, aroB, aroL, pheA) was compared on glucose and glycerol as C sources. On glucose, a maximal carbon recovery of 0.19 mM C(Phe)/C(Glucose) and a maximal space-time-yield (STY) of 0.13 g l(-1) h(-1) was found. With glycerol, the maximal carbon recovery was nearly the same (0.18 mM C(Phe)/C(Glycerol)), but the maximal STY was higher (0.21 g l(-1) h(-1)). We raised the chromosomal gene copy number of the genes glpK (encoding glycerol kinase), tktA (encoding transketolase), and glpX (encoding fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase) individually. Overexpression of glpK (or its feedback-resistant variant, glpK(G232D)) had little effect on growth rate; L-Phe production was about 30% lower than in FUS4/pF81. Whereas the overexpression of either glpX or tktA had minor effects on productivity (0.20 mM C(Phe)/C(Glycerol); 0.25 g l(-1) h(-1) and 0.21 mM C(Phe)/C(Glycerol); 0.23 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively), the combination of extra genes of glpX and tktA together led to an increase in

  2. Improvement of L-phenylalanine production from glycerol by recombinant Escherichia coli strains: The role of extra copies of glpK, glpX, and tktA genes

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background For the production of L-phenylalanine (L-Phe), two molecules of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and one molecule erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) are necessary. PEP stems from glycolysis whereas E4P is formed in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Glucose, commonly used for L-Phe production with recombinant E. coli, is taken up via the PEP-dependent phosphotransferase system which delivers glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). G6P enters either glycolysis or the PPP. In contrast, glycerol is phosphorylated by an ATP-dependent glycerol kinase (GlpK) thus saving one PEP. However, two gluconeogenic reactions (fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, FBPase) are necessary for growth and provision of E4P. Glycerol has become an important carbon source for biotechnology and reports on production of L-Phe from glycerol are available. However, the influence of FBPase and transketolase reactions on L-Phe production has not been reported. Results L-Phe productivity of parent strain FUS4/pF81 (plasmid-encoded genes for aroF, aroB, aroL, pheA) was compared on glucose and glycerol as C sources. On glucose, a maximal carbon recovery of 0.19 mM CPhe/CGlucose and a maximal space-time-yield (STY) of 0.13 g l−1 h−1 was found. With glycerol, the maximal carbon recovery was nearly the same (0.18 mM CPhe/CGlycerol), but the maximal STY was higher (0.21 g l−1 h−1). We raised the chromosomal gene copy number of the genes glpK (encoding glycerol kinase), tktA (encoding transketolase), and glpX (encoding fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase) individually. Overexpression of glpK (or its feedback-resistant variant, glpKG232D) had little effect on growth rate; L-Phe production was about 30% lower than in FUS4/pF81. Whereas the overexpression of either glpX or tktA had minor effects on productivity (0.20 mM CPhe/CGlycerol; 0.25 g l−1 h−1 and 0.21 mM CPhe/CGlycerol; 0.23 g l−1 h−1, respectively), the combination of extra genes of glpX and tktA together led

  3. Detection of circulating tumor cells using oHSV1-hTERT-GFP in lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Gao, Hongjun; Liu, Wenjing; Yang, Shaoxing; Zhang, Wen; Li, Xiaoyan; Qin, Haifeng; Wang, Weixia; Zhao, Changyun

    2018-01-01

    This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical utility of the oHSV1-hTERT-GFP circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection method in the peripheral blood of patients with lung cancer by comparing its sensitivity to the CellSearch CTC detection method. The oHSV1-hTERT-GFP and CellSearch CTC detection methods were compared using peripheral blood samples of patients pathologically diagnosed with lung cancer. A total of 240 patients with lung cancer were recruited, including 89 patients who were newly diagnosed and 151 patients who had previously received treatment. Sixty-six newly diagnosed patients were evaluated using both methods. The CTC detection rates were 71.2% and 33.3% using the oHSV1-hTERT-GFP and CellSearch methods, respectively; this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Among the entire cohort (n = 240), the CTC detection rate using the oHSV1-hTERT-GFP method was 76.3%, with a CTC count of 0-81. The CTC detection rates were 76.7%, 68.9%, and 76.3% in patients with squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung cancer, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the CTC detection rates between these different pathological subtypes (P = 0.738). The CTC detection rates of 79.8% and 74.4% in patients with stage I-III and IV lung cancer, respectively, were not significantly different (P = 0.427). The oHSV1-hTERT-GFP method is highly effective for detecting CTCs in patients with lung cancer, independent of pathological type and disease stage, and is ideal for large-scale clinical applications. © 2017 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  4. The mechanism of folding robustness revealed by the crystal structure of extra-superfolder GFP.

    PubMed

    Choi, Jae Young; Jang, Tae-Ho; Park, Hyun Ho

    2017-01-01

    Stability of green fluorescent protein (GFP) is sometimes important for a proper practical application of this protein. Random mutagenesis and targeted mutagenesis have been used to create better-folded variants of GFP, including recently reported extra-superfolder GFP. Our aim was to determine the crystal structure of extra-superfolder GFP, which is more robustly folded and stable than GFP and superfolder GFP. The structural and structure-based mutagenesis analyses revealed that some of the mutations that created extra-superfolder GFP (F46L, E126K, N149K, and S208L) contribute to folding robustness by stabilizing extra-superfolder GFP with various noncovalent bonds. © 2016 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

  5. IE1 and hr facilitate the localization of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus ORF8 to specific nuclear sites.

    PubMed

    Kang, WonKyung; Imai, Noriko; Kawasaki, Yu; Nagamine, Toshihiro; Matsumoto, Shogo

    2005-11-01

    The Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) ORF8 protein has previously been reported to colocalize with IE1 to specific nuclear sites during infection. Transient expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused ORF8 showed the protein to have cytoplasmic localization, but following BmNPV infection the protein formed foci, suggesting that ORF8 requires some other viral factor(s) for this. Therefore, interacting factors were looked for using the yeast two-hybrid system and IE1 was identified. We mapped the interacting region of ORF8 using a yeast two-hybrid assay. An N-terminal region (residues 1-110) containing a predicted coiled-coil domain interacted with IE1, while a truncated N-terminal region (residues 1-78) that lacks this domain did not. In addition, a protein with a complete deletion of the N-terminal region failed to interact with IE1. These results suggest that the ORF8 N-terminal region containing the coiled-coil domain is required for the interaction with IE1. Next, whether IE1 plays a role in ORF8 localization was investigated. In the presence of IE1, GFP-ORF8 localized to the nucleus. In addition, cotransfection with a plasmid expressing IE1 and a plasmid containing the hr3 element resulted in nuclear foci formation. A GFP-fused ORF8 mutant protein containing the coiled-coil domain, previously shown to interact with IE1, also formed nuclear foci in the presence of IE1 and hr3. However, ORF8 mutant proteins that did not interact with IE1 failed to form nuclear foci. In contrast to wild-type IE1, focus formation was not observed for an IE1 mutant protein that was deficient in hr binding. These results suggest that IE1 and hr facilitate the localization of BmNPV ORF8 to specific nuclear sites.

  6. Method for designing gas tag compositions

    DOEpatents

    Gross, Kenny C.

    1995-01-01

    For use in the manufacture of gas tags such as employed in a nuclear reactor gas tagging failure detection system, a method for designing gas tagging compositions utilizes an analytical approach wherein the final composition of a first canister of tag gas as measured by a mass spectrometer is designated as node #1. Lattice locations of tag nodes in multi-dimensional space are then used in calculating the compositions of a node #2 and each subsequent node so as to maximize the distance of each node from any combination of tag components which might be indistinguishable from another tag composition in a reactor fuel assembly. Alternatively, the measured compositions of tag gas numbers 1 and 2 may be used to fix the locations of nodes 1 and 2, with the locations of nodes 3-N then calculated for optimum tag gas composition. A single sphere defining the lattice locations of the tag nodes may be used to define approximately 20 tag nodes, while concentric spheres can extend the number of tag nodes to several hundred.

  7. Method for designing gas tag compositions

    DOEpatents

    Gross, K.C.

    1995-04-11

    For use in the manufacture of gas tags such as employed in a nuclear reactor gas tagging failure detection system, a method for designing gas tagging compositions utilizes an analytical approach wherein the final composition of a first canister of tag gas as measured by a mass spectrometer is designated as node No. 1. Lattice locations of tag nodes in multi-dimensional space are then used in calculating the compositions of a node No. 2 and each subsequent node so as to maximize the distance of each node from any combination of tag components which might be indistinguishable from another tag composition in a reactor fuel assembly. Alternatively, the measured compositions of tag gas numbers 1 and 2 may be used to fix the locations of nodes 1 and 2, with the locations of nodes 3-N then calculated for optimum tag gas composition. A single sphere defining the lattice locations of the tag nodes may be used to define approximately 20 tag nodes, while concentric spheres can extend the number of tag nodes to several hundred. 5 figures.

  8. Palmitic acid acutely inhibits acetylcholine- but not GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion in mouse pancreatic islets

    PubMed Central

    Qin, Wei; Vinogradov, Sergei A.; Wilson, David F.; Matschinsky, Franz M.

    2010-01-01

    Fatty acids, acetylcholine, and GLP-1 enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. However, the interplay between glucose, fatty acids, and the neuroendocrine regulators of insulin secretion is not well understood. Therefore, we studied the acute effects of PA (alone or in combination with glucose, acetylcholine, or GLP-1) on isolated cultured mouse islets. Two different sets of experiments were designed. In one, a fixed concentration of 0.5 mM of PA bound to 0.15 mM BSA was used; in the other, a PA ramp from 0 to 0.5 mM was applied at a fixed albumin concentration of 0.15 mM so that the molar PA/BSA ratio changed within the physiological range. At a fixed concentration of 0.5 mM, PA markedly inhibited acetylcholine-stimulated insulin release, the rise of intracellular Ca2+, and enhancement of cAMP production but did not influence the effects of GLP-1 on these parameters of islet cell function. 2-ADB, an IP3 receptor inhibitor, reduced the effect of acetylcholine on insulin secretion and reversed the effect of PA on acetylcholine-stimulated insulin release. Islet perfusion for 35–40 min with 0.5 mM PA significantly reduced the calcium storage capacity of ER measured by the thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. Oxygen consumption due to low but not high glucose was reduced by PA. When a PA ramp from 0 to 0.5 mM was applied in the presence of 8 mM glucose, PA at concentrations as low as 50 μM significantly augmented glucose-stimulated insulin release and markedly reduced acetylcholine's effects on hormone secretion. We thus demonstrate that PA acutely reduces the total oxygen consumption response to glucose, glucose-dependent acetylcholine stimulation of insulin release, Ca2+, and cAMP metabolism, whereas GLP-1's actions on these parameters remain unaffected or potentiated. We speculate that acute emptying of the ER calcium by PA results in decreased glucose stimulation of respiration and acetylcholine potentiation of insulin secretion. PMID:20606076

  9. GlpR is a direct transcriptional repressor of fructose metabolic genes in Haloferax volcanii.

    PubMed

    Martin, Jonathan H; Rawls, Katie Sherwood; Chan, Jou Chin; Hwang, Sungmin; Martinez-Pastor, Mar; McMillan, Lana J; Prunetti, Laurence; Schmid, Amy K; Maupin-Furlow, Julie A

    2018-06-18

    DeoR-type helix-turn-helix (HTH) domain proteins are transcriptional regulators of sugar and nucleoside metabolism in diverse bacteria and occur in select archaea. In the model archaeon Haloferax volcanii , previous work implicated GlpR, a DeoR-type transcriptional regulator, in transcriptional repression of glpR and the gene encoding the fructose-specific phosphofructokinase ( pfkB ) during growth on glycerol. However, the global regulon governed by GlpR remained unclear. Here we compared transcriptomes of wild type and Δ glpR mutant strains grown on glycerol and glucose to detect significant transcript level differences for nearly 50 new genes regulated by GlpR. By coupling computational prediction of GlpR binding sequences with in vivo and in vitro DNA binding experiments, we determined that GlpR directly controls genes encoding enzymes in fructose degradation, including fructose bisphosphate aldolase, a central control point in glycolysis. GlpR also directly controls other transcription factors. In contrast, other metabolic pathways appear to be under indirect influence of GlpR. In vitro experiments demonstrated that GlpR purifies as a tetramer that binds the effector molecule fructose-1-phosphate (F1P). These results suggest that Hfx. volcanii GlpR functions as a direct negative regulator of fructose degradation during growth on carbon sources other than fructose, such as glucose and glycerol, and that GlpR bears striking functional similarity to bacterial DeoR-type regulators. IMPORTANCE Many archaea are extremophiles, able to thrive in habitats of extreme salinity, pH and temperature. These biological properties are ideal for applications in biotechnology. However, limited knowledge of archaeal metabolism is a bottleneck that prevents broad use of archaea as microbial factories for industrial products. Here we characterize how sugar uptake and use is regulated in a species that lives in high salinity. We demonstrate that a key sugar regulatory protein in

  10. The DPP-IV inhibitor linagliptin and GLP-1 induce synergistic effects on body weight loss and appetite suppression in the diet-induced obese rat.

    PubMed

    Hansen, Henrik H; Hansen, Gitte; Paulsen, Sarah; Vrang, Niels; Mark, Michael; Jelsing, Jacob; Klein, Thomas

    2014-10-15

    Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV inhibitor approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. DPP-IV inhibitors are considered weight neutral, suggesting that elevation of endogenous incretin levels is not sufficient to promote weight loss per se. Here we evaluated the effect of linagliptin in combination with subcutaneous treatment of GLP-1(7-36) on body weight regulation in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats. Linagliptin administered perorally (1.5mg/kg, b.i.d.), but not subcutaneously (0.5mg/kg, b.i.d.), evoked a very modest body weight loss (2.2%) after 28 days of treatment. GLP-1 (0.5mg/kg, s.c.) treatment alone induced a body weight loss of 4.1%. In contrast, combined linagliptin (1.5mg/kg, p.o., or 0.5mg/kg, s.c.) and GLP-1 (0.5mg/kg) treatment evoked a marked anorectic response with both routes of linagliptin administration being equally effective on final body weight loss (7.5-8.0%). In comparison, liraglutide monotherapy (0.2mg/kg, s.c., b.i.d.) reduced body weight by 10.1%. Interestingly, the weight lowering effect of combined linagliptin and GLP-1 treatment was associated with a marked increase in chow preference, being more pronounced as compared to liraglutide treatment. In addition, linagliptin and GLP-1 co-treatment, but not liraglutide, specifically increased prepro-dynorphin mRNA levels in the caudate-putamen, an effect not obtained with administration of the compounds individually. In conclusion, co-treatment with linagliptin and GLP-1 synergistically reduces body weight in obese rats. The anti-obesity effect was caused by appetite suppression with a concomitant change in diet preference, which may potentially be associated with increased dynorphin activity in forebrain regions involved in reward anticipation and habit learning. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Differential effects of LifeAct-GFP and actin-GFP on cell mechanics assessed using micropipette aspiration.

    PubMed

    Sliogeryte, Kristina; Thorpe, Stephen D; Wang, Zhao; Thompson, Clare L; Gavara, Nuria; Knight, Martin M

    2016-01-25

    The actin cytoskeleton forms a dynamic structure involved in many fundamental cellular processes including the control of cell morphology, migration and biomechanics. Recently LifeAct-GFP (green fluorescent protein) has been proposed for visualising actin structure and dynamics in live cells as an alternative to actin-GFP which has been shown to affect cell mechanics. Here we compare the two approaches in terms of their effect on cellular mechanical behaviour. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were analysed using micropipette aspiration and the effective cellular equilibrium and instantaneous moduli calculated using the standard linear solid model. We show that LifeAct-GFP provides clearer visualisation of F-actin organisation and dynamics. Furthermore, LifeAct-GFP does not alter effective cellular mechanical properties whereas actin-GFP expression causes an increase in the cell modulus. Interestingly, LifeAct-GFP expression did produce a small (~10%) increase in the percentage of cells exhibiting aspiration-induced membrane bleb formation, whilst actin-GFP expression reduced blebbing. Further studies examined the influence of LifeAct-GFP in other cell types, namely chondrogenically differentiated hMSCs and murine chondrocytes. LifeAct-GFP also had no effect on the moduli of these non-blebbing cells for which mechanical properties are largely dependent on the actin cortex. In conclusion we show that LifeAct-GFP enables clearer visualisation of actin organisation and dynamics without disruption of the biomechanical properties of either the whole cell or the actin cortex. Thus the study provides new evidence supporting the use of LifeAct-GFP rather than actin-GFP for live cell microscopy and the study of cellular mechanobiology. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  12. Correlated expression of gfp and Bt cry1Ac gene facilitates quantification of transgenic hybridization between Brassicas.

    PubMed

    Shen, B-C; Stewart, C N; Zhang, M-Q; Le, Y-T; Tang, Z-X; Mi, X-C; Wei, W; Ma, K-P

    2006-09-01

    Gene flow from transgenic oilseed rape (BRASSICA NAPUS) might not be avoidable, thus, it is important to detect and quantify hybridization events with its relatives in real time. Data are presented showing the correlation between genetically linked green fluorescent protein (GFP) with BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (Bt) CRY1AC gene expression in hybrids formed between transgenic B. NAPUS "Westar" and a wild Chinese accession of wild mustard (B. JUNCEA) and hybridization between transgenic B. NAPUS and a conspecific Chinese landrace oilseed rape. Hybrids were obtained either by spontaneous hybridization in the field or by hand-crossing in a greenhouse. In all cases, transgenic hybrids were selected by GFP fluorescence among seedlings originating from seeds harvested from B. JUNCEA and the Chinese oilseed rape plants. Transgenicity was confirmed by PCR detection of transgenes. GFP fluorescence was easily and rapidly detected in the hybrids under greenhouse and field conditions. Results showed that both GFP fluorescence and Bt protein synthesis decreased as either plant or leaf aged, and GFP fluorescence intensity was closely correlated with Bt protein concentration during the entire vegetative lifetime in hybrids. These findings allow the use of GFP fluorescence as an accurate tool to detect gene-flow in time in the field and to conveniently estimate BT CRY1AC expression in hybrids on-the-plant.

  13. N-Terminal Truncated UCH-L1 Prevents Parkinson's Disease Associated Damage

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Hee-Jung; Kim, Hyun Jung; Jeong, Jae-Eun; Baek, Jeong Yeob; Jeong, Jaeho; Kim, Sun; Kim, Young-Mee; Kim, Youhwa; Nam, Jin Han; Huh, Sue Hee; Seo, Jawon; Jin, Byung Kwan; Lee, Kong-Joo

    2014-01-01

    Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) has been proposed as one of the Parkinson's disease (PD) related genes, but the possible molecular connection between UCH-L1 and PD is not well understood. In this study, we discovered an N-terminal 11 amino acid truncated variant UCH-L1 that we called NT-UCH-L1, in mouse brain tissue as well as in NCI-H157 lung cancer and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines. In vivo experiments and hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS) studies showed that NT-UCH-L1 is readily aggregated and degraded, and has more flexible structure than UCH-L1. Post-translational modifications including monoubiquitination and disulfide crosslinking regulate the stability and cellular localization of NT-UCH-L1, as confirmed by mutational and proteomic studies. Stable expression of NT-UCH-L1 decreases cellular ROS levels and protects cells from H2O2, rotenone and CCCP-induced cell death. NT-UCH-L1-expressing transgenic mice are less susceptible to degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons seen in the MPTP mouse model of PD, in comparison to control animals. These results suggest that NT-UCH-L1 may have the potential to prevent neural damage in diseases like PD. PMID:24959670

  14. Analysis of protein function in clinical C. albicans isolates

    PubMed Central

    Gerami-Nejad, Maryam; Forche, Anja; McClellan, Mark; Berman, Judith

    2012-01-01

    Clinical isolates are prototrophic and hence are not amenable to genetic manipulation using nutritional markers. Here we describe a new set of plasmids carrying the NAT1 (nourseothricin) drug resistance marker (Shen et al., 2005) that can be used both in clinical isolates and in laboratory strains. We constructed novel plasmids containing HA-NAT1 or MYC-NAT1 cassettes to facilitate PCR-mediated construction of strains with C-terminal epitope-tagged proteins and a NAT1-pMet3-GFP plasmid to enable conditional expression of proteins with or without the green fluorescent protein fused at the N-terminus. Furthermore, for proteins that require both the endogenous N- and C-termini for function, we have constructed a GF-NAT1-FP cassette carrying truncated alleles that facilitate insertion of an intact, single copy of GFP internal to the coding sequence. In addition, GFP-NAT1, RFP-NAT1, and M-Cherry-NAT1 plasmids were constructed expressing two differently labeled gene products for the study of protein co-expression and co-localization in vivo. Together, these vectors provide a useful set of genetic tools for studying diverse aspects of gene function in C. albicans clinical as well as laboratory strains. PMID:22777821

  15. The Effects of Aerobic Exercises and 25(OH) D Supplementation on GLP1 and DPP4 Level in Type II Diabetic Patients.

    PubMed

    Rahimi, Naser; Samavati Sharif, Mohammad Ali; Goharian, Amir Reza; Pour, Ali Heidarian

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week aerobic exercise and supplementation of 25(OH)D3 on GLP1 and DDP4 levels in men with type II diabetes. In this semiexperimental research, among 40-60-year-old men with type II diabetes who were referred to the diabetic center of Isabn-E Maryam hospital in Isfahan; of whom, 48 patients were voluntarily accepted and then were randomly divided into 4 groups: aerobic exercise group, aerobic exercise with 25(OH) D supplement group, 25(OH) D supplement group, and the control group. An aerobic exercise program was conducted for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week, each session 60 to75 min with 60-80% HRmax). The supplement user group received 50,000 units of oral Vitamin D once weekly for 8 weeks. The GLP1, DPP4, and 25(OH) D levels were measured before and after the intervention. At last, the data were statistically analyzed using the ANCOVA and post hoc test of least significant difference. The results of ANCOVA showed a significant difference between the GLP1 and DPP4 levels in aerobic exercise with control group while these changes were not statistically significant between the 25(OH) D supplement group with control group ( P < 0.05). Aerobic exercises have resulted an increase in GLP1 level and a decrease in DPP4 level. However, consumption of Vitamin D supplement alone did not cause any changes in GLP1and DPP4 levels but led to an increase in 25-hydroxy Vitamin D level.

  16. Development of a green fluorescent tagged strain of Aspergillus carbonarius to monitor fungal colonization in grapes.

    PubMed

    Crespo-Sempere, A; López-Pérez, M; Martínez-Culebras, P V; González-Candelas, L

    2011-08-02

    An enhanced green fluorescent protein has been used to tag an OTA-producing strain of Aspergillus carbonarius (W04-40) isolated from naturally infected grape berries. Transformation of the fungus was mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The most efficient transformation occurred when the co-cultivation was done with 10(4) conidia due to higher frequency of resistance colonies (894 per 10(4) conidia) and lower background obtained. To confirm the presence of the hph gene in hygromycin resistant colonies, 20 putative transformants were screened by PCR analysis. The hph gene was identified in all the transformants. Variation on the expression levels of the eGFP was detected among the transformants and 50% of them appeared bright green fluorescent under the microscope. Microscopic analysis of all the bright fluorescent transformants revealed homogeneity of the fluorescent signal, which was clearly visible in the hyphae as well as in the conidia. eGFP expression in A. carbonarius was shown to be stable in all transformants. Confocal Laser scanning microscopy images of grape berries infected with the eGFP transformant demonstrated fungal penetration into the berry tissues. OTA production was importantly increased in the eGFP transformant in comparison with the wild type strain and pathogenicity on grape berries was slightly decreased after four days of inoculation. However, no differences in virulence were found after seven days of inoculation, thus allowing utilization of this eGFP mutant for in situ analysis of A. carbonarius infection of grape berries. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the construction of a GFP-tagged strain belonging to Aspergillus section Nigri for monitoring Aspergillus rot on grape berries. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Dulaglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 analog fused with an Fc antibody fragment for the potential treatment of type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Jimenez-Solem, Espen; Rasmussen, Mette H; Christensen, Mikkel; Knop, Filip K

    2010-12-01

    Dulaglutide (LY-2189265) is a novel, long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog being developed by Eli Lilly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dulaglutide consists of GLP-1(7-37) covalently linked to an Fc fragment of human IgG4, thereby protecting the GLP-1 moiety from inactivation by dipeptidyl peptidase 4. In vitro and in vivo studies on T2DM models demonstrated glucose-dependent insulin secretion stimulation. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated a t1/2 in humans of up to 90 h, making dulaglutide an ideal candidate for once-weekly dosing. Clinical trials suggest that dulaglutide reduces plasma glucose, and has an insulinotropic effect increasing insulin and C-peptide levels. Two phase II clinical trials demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of up to 1.52% compared with placebo. Side effects associated with dulaglutide administration were mainly gastrointestinal. To date, there have been no reports on the formation of antibodies against dulaglutide, but, clearly, long-term data will be needed to asses this and other possible side effects. The results of several phase III clinical trials are awaited for clarification of the expected effects on HbA1c and body weight. If dulaglutide possesses similar efficacy to other GLP-1 analogs, the once-weekly treatment will most likely be welcomed by patients with T2DM.

  18. Cap analog and Potato virus A HC-Pro silencing suppressor improve GFP transient expression using an infectious virus vector in Nicotiana benthamiana.

    PubMed

    Tahmasebi, Amin-Alah; Afsharifar, Alireza

    2017-06-01

    Transient expression of proteins in plants has become a choice to facilitate recombinant protein production with its fast and easy application. On the other hand, host defensive mechanisms have been reported to reduce the efficiency of transient expression in plants. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of cap analog and Potato virus A helper component proteinase (PVA HC-Pro) on green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression efficiency. N . benthamiana leaves were inoculated with capped or un-capped RNA transcripts of a Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) construct containing a green fluorescent protein reporter gene (TCV-sGFP) in place of its coat protein (CP) ORF. PVA HC-Pro as a viral suppressor of RNA silencing was infiltrated in trans by Agrobacterium tumefaciens , increased the GFP foci diameter to six and even more cells in both capped and un capped treatments. The expression level of GFP in inoculated plants with TCV-sGFP transcript pre-infiltrated with PVA HC-Pro was 12.97-fold higher than the GFP accumulation level in pre-infiltrated leaves with empty plasmid (EP) control. Also, the yield of GFP in inoculated N. benthamiana plants with capped TCV-sGFP transcript pre-infiltrated with EP and PVA HC-Pro was 1.54 and 1.2-fold respectively, greater than the level of GFP expressed without cap analog application at 5 days post inoculation (dpi). In addition, the movement of TCV-sGFP was increased in some cells of inoculated leaves with capped transcripts. Results of this study indicated that PVA HC-Pro and mRNA capping can increase GFP expression and its cell to cell movement in N. benthamiana .

  19. [Identification of occult disseminated tumor cells by recombinant herpes simplex virus expressing GFP (HSV(GFP))].

    PubMed

    Han, Xiang-ping; Shi, Gui-lan; Wang, Cheng-feng; Li, Jie; Zhang, Jian-wei; Zhang, Yu; Zhang, Shu-ren; Liu, Bin-lei

    2012-12-01

    To develop a novel rapid protocol for the detection of occult disseminated tumor cells by a recombinant herpes simplex virus expressing GFP (HSV(GFP)). Tumor cells of seven cell lines were exposed to HSV(GFP) and then examined for GFP expression by fluorescence microscopy. Various numbers of tumor cells (10, 100, 1000, 10 000) were mixed into 2 ml human whole blood, separated with lymphocytes separation medium, exposed to HSV(GFP), incubated at 37°C for 6 - 24 h and then counted for the number of green cells under the fluorescence microscope. Some clinical samples including peripheral blood, pleural effusion, ascites, spinal fluid from tumor-bearing patients were screened using this protocol in parallel with routine cytological examination. HSV(GFP) was able to infect all 7 tumor cell lines indicating that the HSV(GFP) can be used to detect different types of tumor cells. The detection sensitivity was 10 cancer cells in 2 ml whole blood. In the clinical samples, there were 4/15 positive by routine cytological examination but 11/15 positive by HSV(GFP), indicating a higher sensitivity of this new protocol. Recombinant herpes simplex virus-mediated green fluorescence is a simple and sensitive technique for the identification of occult disseminated cancer cells including circulating tumor cells (CTCs).

  20. Engineering the N-terminal end of CelA results in improved performance and growth of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii on crystalline cellulose

    DOE PAGES

    Kim, Sun -Ki; Chung, Daehwan; Himmel, Michael E.; ...

    2016-12-26

    Here, CelA is the most abundant enzyme secreted by Caldicellulosiruptor bescii and has been shown to outperform mixtures of commercially available exo- and endoglucanases in vitro. CelA contains both a glycoside hydrolase family 9 endoglucanase and a glycoside hydrolase family 48 exoglucanase known to be synergistic in their activity, connected by three cellulose-binding domains via linker peptides. Here, repeated aspartate residues were introduced into the N-terminal ends of CelA GH9 and GH48 domains to improve secretion efficiency and/or catalytic efficiency of CelA. Among several constructs, the highest activity on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), 0.81 ± 0.03 mg/mL was observed for the C.more » bescii strain containing CelA with 5-aspartate tag at the N-terminal end of GH9 domain – an 82% increase over wild type CelA. In addition, Expression of CelA with N-terminal repeated aspartate residues in C. bescii results in a dramatic increase in its ability to grow on Avicel.« less

  1. Combination of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists: potential benefits in surrogate and hard endpoints.

    PubMed

    Doumas, Michael; Imprialos, Κonstantinos; Stavropoulos, Konstantinos; Reklou, Andromachi; Sachinidis, Alexandros; Athyros, Vasilios G

    2018-06-03

    The treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is complex; only few patients successfully attain glycemic targets with monotherapy, most requiring drug combination therapy. The goal of this review was to identify in PubMed the complimentary ways of action leading to clinical benefit (in lowering HbA1c, body weight, renal, and cardiac risk factors and events) of the combination of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). SGLT2i, an emerging class of antidiabetic agents with an insulin-independent mechanism of action, are suitable for use in combination with any other class of antidiabetics, including insulin. The use of SGLT2i causes a reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity (mainly heart failure-HF) as well as total and CVD mortality. Besides insulin, SGLT2i may also be combined with incretin-based therapies, such as GLP-1 RA. The later appear to reduce the rate or the progression of both macrovascular (mainly myocardial infarction-MI and stroke) and microvascular complications of DM, having a beneficial effect on all-cause mortality and CVD mortality, as well as CVD events. SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA may have a synergic effect on glucose reduction, weight reduction, renal impairment (both an independent lethal disease and a CVD risk factor) improvement, and cardiac event reduction, because the first reduces HF and related events and the second decreases CVD risk (mainly MI and stroke). Both also reduce total mortality, especially when combined with a statin. The combination of metformin with SGLT2i, GLP-1 RA, and a potent statin, in high CVD risk patients with DM, is expected to substantially reduce CVD mortality and morbidity, improving the quality of life of patients with DM at the same time. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  2. A visual screen for diet-regulated proteins in the Drosophila ovary using GFP protein trap lines.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Hwei-Jan; Drummond-Barbosa, Daniela

    2017-01-01

    The effect of diet on reproduction is well documented in a large number of organisms; however, much remains to be learned about the molecular mechanisms underlying this connection. The Drosophila ovary has a well described, fast and largely reversible response to diet. Ovarian stem cells and their progeny proliferate and grow faster on a yeast-rich diet than on a yeast-free (poor) diet, and death of early germline cysts, degeneration of early vitellogenic follicles and partial block in ovulation further contribute to the ∼60-fold decrease in egg laying observed on a poor diet. Multiple diet-dependent factors, including insulin-like peptides, the steroid ecdysone, the nutrient sensor Target of Rapamycin, AMP-dependent kinase, and adipocyte factors mediate this complex response. Here, we describe the results of a visual screen using a collection of green fluorescent protein (GFP) protein trap lines to identify additional factors potentially involved in this response. In each GFP protein trap line, an artificial GFP exon is fused in frame to an endogenous protein, such that the GFP fusion pattern parallels the levels and subcellular localization of the corresponding native protein. We identified 53 GFP-tagged proteins that exhibit changes in levels and/or subcellular localization in the ovary at 12-16 hours after switching females from rich to poor diets, suggesting them as potential candidates for future functional studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Partial blockade of Kv2.1 channel potentiates GLP-1's insulinotropic effects in islets and reduces its dose required for improving glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetic male mice.

    PubMed

    Sukma Rita, Rauza; Dezaki, Katsuya; Kurashina, Tomoyuki; Kakei, Masafumi; Yada, Toshihiko

    2015-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based medicines have recently been widely used to treat type 2 diabetic patients, whereas adverse effects of nausea and vomiting have been documented. Inhibition of voltage-gated K(+) channel subtype Kv2.1 in pancreatic β-cells has been suggested to contribute to mild depolarization and promotion of insulin release. This study aimed to determine whether the blockade of Kv2.1 channels potentiates the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 agonists. Kv2.1 channel blocker guangxitoxin-1E (GxTx) and GLP-1 agonist exendin-4 at subthreshold concentrations, when combined, markedly increased the insulin release and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in a glucose-dependent manner in mouse islets and β-cells. Exendin-4 at subthreshold concentration alone increased islet insulin release and β-cell [Ca(2+)]i in Kv2.1(+/-) mice. The [Ca(2+)]i response to subthreshold exendin-4 and GxTx in combination was attenuated by pretreatment with protein kinase A inhibitor H-89, indicating the protein kinase A dependency of the cooperative effect. Furthermore, subthreshold doses of GxTx and GLP-1 agonist liraglutide in combination markedly increased plasma insulin and improved glucose tolerance in diabetic db/db mice and NSY mice. These results demonstrate that a modest suppression of Kv2.1 channels dramatically raises insulinotropic potency of GLP-1-based drugs, which opens a new avenue to reduce their doses and associated adverse effects while achieving the same glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

  4. GLP-1 receptors exist in the parietal cortex, hypothalamus and medulla of human brains and the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide alters brain activity related to highly desirable food cues in individuals with diabetes: a crossover, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

    PubMed Central

    Farr, Olivia M.; Sofopoulos, Michail; Tsoukas, Michael A.; Dincer, Fadime; Thakkar, Bindiya; Sahin-Efe, Ayse; Filippaios, Andreas; Bowers, Jennifer; Srnka, Alexandra; Gavrieli, Anna; Ko, Byung-Joon; Liakou, Chrysoula; Kanyuch, Nickole; Tseleni-Balafouta, Sofia; Mantzoros, Christos S.

    2016-01-01

    Aims/hypothesis Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that has been demonstrated to successfully treat diabetes and promote weight loss. The mechanisms by which liraglutide confers weight loss remain to be fully clarified. Thus, we investigated whether GLP-1 receptors are expressed in human brains and whether liraglutide administration affects neural responses to food cues in diabetic individuals (primary outcome). Methods In 22 consecutively studied human brains, expression of GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, medulla oblongata and parietal cortex was examined using immunohistochemistry. In a randomised (assigned by the pharmacy using a randomisation enrollment table), placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial, 21 individuals with type 2 diabetes (18 included in analysis due to lack or poor quality of data) were treated with placebo and liraglutide for a total of 17 days each (0.6 mg for 7 days, 1.2 mg for 7 days and 1.8 mg for 3 days). Participants were eligible if they had type 2 diabetes and were currently being treated with lifestyle changes or metformin. Participants, caregivers, people doing measurements and/or examinations, and people assessing the outcomes were blinded to the medication assignment. We studied metabolic changes as well as neurocognitive and neuroimaging (fMRI) of responses to food cues at the clinical research centre of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Results Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of GLP-1 receptors on neurons in the human hypothalamus, medulla and parietal cortex. Liraglutide decreased activation of the parietal cortex in response to highly desirable (vs less desirable) food images (p < 0.001; effect size: placebo 0.53 ± 0.24, liraglutide −0.47 ± 0.18). No significant adverse effects were noted. In a secondary analysis, we observed decreased activation in the insula and putamen, areas involved in the reward system. Furthermore, we showed that increased ratings of hunger

  5. Localization of the Intracellular Activity Domain of Pasteurella multocida Toxin to the N Terminus

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, Brenda A.; Ponferrada, Virgilio G.; Vallance, Jefferson E.; Ho, Mengfei

    1999-01-01

    We have shown that Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) directly causes transient activation of Gqα protein that is coupled to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase Cβ1 in Xenopus oocytes (B. A. Wilson, X. Zhu, M. Ho, and L. Lu, J. Biol. Chem. 272:1268–1275, 1997). We found that antibodies directed against an N-terminal peptide of PMT inhibited the toxin-induced response in Xenopus oocytes, but antibodies against a C-terminal peptide did not. To test whether the intracellular activity domain of PMT is localized to the N terminus, we conducted a deletion mutational analysis of the PMT protein, using the Xenopus oocyte system as a means of screening for toxin activity. Using PCR and conventional cloning techniques, we cloned from a toxinogenic strain of P. multocida the entire toxA gene, encoding the 1,285-amino-acid PMT protein, and expressed the recombinant toxin as a His-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli. We subsequently generated a series of N-terminal and C-terminal deletion mutants and expressed the His-tagged PMT fragments in E. coli. These proteins were screened for cytotoxic activity on cultured Vero cells and for intracellular activity in the Xenopus oocyte system. Only the full-length protein without the His tag exhibited activity on Vero cells. The full-length PMT and N-terminal fragments containing the first 500 residues elicited responses in oocytes, but the C-terminal 780 amino acid fragment did not. Our results confirm that the intracellular activity domain of PMT is localized to the N-terminal 500 amino acids of the protein and that the C terminus is required for entry into cells. PMID:9864199

  6. A Temperature-Sensitive Lesion in the N-Terminal Domain of the Rotavirus Polymerase Affects Its Intracellular Localization and Enzymatic Activity

    PubMed Central

    McKell, Allison O.; LaConte, Leslie E. W.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of simian rotavirus (RV) strain SA11 have been previously created to investigate the functions of viral proteins during replication. One mutant, SA11-tsC, has a mutation that maps to the gene encoding the VP1 polymerase and shows diminished growth and RNA synthesis at 39°C compared to that at 31°C. In the present study, we sequenced all 11 genes of SA11-tsC, confirming the presence of an L138P mutation in the VP1 N-terminal domain and identifying 52 additional mutations in four other viral proteins (VP4, VP7, NSP1, and NSP2). To investigate whether the L138P mutation induces a ts phenotype in VP1 outside the SA11-tsC genetic context, we employed ectopic expression systems. Specifically, we tested whether the L138P mutation affects the ability of VP1 to localize to viroplasms, which are the sites of RV RNA synthesis, by expressing the mutant form as a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein (VP1L138P-GFP) (i) in wild-type SA11-infected cells or (ii) in uninfected cells along with viroplasm-forming proteins NSP2 and NSP5. We found that VP1L138P-GFP localized to viroplasms and interacted with NSP2 and/or NSP5 at 31°C but not at 39°C. Next, we tested the enzymatic activity of a recombinant mutant polymerase (rVP1L138P) in vitro and found that it synthesized less RNA at 39°C than at 31°C, as well as less RNA than the control at all temperatures. Together, these results provide a mechanistic basis for the ts phenotype of SA11-tsC and raise important questions about the role of leucine 138 in supporting key protein interactions and the catalytic function of the VP1 polymerase. IMPORTANCE RVs cause diarrhea in the young of many animal species, including humans. Despite their medical and economic importance, gaps in knowledge exist about how these viruses replicate inside host cells. Previously, a mutant simian RV (SA11-tsC) that replicates worse at higher temperatures was identified. This virus has an amino acid

  7. A Temperature-Sensitive Lesion in the N-Terminal Domain of the Rotavirus Polymerase Affects Its Intracellular Localization and Enzymatic Activity.

    PubMed

    McKell, Allison O; LaConte, Leslie E W; McDonald, Sarah M

    2017-04-01

    Temperature-sensitive ( ts ) mutants of simian rotavirus (RV) strain SA11 have been previously created to investigate the functions of viral proteins during replication. One mutant, SA11- ts C, has a mutation that maps to the gene encoding the VP1 polymerase and shows diminished growth and RNA synthesis at 39°C compared to that at 31°C. In the present study, we sequenced all 11 genes of SA11- ts C, confirming the presence of an L138P mutation in the VP1 N-terminal domain and identifying 52 additional mutations in four other viral proteins (VP4, VP7, NSP1, and NSP2). To investigate whether the L138P mutation induces a ts phenotype in VP1 outside the SA11- ts C genetic context, we employed ectopic expression systems. Specifically, we tested whether the L138P mutation affects the ability of VP1 to localize to viroplasms, which are the sites of RV RNA synthesis, by expressing the mutant form as a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein (VP1 L138P -GFP) (i) in wild-type SA11-infected cells or (ii) in uninfected cells along with viroplasm-forming proteins NSP2 and NSP5. We found that VP1 L138P -GFP localized to viroplasms and interacted with NSP2 and/or NSP5 at 31°C but not at 39°C. Next, we tested the enzymatic activity of a recombinant mutant polymerase (rVP1 L138P ) in vitro and found that it synthesized less RNA at 39°C than at 31°C, as well as less RNA than the control at all temperatures. Together, these results provide a mechanistic basis for the ts phenotype of SA11- ts C and raise important questions about the role of leucine 138 in supporting key protein interactions and the catalytic function of the VP1 polymerase. IMPORTANCE RVs cause diarrhea in the young of many animal species, including humans. Despite their medical and economic importance, gaps in knowledge exist about how these viruses replicate inside host cells. Previously, a mutant simian RV (SA11- ts C) that replicates worse at higher temperatures was identified. This virus has an amino

  8. A Human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-albumin Recombinant Protein with Prolonged Hypoglycemic Effect Provides Efficient and Beneficial Control of Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic Mice.

    PubMed

    Li, Caina; Yang, Miaomiao; Hou, Guojiang; Liu, Shuainan; Huan, Yi; Yu, Dongan; Sun, Sujuan; Liu, Quan; Yan, Shousheng; Shen, Zhufang

    2017-09-01

    GW002 is a recombinant protein engineered by fusing the C-terminal region of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to the N-terminal region of human serum albumin (HSA) with a peptide linker. This study aims to evaluate its anti-diabetic effects both in vitro and in vivo. The GLP-1 receptor-dependent luciferase reporter plasmid was transiently transfected in NIT-1 cells to calculate the half-maximal concentration (EC 50 ) for GLP-1 receptor activation, and normal ICR mice and diabetic KKAy mice were acutely injected with GW002 (1, 3, 9 mg/kg) subcutaneously to evaluate the hypoglycemic action, while the diabetic KKAy and db/db mice were treated with GW002 once daily for 7 weeks to evaluate the effects on glucose metabolism. The results showed that GW002 activated GLP-1 receptor in NIT-1 cells with higher EC 50 versus exendin-4 (46.7 vs. 7.89 nM), and single subcutaneous injection of GW002 at doses of 1, 3 and 9 mg/kg efficiently restrained the glycemia variation after oral glucose loading in ICR mice for at least 4 d, as well as reducing the non-fasting blood glucose in KKAy mice for about 2 d, while repeated injections of GW002 significantly improved abnormal glycaemia, hemoglobin (Hb)A1c levels, oral glucose intolerance and β-cell function in diabetic db/db mice. These results suggested that GW002 showed prolonged hypoglycemic action by activating its cognate receptor and provided efficient control of glucose metabolism. Thus GW002 may be a potential treatment for the management of type 2 diabetes.

  9. Proximal tubule-dominant transfer of AT(1a) receptors induces blood pressure responses to intracellular angiotensin II in AT(1a) receptor-deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiao C; Zhuo, Jia L

    2013-04-15

    The role of intracellular ANG II in proximal tubules of the kidney remains poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that proximal tubule-dominant transfer of AT(1a) receptors in the cortex mediates intracellular ANG II-induced blood pressure responses in AT(1a) receptor-deficient (Agtr1a-/-) mice. A GFP-tagged AT(1a) receptor, AT(1a)R/GFP, and an enhanced cyan fluorescent intracellular ANG II fusion protein, ECFP/ANG II, were expressed in proximal tubules of Agtr1a-/- mouse kidneys via the adenoviral transfer using a sodium and glucose cotransporter 2 promoter. Transfer of AT(1a)R/GFP alone or with ECFP/ANG II induced proximal tubule-dominant expression of AT(1a)R/GFP and/or ECFP/ANG II with a peak response at 2 wk. No significant AT(1a)R/GFP and/or ECFP/ANG II expression was observed in the glomeruli, medulla, or extrarenal tissues. Transfer of AT(1a)R/GFP alone, but not ECFP/ANG II, increased systolic blood pressure by 12 ± 2 mmHg by day 14 (n = 9, P < 0.01). However, cotransfer of AT(1a)R/GFP with ECFP/ANG II increased blood pressure by 18 ± 2 mmHg (n = 12, P < 0.01). Twenty-four hour urinary sodium excretion was decreased by day 7 with proximal tubule-dominant transfer of AT(1a)R/GFP alone (P < 0.01) or with AT(1a)R/GFP and ECFP/ANG II cotransfer (P < 0.01). These responses were associated with twofold increases in phosphorylated ERK1/2, lysate, and membrane NHE-3 proteins in freshly isolated proximal tubules (P < 0.01). By contrast, transfer of control CMV-GFP (a recombinant human adenovirus type 5 expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter), ECFP/ANG II, or a scrambled control ECFP/ANG IIc alone in proximal tubules had no effect on all indices. These results suggest that AT(1a) receptors and intracellular ANG II in proximal tubules of the kidney play an important physiological role in blood pressure regulation.

  10. Structure of the Fibrillin-1 N-Terminal Domains Suggests that Heparan Sulfate Regulates the Early Stages of Microfibril Assembly

    PubMed Central

    Yadin, David A.; Robertson, Ian B.; McNaught-Davis, Joanne; Evans, Paul; Stoddart, David; Handford, Penny A.; Jensen, Sacha A.; Redfield, Christina

    2013-01-01

    Summary The human extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibrillin-1 is the primary component of the 10- to 12-nm-diameter microfibrils, which perform key structural and regulatory roles in connective tissues. Relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms of fibrillin assembly into microfibrils. Studies using recombinant fibrillin fragments indicate that an interaction between the N- and C-terminal regions drives head-to-tail assembly. Here, we present the structure of a fibrillin N-terminal fragment comprising the fibrillin unique N-terminal (FUN) and the first three epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains (FUN-EGF3). Two rod-like domain pairs are separated by a short, flexible linker between the EGF1 and EGF2 domains. We also show that the binding site for the C-terminal region spans multiple domains and overlaps with a heparin interaction site. These data suggest that heparan sulfate may sequester fibrillin at the cell surface via FUN-EGF3 prior to aggregation of the C terminus, thereby regulating microfibril assembly. PMID:24035709

  11. The N-Terminal Domain of Human DNA Helicase Rtel1 Contains a Redox Active Iron-Sulfur Cluster

    PubMed Central

    Landry, Aaron P.

    2014-01-01

    Human telomere length regulator Rtel1 is a superfamily II DNA helicase and is essential for maintaining proper length of telomeres in chromosomes. Here we report that the N-terminal domain of human Rtel1 (RtelN) expressed in Escherichia coli cells produces a protein that contains a redox active iron-sulfur cluster with the redox midpoint potential of −248 ± 10 mV (pH 8.0). The iron-sulfur cluster in RtelN is sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, indicating that reactive oxygen/nitrogen species may modulate the DNA helicase activity of Rtel1 via modification of its iron-sulfur cluster. Purified RtelN retains a weak binding affinity for the single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) DNA in vitro. However, modification of the iron-sulfur cluster by hydrogen peroxide or nitric oxide does not significantly affect the DNA binding activity of RtelN, suggesting that the iron-sulfur cluster is not directly involved in the DNA interaction in the N-terminal domain of Rtel1. PMID:25147792

  12. The N-terminal domain of human DNA helicase Rtel1 contains a redox active iron-sulfur cluster.

    PubMed

    Landry, Aaron P; Ding, Huangen

    2014-01-01

    Human telomere length regulator Rtel1 is a superfamily II DNA helicase and is essential for maintaining proper length of telomeres in chromosomes. Here we report that the N-terminal domain of human Rtel1 (RtelN) expressed in Escherichia coli cells produces a protein that contains a redox active iron-sulfur cluster with the redox midpoint potential of -248 ± 10 mV (pH 8.0). The iron-sulfur cluster in RtelN is sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, indicating that reactive oxygen/nitrogen species may modulate the DNA helicase activity of Rtel1 via modification of its iron-sulfur cluster. Purified RtelN retains a weak binding affinity for the single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) DNA in vitro. However, modification of the iron-sulfur cluster by hydrogen peroxide or nitric oxide does not significantly affect the DNA binding activity of RtelN, suggesting that the iron-sulfur cluster is not directly involved in the DNA interaction in the N-terminal domain of Rtel1.

  13. An unexpected N-terminal loop in PD-1 dominates binding by nivolumab

    PubMed Central

    Tan, Shuguang; Zhang, Hao; Chai, Yan; Song, Hao; Tong, Zhou; Wang, Qihui; Qi, Jianxun; Wong, Gary; Zhu, Xiaodong; Liu, William J.; Gao, Shan; Wang, Zhongfu; Shi, Yi; Yang, Fuquan; Gao, George F.; Yan, Jinghua

    2017-01-01

    Cancer immunotherapy by targeting of immune checkpoint molecules has been a research ‘hot-spot' in recent years. Nivolumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, has been widely used clinically since 2014. However, the binding mechanism of nivolumab to PD-1 has not yet been shown, despite a recent report describing the complex structure of pembrolizumab/PD-1. It has previously been speculated that PD-1 glycosylation is involved in nivolumab recognition. Here we report the complex structure of nivolumab with PD-1 and evaluate the effects of PD-1 N-glycosylation on the interactions with nivolumab. Structural and functional analyses unexpectedly reveal an N-terminal loop outside the IgV domain of PD-1. This loop is not involved in recognition of PD-L1 but dominates binding to nivolumab, whereas N-glycosylation is not involved in binding at all. Nivolumab binds to a completely different area than pembrolizumab. These results provide the basis for the design of future inhibitory molecules targeting PD-1. PMID:28165004

  14. Potato virus X TGBp1 induces plasmodesmata gating and moves between cells in several host species whereas CP moves only in N. benthamiana leaves

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

    Howard, Amanda R.; Heppler, Marty L.; Ju, Ho-Jong

    Experiments were conducted to compare the plasmodesmal transport activities of Potato virus X (PVX) TGBp1 and coat protein (CP) in several plant species. Microinjection experiments indicated that TGBp1 gates plasmodesmata in Nicotiana tabacum leaves. These results support previous microinjection studies indicating that TGBp1 gates plasmodesmata in Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana clevelandii leaves. To study protein movement, plasmids expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene fused to the PVX TGBp1 or CP genes were biolistically bombarded to leaves taken from four different PVX host species. GFP/TGBp1 moved between adjacent cells in N. tabacum, N. clevelandii, N. benthamiana, and Lycopersicon esculentum, whereasmore » GFP/CP moved only in N. benthamiana leaves. Mutations m12 and m13 were introduced into the TGBp1 gene and both mutations eliminated TGBp1 ATPase active site motifs, inhibited PVX movement, reduced GFP/TGBp1 cell-to-cell movement in N. benthamiana leaves, and eliminated GFP/TGBp1 movement in N. tabacum, N. clevelandii, and L. esculentum leaves. GFP/TGBp1m13 formed aggregates in tobacco cells. The ability of GFP/CP and mutant GFP/TGBp1 fusion proteins to move in N. benthamiana and not in the other PVX host species suggests that N. benthamiana plants have a unique ability to promote protein intercellular movement.« less

  15. A novel subset of enteric neurons revealed by ptf1a:GFP in the developing zebrafish enteric nervous system.

    PubMed

    Uribe, Rosa A; Gu, Tiffany; Bronner, Marianne E

    2016-03-01

    The enteric nervous system, the largest division of the peripheral nervous system, is derived from vagal neural crest cells that invade and populate the entire length of the gut to form diverse neuronal subtypes. Here, we identify a novel population of neurons within the enteric nervous system of zebrafish larvae that express the transgenic marker ptf1a:GFP within the midgut. Genetic lineage analysis reveals that enteric ptf1a:GFP(+) cells are derived from the neural crest and that most ptf1a:GFP(+) neurons express the neurotransmitter 5HT, demonstrating that they are serotonergic. This transgenic line, Tg(ptf1a:GFP), provides a novel neuronal marker for a subpopulation of neurons within the enteric nervous system, and highlights the possibility that Ptf1a may act as an important transcription factor for enteric neuron development. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani damping-off disease in cucumber with Bacillus pumilus SQR-N43.

    PubMed

    Huang, Xinqi; Zhang, Nan; Yong, Xiaoyu; Yang, Xingming; Shen, Qirong

    2012-03-20

    Biological control is an efficient and environmentally friendly way to prevent damping-off disease. Micrographs were used to investigate the ability of Bacillus pumilus (B. pumilus) SQR-N43 to control Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) Q1 in cucumbers. The root colonization ability of B. pumilus SQR-N43 was analyzed in vivo with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag. A pot experiment was performed to assess the in vivo disease-control efficiency of B. pumilus SQR-N43 and its bio-organic fertilizer. Results indicate that B. pumilus SQR-N43 induced hyphal deformation, enlargement of cytoplasmic vacuoles and cytoplasmic leakage in R. solani Q1 mycelia. A biofilm on the root surface was formed when the roots were inoculated with 10(7)-10(8)cells g(-1) of soil of GFP-tagged B. pumilus SQR-N43. In the pot experiment, the biocontrol reduced the concentration of R. solani. In contrast to applications of only B. pumilus SQR-N43 (N treatment), which produced control efficiencies of 23%, control efficiencies of 68% were obtained with applications of a fermented organic fertilizer inoculated with B. pumilus SQR-N43 (BIO treatment). After twenty days of incubation, significant differences in the number of CFUs and the percentage of spores of B. pumilus SQR-N43 were recorded between the N treatment (2.20×10(7)CFU g(-1) of soil and 79%, respectively) and the BIO treatment (1.67×10(8)CFU g(-1) of soil and 52%, respectively). The results indicate that B. pumilus SQR-N43 is a potent antagonist against R. solani Q1. The BIO treatment was more effective than the N treatment because it stabilized the population and increased the active form of the antagonist. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  17. [Experimental study of human umbilical cord blood derived stromal cells transfected with recombinant adenoviral vector co-expressing VCAM-1 and GFP].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xi; Si, Ying-Jian; Chen, Xing-Hua; Liu, Yao; Gao, Li; Gao, Lei; Peng, Xian-Gui; Wang, Qing-Yu

    2008-06-01

    This study was aimed to investigate the effect of vcam-1 gene-modified human umbilical cord blood derived stromal cells (CBDSCs) on hematopoietic regulation so as to establish the experimental foundation for further study. The target gene vcam-1 was cloned into the shuttle plasmid with the report gene GFP. The recombinant shuttle plasmid was transformed into BJ5183 bacteria to recombine with backbone vector pAdeasy-l, and the recombinant adenoviral vector ad-vcam-1-gfp was confirmed after transfection with CBDSCs. The results indicated that two fragments of about 9 kb and 2 kb were obtained after digestion of recombinant plasmid pAdTrack-vcam-1 with NotIand XhoI, and single fragment of 600 bp was obtained after amplification with PCR; two fragments of about 31 kb and 4 kb were obtained after digestion of recombinant plasmid pad-vcam-1-gfp with PacI, which suggested a successful homologous recombination. The expression of vcam-1 gene in ad-vcam-1-gfp transfected CBDSCs could be detected by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and fluorescent microscopy. It is concluded that the recombinant adenoviral vector ad-vcam-1-gfp has been constructed successfully, and the expression of vcam-1 is up-regulated in CBDSCs transfected by gene ad-vcam-1-gfp.

  18. Genomic approach to therapeutic target validation identifies a glucose-lowering GLP1R variant protective for coronary heart disease

    PubMed Central

    Scott, Robert A.; Freitag, Daniel F.; Li, Li; Chu, Audrey Y.; Surendran, Praveen; Young, Robin; Grarup, Niels; Stancáková, Alena; Chen, Yuning; V.Varga, Tibor; Yaghootkar, Hanieh; Luan, Jian'an; Zhao, Jing Hua; Willems, Sara M.; Wessel, Jennifer; Wang, Shuai; Maruthur, Nisa; Michailidou, Kyriaki; Pirie, Ailith; van der Lee, Sven J.; Gillson, Christopher; Olama, Ali Amin Al; Amouyel, Philippe; Arriola, Larraitz; Arveiler, Dominique; Aviles-Olmos, Iciar; Balkau, Beverley; Barricarte, Aurelio; Barroso, Inês; Garcia, Sara Benlloch; Bis, Joshua C.; Blankenberg, Stefan; Boehnke, Michael; Boeing, Heiner; Boerwinkle, Eric; Borecki, Ingrid B.; Bork-Jensen, Jette; Bowden, Sarah; Caldas, Carlos; Caslake, Muriel; Cupples, L. Adrienne; Cruchaga, Carlos; Czajkowski, Jacek; den Hoed, Marcel; Dunn, Janet A.; Earl, Helena M.; Ehret, Georg B.; Ferrannini, Ele; Ferrieres, Jean; Foltynie, Thomas; Ford, Ian; Forouhi, Nita G.; Gianfagna, Francesco; Gonzalez, Carlos; Grioni, Sara; Hiller, Louise; Jansson, Jan-Håkan; Jørgensen, Marit E.; Jukema, J. Wouter; Kaaks, Rudolf; Kee, Frank; Kerrison, Nicola D.; Key, Timothy J.; Kontto, Jukka; Kote-Jarai, Zsofia; Kraja, Aldi T.; Kuulasmaa, Kari; Kuusisto, Johanna; Linneberg, Allan; Liu, Chunyu; Marenne, Gaëlle; Mohlke, Karen L.; Morris, Andrew P.; Muir, Kenneth; Müller-Nurasyid, Martina; Munroe, Patricia B.; Navarro, Carmen; Nielsen, Sune F.; Nilsson, Peter M.; Nordestgaard, Børge G.; Packard, Chris J.; Palli, Domenico; Panico, Salvatore; Peloso, Gina M.; Perola, Markus; Peters, Annette; Poole, Christopher J.; Quirós, J. Ramón; Rolandsson, Olov; Sacerdote, Carlotta; Salomaa, Veikko; Sánchez, María-José; Sattar, Naveed; Sharp, Stephen J.; Sims, Rebecca; Slimani, Nadia; Smith, Jennifer A.; Thompson, Deborah J.; Trompet, Stella; Tumino, Rosario; van der A, Daphne L.; van der Schouw, Yvonne T.; Virtamo, Jarmo; Walker, Mark; Walter, Klaudia; Abraham, Jean E.; Amundadottir, Laufey T.; Aponte, Jennifer L.; Butterworth, Adam S.; Dupuis, Josée; Easton, Douglas F.; Eeles, Rosalind A.; Erdmann, Jeanette; Franks, Paul W.; Frayling, Timothy M.; Hansen, Torben; Howson, Joanna M. M.; Jørgensen, Torben; Kooner, Jaspal; Laakso, Markku; Langenberg, Claudia; McCarthy, Mark I.; Pankow, James S.; Pedersen, Oluf; Riboli, Elio; Rotter, Jerome I.; Saleheen, Danish; Samani, Nilesh J.; Schunkert, Heribert; Vollenweider, Peter; O'Rahilly, Stephen; Deloukas, Panos; Danesh, John; Goodarzi, Mark O.; Kathiresan, Sekar; Meigs, James B.; Ehm, Margaret G.; Wareham, Nicholas J.; Waterworth, Dawn M.

    2016-01-01

    Regulatory authorities have indicated that new drugs to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D) should not be associated with an unacceptable increase in cardiovascular risk. Human genetics may be able to inform development of antidiabetic therapies by predicting cardiovascular and other health endpoints. We therefore investigated the association of variants in 6 genes that encode drug targets for obesity or T2D with a range of metabolic traits in up to 11,806 individuals by targeted exome sequencing, and follow-up in 39,979 individuals by targeted genotyping, with additional in silico follow up in consortia. We used these data to first compare associations of variants in genes encoding drug targets with the effects of pharmacological manipulation of those targets in clinical trials. We then tested the association those variants with disease outcomes, including coronary heart disease, to predict cardiovascular safety of these agents. A low-frequency missense variant (Ala316Thr;rs10305492) in the gene encoding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R), the target of GLP1R agonists, was associated with lower fasting glucose and lower T2D risk, consistent with GLP1R agonist therapies. The minor allele was also associated with protection against heart disease, thus providing evidence that GLP1R agonists are not likely to be associated with an unacceptable increase in cardiovascular risk. Our results provide an encouraging signal that these agents may be associated with benefit, a question currently being addressed in randomised controlled trials. Genetic variants associated with metabolic traits and multiple disease outcomes can be used to validate therapeutic targets at an early stage in the drug development process. PMID:27252175

  19. GLP-2 receptor in POMC neurons suppresses feeding behavior and gastric motility

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1/2) are cosecreted from endocrine L cells in the gut and preproglucagonergic neurons in the brain. Peripheral GLP-2 action is essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, improving absorption efficiency and blood flow, promoting immune defense, and producing efficac...

  20. Simultaneously achieve soluble expression and biomimetic immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase B by introducing polyamine tags.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xiaoxue; Han, Yu; Lv, Zheng; Tian, Xuemei; Li, Han; Xie, Panpan; Zheng, Liangyu

    2017-05-10

    Polyamine tags fused in Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) can help achieve high soluble expression of CalB in E. coli and can directly mediate silicification, which leads to rapid formation of a CalB-silica particle complex through a one-step approach. After optimization experiments, the fused lipase CalB tagged with 6-histidine at the N terminal and 10-lysine at the C terminal (6His-CalB-10Lys) is effectively expressed with high solubility (0.1mg/mL) and specific activity (10.1U/mg), and easily cross-linked in silica particles with a high immobilization efficiency of 96.8% and activity recovery of 81.5%. The immobilized lipase 6His-CalB-10Lys exhibits excellent performance at broad temperature ranges, high thermal and storage stabilities, and superior reusability. Michaelis-Menten kinetics indicates that the affinity and enantioselectivity of the free and immobilized 6His-CalB-10Lys toward the substrate are better than that of commercial Novozym 435 in enantioselective resolution of (S)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl) alanine ((S)-NEMPA). The strategies described in this paper are useful for the facile expression and construction of diverse enzyme systems with high efficiency and excellent recyclability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Comparative effectiveness of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists: a network meta-analysis of placebo-controlled and active-comparator trials

    PubMed Central

    Orme, Michelle E; Nguyen, Hiep; Lu, Jackie Y; Thomas, Susan A

    2017-01-01

    Background Clinical studies of patients with type 2 diabetes show that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) of placebo- and active-controlled randomized trials to assess the comparative effectiveness of liraglutide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide twice daily and once weekly, with a focus on glycemic control. Materials and methods We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (up to December 2014) for core registration programs for US-approved GLP-1 RAs. Patients reaching an A1C target of <7% were analyzed with a binomial model and change in A1C from baseline with a normal model. A covariate analysis assessed the impact of baseline A1C and treatment background on outcomes. Results The base-case NMA used 23 trials reporting A1C outcomes at ~6 month follow-up. The results, unadjusted and adjusted for baseline A1C, indicated that all GLP-1 RAs resulted in statistically significantly lower A1C at follow-up compared with placebo. The odds of reaching the <7% target were also significantly better compared with placebo. With dulaglutide, exenatide once weekly, and liraglutide, the absolute reduction in A1C at 6 months was 0.9%–1.4%, and was significantly better than exenatide twice daily. Albiglutide was not significantly different from exenatide twice daily. We estimate that ~50% of patients will meet the <7% A1C target within 6 months of commencing GLP-1 RAs. Conclusion This was a comprehensive assessment of the comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs and A1C outcome. GLP-1 RAs are a viable addition to oral antidiabetes therapy, and dulaglutide, exenatide once weekly, and liraglutide are the most effective. PMID:28435304

  2. An efficient tag derived from the common epitope of tospoviral NSs proteins for monitoring recombinant proteins expressed in both bacterial and plant systems.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Hao-Wen; Chen, Kuan-Chun; Raja, Joseph A J; Li, Jian-Xian; Yeh, Shyi-Dong

    2013-04-15

    NSscon (23 aa), a common epitope in the gene silencing suppressor NSs proteins of the members of the Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) serogroup, was previously identified. In this investigation, we expressed different green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused deletions of NSscon in bacteria and reacted with NSscon monoclonal antibody (MAb). Our results indicated that the core 9 amino acids, "(109)KFTMHNQIF(117)", denoted as "nss", retain the reactivity of NSscon. In bacterial pET system, four different recombinant proteins labeled with nss, either at N- or C-extremes, were readily detectable without position effects, with sensitivity superior to that for the polyhistidine-tag. When the nss-tagged Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) helper component-protease (HC-Pro) and WSMoV nucleocapsid protein were transiently expressed by agroinfiltration in tobacco, they were readily detectable and the tag's possible efficacy for gene silencing suppression was not noticed. Co-immunoprecipitation of nss-tagged and non-tagged proteins expressed from bacteria confirmed the interaction of potyviral HC-Pro and coat protein. Thus, we conclude that this novel nss sequence is highly valuable for tagging recombinant proteins in both bacterial and plant expression systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Modulates OVA-Induced Airway Inflammation and Mucus Secretion Involving a Protein Kinase A (PKA)-Dependent Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Signaling Pathway in Mice.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Tao; Wu, Xiao-Ling; Zhang, Wei; Xiao, Min

    2015-08-26

    Asthma is a common chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, featured with mucus hyper-secretion in the airway. Recent studies found that glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, including liraglutide and exenatide, possessed a potent anti-inflammatory property through a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent signaling pathway. Therefore, the aim of current study was to investigate the value of GLP-1 analog therapy liraglutide in airway inflammation and mucus secretion in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, and its underlying molecular mechanism. In our study, BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged by OVA to induce chronic asthma. Pathological alterations, the number of cells and the content of inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and mucus secretion were observed and measured. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of E-selectin and MUC5AC were analyzed by qPCR and Western blotting. Then, the phosphorylation of PKA and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 were also measured by Western blotting. Further, NF-κB p65 DNA binding activity was detected by ELISA. OVA-induced airway inflammation, airway mucus hyper-secretion, the up-regulation of E-selectin and MUC5AC were remarkably inhibited by GLP-1 in mice (all p < 0.01). Then, we also found that OVA-reduced phosphorylation of PKA, and OVA-enhanced NF-κB p65 activation and NF-κB p65 DNA binding activity were markedly improved by GLP-1 (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, our data also figured out that these effects of GLP-1 were largely abrogated by the PKA inhibitor H-89 (all p < 0.01). Taken together, our results suggest that OVA-induced asthma were potently ameliorated by GLP-1 possibly through a PKA-dependent inactivation of NF-κB in mice, indicating that GLP-1 analogs may be considered an effective and safe drug for the potential treatment of asthma in the future.

  4. A novel dual GLP-1 and GIP incretin receptor agonist is neuroprotective in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease by reducing chronic inflammation in the brain.

    PubMed

    Cao, Lijun; Li, Dongfang; Feng, Peng; Li, Lin; Xue, Guo-Fang; Li, Guanglai; Hölscher, Christian

    2016-04-13

    The incretins glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are growth factors. GLP-1 mimetics are on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes. Both GLP-1 and GIP mimetics have shown neuroprotective properties in previous studies. In addition, the GLP-1 mimetic exendin-4 has shown protective effects in a clinical trial in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Novel GLP-1/GIP dual-agonist peptides have been developed to treat diabetes. Here, we report the neuroprotective effects of a novel dual agonist (DA-JC1) in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. MPTP was injected once daily (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) for 7 days and the dual agonist was coinjected once daily (50 nmol/kg intraperitoneally). We found that the drug reduced most of the MPTP-induced motor impairments in the rotarod, open-field locomotion, and muscle strength test. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum was reduced by MPTP and increased by DA-JC1. Synapse numbers (synaptophysin expression) were reduced in the substantia nigra and the striatum by MPTP and DA-JC1 reversed this effect. The activation of a chronic inflammation response by MPTP was considerably reduced by the dual agonist (DA) (astroglia and microglia activation). Therefore, dual agonists show promise as a novel treatment of PD.

  5. PA-GFP: a window into the subcellular adventures of the individual mitochondrion.

    PubMed

    Haigh, Sarah E; Twig, Gilad; Molina, Anthony A J; Wikstrom, Jakob D; Deutsch, Motti; Shirihai, Orian S

    2007-01-01

    Mitochondrial connectivity is characterized by matrix lumen continuity and by dynamic rewiring through fusion and fission events. While these mechanisms homogenize the mitochondrial population, a number of studies looking at mitochondrial membrane potential have demonstrated that mitochondria exist as a heterogeneous population within individual cells. To address the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and heterogeneity, we tagged and tracked individual mitochondria over time while monitoring their mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)). By utilizing photoactivatible-GFP (PA-GFP), targeted to the mitochondrial matrix, we determined the boundaries of the individual mitochondrion. A single mitochondrion is defined by the continuity of its matrix lumen. The boundaries set by luminal continuity matched those set by electrical coupling, indicating that the individual mitochondrion is equipotential throughout the entire organelle. Similar results were obtained with PA-GFP targeted to the inner membrane indicating that matrix continuity parallels inner membrane continuity. Sequential photoconversion of matrix PA-GFP in multiple locations within the mitochondrial web reveals that each ramified mitochondrial structure is composed of juxtaposed but discontinuous units. Moreover, as many as half of the events in which mitochondria come into contact, do not result in fusion. While all fission events generated two electrically uncoupled discontinuous matrices, the two daughter mitochondria frequently remained juxtaposed, keeping the tubular appearance unchanged. These morphologically invisible fission events illustrate the difference between mitochondrial fission and fragmentation; the latter representing the movement and separation of disconnected units. Simultaneous monitoring of deltapsi(m) of up to four individual mitochondria within the same cell revealed that subcellular heterogeneity in deltapsi(m) does not represent multiple unstable mitochondria that

  6. The role of aspartic acid residues 405 and 416 of the kidney isotype of sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter 1 in its targeting to the plasma membrane

    PubMed Central

    Kucher, Volodymyr; Li, Emily Y.; Conforti, Laura; Zahedi, Kamyar A.

    2012-01-01

    The NH2 terminus of the sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter 1 (NBCe1) plays an important role in its targeting to the plasma membrane. To identify the amino acid residues that contribute to the targeting of NBCe1 to the plasma membrane, polarized MDCK cells were transfected with expression constructs coding for green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged NBCe1 NH2-terminal deletion mutants, and the localization of GFP-tagged proteins was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that the amino acids between residues 399 and 424 of NBCe1A contain important sequences that contribute to its localization to the plasma membrane. Site-directed mutagenesis studies showed that GFP-NBCe1A mutants D405A and D416A are retained in the cytoplasm of the polarized MDCK epithelial cells. Examination of functional activities of D405A and D416A reveals that their activities are reduced compared with the wild-type NBCe1A. Similarly, aspartic acid residues 449 and 460 of pancreatic NBCe1 (NBCe1B), which correspond to residues 405 and 416 of NBCe1A, are also required for its full functional activity and accurate targeting to the plasma membrane. In addition, while replacement of D416 with glutamic acid did not affect the targeting or functional activity of NBCe1A, substitution of D405 with glutamic acid led to the retention of the mutated protein in the intracellular compartment and impaired functional activity. These studies demonstrate that aspartic acid residues 405 and 416 in the NH2 terminus of NBCe1A are important in its accurate targeting to the plasma membrane. PMID:22442137

  7. The Impact of GFP Reporter Gene Transduction and Expression on Metabolomics of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells Determined by UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jinfeng; Wang, Nan; Chen, Deying; Yu, Jiong; Pan, Qiaoling; Wang, Dan; Liu, Jingqi; Shi, Xiaowei; Dong, Xiaotian; Cao, Hongcui; Li, Liang; Li, Lanjuan

    2017-01-01

    Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is widely used as a reporter gene in regenerative medicine research to label and track stem cells. Here, we examined whether expressing GFP gene may impact the metabolism of human placental mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs). The GFP gene was transduced into hPMSCs using lentiviral-based infection to establish GFP + hPMSCs. A sensitive 13 C/ 12 C-dansyl labeling LC-MS method targeting the amine/phenol submetabolome was used for in-depth cell metabolome profiling. A total of 1151 peak pairs or metabolites were detected from 12 LC-MS runs. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis showed poor separation, and the volcano plots demonstrated that most of the metabolites were not significantly changed when hPMSCs were tagged with GFP. Overall, 739 metabolites were positively or putatively identified. Only 11 metabolites showed significant changes. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that three of the identified metabolites were involved in nine pathways. However, these metabolites are unlikely to have a large impact on the metabolic pathways due to their nonessential roles and limited hits in pathway analysis. This study indicated that the expression of ectopic GFP reporter gene did not significantly alter the metabolomics pathways covered by the amine/phenol submetabolome.

  8. Treatment Intensification in Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-World Study of 2-OAD Regimens, GLP-1 RAs, or Basal Insulin.

    PubMed

    Blonde, Lawrence; Raccah, Denis; Lew, Elisheva; Meyers, Juliana; Nikonova, Elena; Ajmera, Mayank; Davis, Keith L; Bertolini, Monica; Guerci, Bruno

    2018-06-01

    Treatment guidelines recommend a stepwise approach to glycemia management in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but this may result in uncontrolled glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between steps. This retrospective analysis compared clinical and economic outcomes among patients with uncontrolled T2D initiating two oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), or basal insulin in a real-world setting. Adults with T2D on OAD monotherapy were identified in the MarketScan claims database (2007-2014). Those initiating two OADs (simultaneously or sequentially), GLP-1 RAs, or basal insulin were selected (date of initiation was termed the 'index date'); patients were required to have HbA1c > 7.0% in the 6 months pre-index date. HbA1c was compared from 6 months pre- to 1-year post-index. Annual all-cause healthcare utilization and costs were reported over the 1-year follow-up period. Data for 6054 patients were analyzed (2-OAD, n = 4442; GLP-1 RA, n = 361; basal insulin, n = 1251). Baseline HbA1c was high in all cohorts, but highest in the basal-insulin cohort. Treatment initiation resulted in reductions in HbA1c in all cohorts, which was generally maintained throughout the follow-up period. Average HbA1c reductions from the 6 months pre- to 1 year post-index date were -1.2% for GLP-1 RA, -1.6% for OADs, and -1.8% for basal insulin. HbA1c < 7.0% at 1 year occurred in 32.6%, 47.5%, and 41.1% of patients, respectively. Annual healthcare costs (mean [SD]) were lowest for OAD (US$10,074 [$22,276]) followed by GLP-1 RA (US$14,052 [$23,829]) and basal insulin (US$18,813 [$37,332]). Despite robust HbA1c lowering following treatment initiation, many patients did not achieve HbA1c < 7.0%. Basal insulin, generally prescribed for patients with high baseline HbA1c, was associated with a large reduction in HbA1c and with higher costs. Therapy intensification at an appropriate time could lead to clinical and economic

  9. Structural characterization of acylimine-containing blue and red chromophores in mTagBFP and TagRFP fluorescent proteins.

    PubMed

    Subach, Oksana M; Malashkevich, Vladimir N; Zencheck, Wendy D; Morozova, Kateryna S; Piatkevich, Kiryl D; Almo, Steven C; Verkhusha, Vladislav V

    2010-04-23

    We determined the 2.2 A crystal structures of the red fluorescent protein TagRFP and its derivative, the blue fluorescent protein mTagBFP. The crystallographic analysis is consistent with a model in which TagRFP has the trans coplanar anionic chromophore with the conjugated pi-electron system, similar to that of DsRed-like chromophores. Refined conformation of mTagBFP suggests the presence of an N-acylimine functionality in its chromophore and single C(alpha)-C(beta) bond in the Tyr64 side chain. Mass spectrum of mTagBFP chromophore-bearing peptide indicates a loss of 20 Da upon maturation, whereas tandem mass spectrometry reveals that the C(alpha)-N bond in Leu63 is oxidized. These data indicate that mTagBFP has a new type of the chromophore, N-[(5-hydroxy-1H-imidazole-2-yl)methylidene]acetamide. We propose a chemical mechanism in which the DsRed-like chromophore is formed via the mTagBFP-like blue intermediate. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Co-culture of clonal beta cells with GLP-1 and glucagon-secreting cell line impacts on beta cell insulin secretion, proliferation and susceptibility to cytotoxins.

    PubMed

    Green, Alastair D; Vasu, Srividya; Moffett, R Charlotte; Flatt, Peter R

    2016-06-01

    We investigated the direct effects on insulin releasing MIN6 cells of chronic exposure to GLP-1, glucagon or a combination of both peptides secreted from GLUTag L-cell and αTC1.9 alpha-cell lines in co-culture. MIN6, GLUTag and αTC1.9 cell lines exhibited high cellular hormone content and release of insulin, GLP-1 and glucagon, respectively. Co-culture of MIN6 cells with GLUTag cells significantly increased cellular insulin content, beta-cell proliferation, insulin secretory responses to a range of established secretogogues and afforded protection against exposure cytotoxic concentrations of glucose, lipid, streptozotocin or cytokines. Benefits of co-culture of MIN6 cells with αTC1.9 alphacells were limited to enhanced beta-cell proliferation with marginal positive actions on both insulin secretion and cellular protection. In contrast, co-culture of MIN6 with GLUTag cells plus αTC1.9 cells, markedly enhanced both insulin secretory responses and protection against beta-cell toxins compared with co-culture with GLUTag cells alone. These data indicate important long-term effects of conjoint GLP-1 and glucagon exposure on beta-cell function. This illustrates the possible functional significance of alpha-cell GLP-1 production as well as direct beneficial effects of dual agonism at beta-cell GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. and Société française de biochimie et biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

  11. Quantification of the Contribution of GLP-1 to Mediating Insulinotropic Effects of DPP-4 Inhibition With Vildagliptin in Healthy Subjects and Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Using Exendin [9-39] as a GLP-1 Receptor Antagonist.

    PubMed

    Nauck, Michael A; Kind, Joachim; Köthe, Lars D; Holst, Jens J; Deacon, Carolyn F; Broschag, Matthias; He, Yan Ling; Kjems, Lise; Foley, James

    2016-08-01

    We quantified the contribution of GLP-1 as a mediator of the therapeutic effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibition (vildagliptin) by using the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin [9-39] in patients with type 2 diabetes and in healthy subjects. Thirty-two patients with type 2 diabetes and 29 age- and weight-matched healthy control subjects were treated in randomized order with 100 mg once daily vildagliptin or placebo for 10 days. Meal tests were performed (days 9 and 10) without and with a high-dose intravenous infusion of exendin [9-39]. The main end point was the ratio of the areas under the curve (AUCs) of integrated insulin secretion rates (total AUCISR) and glucose (total AUCglucose) over 4 h after the meal. Vildagliptin treatment more than doubled responses of intact GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and lowered glucose responses without changing AUCISR/AUCglucose in healthy subjects. Vildagliptin significantly increased this ratio by 10.5% in patients with type 2 diabetes, and exendin [9-39] reduced it (both P < 0.0001). The percentage reduction in the AUCISR/AUCglucose ratio achieved with exendin [9-39] was significantly smaller after vildagliptin treatment than after placebo treatment (P = 0.026) and was equivalent to 47 ± 5% of the increments due to vildagliptin. Thus, other mediators appear to contribute significantly to the therapeutic effects of DPP-4 inhibition. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

  12. The fluorescence lifetime of BRI1-GFP as probe for the noninvasive determination of the membrane potential in living cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elgass, K.; Caesar, K.; Schleifenbaum, F.; Meixner, A. J.; Harter, K.

    2010-02-01

    As the excited state lifetime of a fluorescent molecule depends on its environment, it is possible to use it as a probe for physico-chemical parameters of the surrounding medium. Whereas this is well known for many solid guest/host systems, only few reports of quantitative, temporal resolved in vivo studies to monitor the nano-environment for a protein-coupled chromophore such as GFP are known from literature. Here we present a novel approach to determine the membrane potential of living (plant) cells based on the fluorescence lifetime (FLT) analysis of membrane-located GFP. By using confocal sample scanning microscopy (CSSM) combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, we recently showed that the phytohormone brassinolide (BL) induces cell wall expansion and a decrease in the FLT of the BRI1-GFP in living cells of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. BRI1 is the dominant functional receptor for BL in Arabidopsis and locates to the plasma membrane. Although the dependence of the FLT of GFP on its physico-chemical environment such as pH-value, refractive index and pressure has been reported, the observed FLT decrease of BRI1-GFP in response to BL application could not be explained by these parameters. However, our in vivo FLT and CSSM analyses indicate that the BLinduced change in the FLT of BRI1-GFP is caused by hyperpolarisation of the plasma membrane (Em). Thus, our results indicate that BRI1-GFP serves as sensitive and non-invasive probe for recording the Em of the plasma membrane in living plant cells with high spatio-temporal resolution.

  13. Correlative and integrated light and electron microscopy of in-resin GFP fluorescence, used to localise diacylglycerol in mammalian cells

    PubMed Central

    Peddie, Christopher J.; Blight, Ken; Wilson, Emma; Melia, Charlotte; Marrison, Jo; Carzaniga, Raffaella; Domart, Marie-Charlotte; O׳Toole, Peter; Larijani, Banafshe; Collinson, Lucy M.

    2014-01-01

    Fluorescence microscopy of GFP-tagged proteins is a fundamental tool in cell biology, but without seeing the structure of the surrounding cellular space, functional information can be lost. Here we present a protocol that preserves GFP and mCherry fluorescence in mammalian cells embedded in resin with electron contrast to reveal cellular ultrastructure. Ultrathin in-resin fluorescence (IRF) sections were imaged simultaneously for fluorescence and electron signals in an integrated light and scanning electron microscope. We show, for the first time, that GFP is stable and active in resin sections in vacuo. We applied our protocol to study the subcellular localisation of diacylglycerol (DAG), a modulator of membrane morphology and membrane dynamics in nuclear envelope assembly. We show that DAG is localised to the nuclear envelope, nucleoplasmic reticulum and curved tips of the Golgi apparatus. With these developments, we demonstrate that integrated imaging is maturing into a powerful tool for accurate molecular localisation to structure. PMID:24637200

  14. Mineralization and Expression of Col1a1-3.6GFP Transgene in Primary Dental Pulp Culture

    PubMed Central

    Balic, Anamaria; Rodgers, Barbara; Mina, Mina

    2008-01-01

    We have examined and compared the effects of various differentiation-inducing media on mineralization, cell morphology and expression of pOBCol3.6GFP (3.6-GFP) in primary dental pulp cultures derived from 3.6-GFP transgenic mice. Our results show that media containing ascorbic acid only could not induce mineralization in primary dental pulp cultures. On the other hand, media containing ascorbic acid and β-glycerophosphate induced formation of mineralized matrix-containing dentin. The amount of mineralized matrix was increased by addition of dexamethasone. Cells treated with ascorbic acid and β-glycerophosphate were fibroblast like and cells treated with dexamethasone were cuboidal. In all culture conditions, high levels of 3.6-GFP were expressed in areas of mineralization PMID:18781059

  15. Traditional GFP-type cyclization and unexpected fragmentation site in a purple chromoprotein from Anemonia sulcata, asFP595.

    PubMed

    Zagranichny, Vasily E; Rudenko, Natalia V; Gorokhovatsky, Andrey Yu; Zakharov, Mikhail V; Balashova, Tamara A; Arseniev, Alexander S

    2004-10-26

    The purple chromoprotein (asFP595) from Anemonia sulcata belongs to the family of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Absorption and emission spectra of asFP595 are similar to those of a number of recently cloned GFP-like red proteins of the DsRed subfamily. The earlier proposed asFP595 chromophore structure [Martynov, V. I.; et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 21012-21016] was postulated to result from an "alternative cyclization" giving rise to a pyrazine-type six-membered heterocycle. Here we report that the asFP595 chromophore is actually very close in chemical structure to that of zFP538, a yellow fluorescent protein [Zagranichny, V. E.; et al. (2004) Biochemistry 43, 4764-4772]. NMR spectroscopic studies of four chromophore-containing peptides (chromopeptides) isolated under mild conditions from enzymatic digests of asFP595 and one chromopeptide obtained from DsRed revealed that all of them contain a p-hydroxybenzylideneimidazolinone moiety formed by Met-65/Gln-66, Tyr-66/67, and Gly-67/68 of asFP595/DsRed, respectively. Two asFP595 chromopeptides are proteolysis products of an isolated full-length polypeptide containing a GFP-type chromophore already formed and arrested at an earlier stage of maturation. The two other asFP595 chromopeptides were isolated as proteolysis products of the purified chromophore-containing C-terminal fragment. One of these has an oxo group at Met-65 C(alpha) and is a hydrolysis product of another one, with the imino group at Met-65 C(alpha). The N-unsubstituted imino moiety of the latter is generated by spontaneous polypeptide chain cleavage at a very unexpected site, the former peptide bond between Cys-64 C' and Met-65 N(alpha). Our data strongly suggest that both zFP538 and asFP595 could be attributed to the DsRed subfamily of GFP-like proteins.

  16. Adenovirus-delivered GFP-HO-1C[INCREMENT]23 attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier permeability after rat spinal cord contusion.

    PubMed

    Chang, Sheng; Bi, Yunlong; Meng, Xiangwei; Qu, Lin; Cao, Yang

    2018-03-21

    The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) plays a key role in maintaining the microenvironment and is primarily composed of tight junction proteins and nonfenestrated capillary endothelial cells. After injury, BSCB damage results in increasing capillary permeability and release of inflammatory factors. Recent studies have reported that haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) fragments lacking 23 amino acids at the C-terminus (HO-1C[INCREMENT]23) exert novel anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in vitro. However, no study has identified the role of HO-1C[INCREMENT]23 in vivo. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of HO-1C[INCREMENT]23 on the BSCB after spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. Here, adenoviral HO-1C[INCREMENT]23 (Ad-GFP-HO-1C[INCREMENT]23) was intrathecally injected into the 10th thoracic spinal cord segment (T10) 7 days before SCI. In addition, nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction and immunofluorescence staining of HO-1 were used to examine the effect of Ad-GFP-HO-1C[INCREMENT]23 on HO-1 nuclear translocation. Evan's blue staining served as an index of capillary permeability and was detected by fluorescence microscopy at 633 nm. Western blotting was also performed to detect tight junction protein expression. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score was used to evaluate kinematic functional recovery through the 28th day after SCI. In this study, the Ad-GFP-HO-1C[INCREMENT]23 group showed better kinematic functional recovery after SCI than the Ad-GFP and Vehicle groups, as well as smaller reductions in TJ proteins and capillary permeability compared with those in the Ad-GFP and Vehicle groups. These findings indicated that Ad-GFP-HO-1C[INCREMENT]23 might have a potential therapeutic effect that is mediated by its protection of BSCB integrity.

  17. When Intensive Insulin Therapy (MDI) Fails in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Switching to GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Versus Insulin Pump.

    PubMed

    Cohen, Ohad; Filetti, Sebastiano; Castañeda, Javier; Maranghi, Marianna; Glandt, Mariela

    2016-08-01

    Treatment with insulin, alone or with oral or injectable hypoglycemic agents, is becoming increasingly common in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, approximately 40% of patients fail to reach their glycemic targets with the initially prescribed regimen and require intensification of insulin therapy, which increases the risks of weight gain and hypoglycemia. Many of these patients eventually reach a state in which further increases in the insulin dosage fail to improve glycemic control while increasing the risks of weight gain and hypoglycemia. The recently completed OpT2mise clinical trial showed that continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is more effective in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) than intensification of multiple daily injection (MDI) insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes who do not respond to intensive insulin therapy. CSII therapy may also be useful in patients who do not reach glycemic targets despite multidrug therapy with basal-bolus insulin and other agents, including glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists; current guidelines offer no recommendations for the treatment of such patients. Importantly, insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists have complementary effects on glycemia and, hence, can be used either sequentially or in combination in the initial management of diabetes. Patients who have not previously failed GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy may show reduction in weight and insulin dose, in addition to moderate improvement in HbA1c, when GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy is added to MDI regimens. In subjects with long-standing type 2 diabetes who do not respond to intensive insulin therapies, switching from MDI to CSII and/or the addition of GLP-1 receptor agonists to MDI have the potential to improve glycemic control without increasing the risk of adverse events. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for

  18. An active ac/ds transposon system for activation tagging in tomato cultivar m82 using clonal propagation.

    PubMed

    Carter, Jared D; Pereira, Andy; Dickerman, Allan W; Veilleux, Richard E

    2013-05-01

    Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a model organism for Solanaceae in both molecular and agronomic research. This project utilized Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation and the transposon-tagging construct Activator (Ac)/Dissociator (Ds)-ATag-Bar_gosGFP to produce activation-tagged and knockout mutants in the processing tomato cultivar M82. The construct carried hygromycin resistance (hyg), green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the transposase (TPase) of maize (Zea mays) Activator major transcript X054214.1 on the stable Ac element, along with a 35S enhancer tetramer and glufosinate herbicide resistance (BAR) on the mobile Ds-ATag element. An in vitro propagation strategy was used to produce a population of 25 T0 plants from a single transformed plant regenerated in tissue culture. A T1 population of 11,000 selfed and cv M82 backcrossed progeny was produced from the functional T0 line. This population was screened using glufosinate herbicide, hygromycin leaf painting, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Insertion sites of transposed Ds-ATag elements were identified through thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR, and resulting product sequences were aligned to the recently published tomato genome. A population of 509 independent, Ds-only transposant lines spanning all 12 tomato chromosomes has been developed. Insertion site analysis demonstrated that more than 80% of these lines harbored Ds insertions conducive to activation tagging. The capacity of the Ds-ATag element to alter transcription was verified by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR in two mutant lines. The transposon-tagged lines have been immortalized in seed stocks and can be accessed through an online database, providing a unique resource for tomato breeding and analysis of gene function in the background of a commercial tomato cultivar.

  19. GLP-1 receptors exist in the parietal cortex, hypothalamus and medulla of human brains and the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide alters brain activity related to highly desirable food cues in individuals with diabetes: a crossover, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Farr, Olivia M; Sofopoulos, Michail; Tsoukas, Michael A; Dincer, Fadime; Thakkar, Bindiya; Sahin-Efe, Ayse; Filippaios, Andreas; Bowers, Jennifer; Srnka, Alexandra; Gavrieli, Anna; Ko, Byung-Joon; Liakou, Chrysoula; Kanyuch, Nickole; Tseleni-Balafouta, Sofia; Mantzoros, Christos S

    2016-05-01

    Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that has been demonstrated to successfully treat diabetes and promote weight loss. The mechanisms by which liraglutide confers weight loss remain to be fully clarified. Thus, we investigated whether GLP-1 receptors are expressed in human brains and whether liraglutide administration affects neural responses to food cues in diabetic individuals (primary outcome). In 22 consecutively studied human brains, expression of GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, medulla oblongata and parietal cortex was examined using immunohistochemistry. In a randomised (assigned by the pharmacy using a randomisation enrolment table), placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial, 21 individuals with type 2 diabetes (18 included in analysis due to lack or poor quality of data) were treated with placebo and liraglutide for a total of 17 days each (0.6 mg for 7 days, 1.2 mg for 7 days, and 1.8 mg for 3 days). Participants were eligible if they had type 2 diabetes and were currently being treated with lifestyle changes or metformin. Participants, caregivers, people doing measurements and/or examinations, and people assessing the outcomes were blinded to the medication assignment. We studied metabolic changes as well as neurocognitive and neuroimaging (functional MRI) of responses to food cues at the clinical research centre of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of GLP-1 receptors on neurons in the human hypothalamus, medulla and parietal cortex. Liraglutide decreased activation of the parietal cortex in response to highly desirable (vs less desirable) food images (p < 0.001; effect size: placebo 0.53 ± 0.24, liraglutide -0.47 ± 0.18). No significant adverse effects were noted. In a secondary analysis, we observed decreased activation in the insula and putamen, areas involved in the reward system. Furthermore, we showed that increased ratings of hunger and

  20. Dose-dependent Toxicity of Humanized Renilla reniformis GFP (hrGFP) Limits Its Utility as a Reporter Gene in Mouse Muscle.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Lindsay M; Moreo, Andrew; Clark, K Reed; Harper, Scott Q

    2013-04-16

    Gene therapy has historically focused on delivering protein-coding genes to target cells or tissues using a variety of vectors. In recent years, the field has expanded to include gene-silencing strategies involving delivery of noncoding inhibitory RNAs, such as short hairpin RNAs or microRNAs (miRNAs). Often called RNA interference (RNAi) triggers, these small inhibitory RNAs are difficult or impossible to visualize in living cells or tissues. To circumvent this detection problem and ensure efficient delivery in preclinical studies, vectors can be engineered to coexpress a fluorescent reporter gene to serve as a marker of transduction. In this study, we set out to optimize adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors capable of delivering engineered miRNAs and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes to skeletal muscle. Although the more broadly utilized enhanced GFP (eGFP) gene derived from the jellyfish, Aequorea victoria was a conventional choice, we were concerned about some previous studies suggesting this protein was myotoxic. We thus opted to test vectors carrying the humanized Renilla reniformis-derived GFP (hrGFP) gene, which has not seen as extensive usage as eGFP but was purported to be a safer and less cytotoxic alternative. Employing AAV6 vector dosages typically used in preclinical gene transfer studies (3×10(10) -1 × 10(11) particles), we found that hrGFP caused dose-dependent myopathy when delivered to wild-type (wt) mouse muscle, whereas identical titers of AAV6 carrying eGFP were relatively benign. Dose de-escalation at or below 8 × 10(9) AAV particles effectively reduced or eliminated hrGFP-associated myotoxicity, but also had dampening effects on green fluorescence and miRNA-mediated gene silencing in whole muscles. We conclude that hrGFP is impractical for use as a transduction marker in preclinical, AAV-based RNA interference therapy studies where adult mouse muscle is the target organ. Moreover, our data support that eGFP is superior to hrGFP

  1. Dose-dependent Toxicity of Humanized Renilla reniformis GFP (hrGFP) Limits Its Utility as a Reporter Gene in Mouse Muscle

    PubMed Central

    Wallace, Lindsay M; Moreo, Andrew; Clark, K Reed; Harper, Scott Q

    2013-01-01

    Gene therapy has historically focused on delivering protein-coding genes to target cells or tissues using a variety of vectors. In recent years, the field has expanded to include gene-silencing strategies involving delivery of noncoding inhibitory RNAs, such as short hairpin RNAs or microRNAs (miRNAs). Often called RNA interference (RNAi) triggers, these small inhibitory RNAs are difficult or impossible to visualize in living cells or tissues. To circumvent this detection problem and ensure efficient delivery in preclinical studies, vectors can be engineered to coexpress a fluorescent reporter gene to serve as a marker of transduction. In this study, we set out to optimize adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors capable of delivering engineered miRNAs and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes to skeletal muscle. Although the more broadly utilized enhanced GFP (eGFP) gene derived from the jellyfish, Aequorea victoria was a conventional choice, we were concerned about some previous studies suggesting this protein was myotoxic. We thus opted to test vectors carrying the humanized Renilla reniformis-derived GFP (hrGFP) gene, which has not seen as extensive usage as eGFP but was purported to be a safer and less cytotoxic alternative. Employing AAV6 vector dosages typically used in preclinical gene transfer studies (3×1010 –1 × 1011 particles), we found that hrGFP caused dose-dependent myopathy when delivered to wild-type (wt) mouse muscle, whereas identical titers of AAV6 carrying eGFP were relatively benign. Dose de-escalation at or below 8 × 109 AAV particles effectively reduced or eliminated hrGFP-associated myotoxicity, but also had dampening effects on green fluorescence and miRNA-mediated gene silencing in whole muscles. We conclude that hrGFP is impractical for use as a transduction marker in preclinical, AAV-based RNA interference therapy studies where adult mouse muscle is the target organ. Moreover, our data support that eGFP is superior to hrGFP as

  2. Structure and biological activity of glucagon and glucagon-like peptide from a primitive bony fish, the bowfin (Amia calva).

    PubMed

    Conlon, J M; Youson, J H; Mommsen, T P

    1993-11-01

    The bowfin, Amia calva (order Amiiformes) occupies an important position in phylogeny as a surviving representative of a group of primitive ray-finned fishes from which the present-day teleosts may have evolved. Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide (GLP) were isolated from an extract of bowfin pancreas and their primary structures determined. Bowfin glucagon shows only four amino acid substitutions compared with human glucagon, and bowfin glucagon was equipotent and equally effective as human glucagon in stimulation of glycogenolysis in dispersed hepatocytes from a teleost fish, the copper rockfish, Sebastes caurinus. In contrast, bowfin GLP shows 15 amino acid substitutions and three amino acid deletions compared with the corresponding region of human GLP-1-(7-37)-peptide. In particular, the bowfin peptide contains an N-terminal tyrosine residue rather than the N-terminal histidine residue found in all other glucagon-related peptides so far characterized. Bowfin GLP stimulated glycogenolysis in rockfish hepatocytes, but was 3-fold less effective and 23-fold less potent than human GLP-1-(7-37)-peptide. We speculate that selective mutations in the GLP domain of bowfin preproglucagon may be an adaptive response to the previously demonstrated low biological potency of bowfin insulin.

  3. Structure and biological activity of glucagon and glucagon-like peptide from a primitive bony fish, the bowfin (Amia calva).

    PubMed Central

    Conlon, J M; Youson, J H; Mommsen, T P

    1993-01-01

    The bowfin, Amia calva (order Amiiformes) occupies an important position in phylogeny as a surviving representative of a group of primitive ray-finned fishes from which the present-day teleosts may have evolved. Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide (GLP) were isolated from an extract of bowfin pancreas and their primary structures determined. Bowfin glucagon shows only four amino acid substitutions compared with human glucagon, and bowfin glucagon was equipotent and equally effective as human glucagon in stimulation of glycogenolysis in dispersed hepatocytes from a teleost fish, the copper rockfish, Sebastes caurinus. In contrast, bowfin GLP shows 15 amino acid substitutions and three amino acid deletions compared with the corresponding region of human GLP-1-(7-37)-peptide. In particular, the bowfin peptide contains an N-terminal tyrosine residue rather than the N-terminal histidine residue found in all other glucagon-related peptides so far characterized. Bowfin GLP stimulated glycogenolysis in rockfish hepatocytes, but was 3-fold less effective and 23-fold less potent than human GLP-1-(7-37)-peptide. We speculate that selective mutations in the GLP domain of bowfin preproglucagon may be an adaptive response to the previously demonstrated low biological potency of bowfin insulin. PMID:8240302

  4. Multiple N-glycans cooperate in the subcellular targeting and functioning of Arabidopsis KORRIGAN1.

    PubMed

    Rips, Stephan; Bentley, Nolan; Jeong, In Sil; Welch, Justin L; von Schaewen, Antje; Koiwa, Hisashi

    2014-09-01

    Arabidopsis thaliana KORRIGAN1 (KOR1) is an integral membrane endo-β1,4-glucanase in the trans-Golgi network and plasma membrane that is essential for cellulose biosynthesis. The extracellular domain of KOR1 contains eight N-glycosylation sites, N1 to N8, of which only N3 to N7 are highly conserved. Genetic evidence indicated that cellular defects in attachment and maturation of these N-glycans affect KOR1 function in vivo, whereas the manner by which N-glycans modulate KOR1 function remained obscure. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-KOR1 expressed from its native regulatory sequences established that all eight N-glycosylation sites (N1 to N8) are used in the wild type, whereas stt3a-2 cells could only inefficiently add N-glycans to less conserved sites. GFP-KOR1 variants with a single N-glycan at nonconserved sites were less effective than those with one at a highly conserved site in rescuing the root growth phenotype of rsw2-1 (kor1 allele). When functionally compromised, GFP-KOR1 tended to accumulate at the tonoplast. GFP-KOR1Δall (without any N-glycan) exhibited partial complementation of rsw2-1; however, root growth of this line was still negatively affected by the absence of complex-type N-glycan modifications in the host plants. These results suggest that one or several additional factor(s) carrying complex N-glycans cooperate(s) with KOR1 in trans to grant proper targeting/functioning in plant cells. © 2014 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.

  5. Central GLP-2 enhances hepatic insulin sensitivity via activating PI3K signaling in POMC neurons

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1/GLP-2) are coproduced and highlighted as key modulators to improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity after bariatric surgery. However, it is unknown if CNS GLP-2 plays any physiological role in the control of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. We sho...

  6. Effects of different starch source of starter on small intestinal growth and endogenous GLP-2 secretion in preweaned lambs.

    PubMed

    Sun, Daming; Li, Hongwei; Mao, Shengyong; Zhu, Weiyun; Liu, Junhua

    2018-02-15

    The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different sources of starch in starter feed on small intestinal growth and endogenous glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) secretion in preweaned lambs. Twenty-four 10-d-old lambs were divided into three groups that were treated with different iso-starch diets containing purified cassava starch (CS, n = 8), maize starch (MS, n = 8), and pea starch (PS, n = 8). At 56 d old, there was no significant difference in final body weight (BW) of lambs among the three groups. However, different starch source in starter significantly affected the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of lambs among three groups. Compared with the CS and MS diets, the PS diet significantly increased the GLP-2 concentration in blood plasma (P < 0.001), the crypt depth of the jejunum (P = 0.006), and the villus height of the ileum (P = 0.039). Meanwhile, PS diet significantly increased the mRNA expression of proglucagon and the glucagon-like peptide 2 receptor (GLP-2R) in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the PS diet significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of cyclin D1 (P < 0.001), cyclin E (P = 0.006), and cyclin-dependent kinases 6 (CDK6) (P = 0.048) in the jejunum and cyclin A (P < 0.001), cyclin D1 (P < 0.001), and CDK6 (P = 0.002) in the ileum. Correlation analysis showed that endogenous GLP-2 secretion was positively related to the mRNA levels of cell cycle proteins in small intestinal mucosa. In summary, all results showed that PS in starter feed promoted small intestinal growth that may, in part, be related to cell cycle acceleration and endogenous GLP-2 secretion in preweaned lambs. These findings provide new insights into nutritional interventions that promote the development of small intestines in young ruminants.

  7. Methylation of DNA Ligase 1 by G9a/GLP Recruits UHRF1 to Replicating DNA and Regulates DNA Methylation.

    PubMed

    Ferry, Laure; Fournier, Alexandra; Tsusaka, Takeshi; Adelmant, Guillaume; Shimazu, Tadahiro; Matano, Shohei; Kirsh, Olivier; Amouroux, Rachel; Dohmae, Naoshi; Suzuki, Takehiro; Filion, Guillaume J; Deng, Wen; de Dieuleveult, Maud; Fritsch, Lauriane; Kudithipudi, Srikanth; Jeltsch, Albert; Leonhardt, Heinrich; Hajkova, Petra; Marto, Jarrod A; Arita, Kyohei; Shinkai, Yoichi; Defossez, Pierre-Antoine

    2017-08-17

    DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic mark in mammals that has to be re-established after each round of DNA replication. The protein UHRF1 is essential for this process; it has been proposed that the protein targets newly replicated DNA by cooperatively binding hemi-methylated DNA and H3K9me2/3, but this model leaves a number of questions unanswered. Here, we present evidence for a direct recruitment of UHRF1 by the replication machinery via DNA ligase 1 (LIG1). A histone H3K9-like mimic within LIG1 is methylated by G9a and GLP and, compared with H3K9me2/3, more avidly binds UHRF1. Interaction with methylated LIG1 promotes the recruitment of UHRF1 to DNA replication sites and is required for DNA methylation maintenance. These results further elucidate the function of UHRF1, identify a non-histone target of G9a and GLP, and provide an example of a histone mimic that coordinates DNA replication and DNA methylation maintenance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. In vivo processing and release into the circulation of GFP fusion protein in arginine vasopressin enhanced GFP transgenic rats: response to osmotic stimulation.

    PubMed

    Satoh, Keita; Oti, Takumi; Katoh, Akiko; Ueta, Yoichi; Morris, John F; Sakamoto, Tatsuya; Sakamoto, Hirotaka

    2015-07-01

    Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohypophysial hormone synthesized as a part of a prepropeptide precursor containing the signal peptide, AVP hormone, AVP-associated neurophysin II and copeptin in the hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons. A transgenic (Tg) rat line expressing the AVP-eGFP fusion gene has been generated. To establish the AVP-eGFP Tg rat as a unique model for an analysis of AVP dynamics in vivo, we first examined the in vivo molecular dynamics of the AVP-eGFP fusion gene, and then the release of GFP in response to physiological stimuli. Double immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that GFP was specifically localized in neurosecretory vesicles of AVP neurons in this Tg rat. After stimulation of the posterior pituitary with high potassium we demonstrated the exocytosis of AVP neurosecretory vesicles containing GFP at the ultrastructural level. Biochemical analyses indicated that the AVP-eGFP fusion gene is subjected to in vivo post-translational modifications like the native AVP gene, and is packaged into neurosecretory vesicles as a fusion protein: copeptin1-14 -GFP. Moreover, GFP release into the circulating blood appeared to be augmented after osmotic stimulation, like native AVP. Thus, here we show for the first time the in vivo molecular processing of the AVP-eGFP fusion gene and stimulated secretion after osmotic stimulation in rats. Because GFP behaved like native AVP in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis, and in particular was released into the circulation in response to a physiological stimulus, the AVP-eGFP Tg rat model appears to be a powerful tool for analyzing neuroendocrine systems at the organismal level. © 2015 FEBS.

  9. Experience with the high-intensity sweetener saccharin impairs glucose homeostasis and GLP-1 release in rats

    PubMed Central

    Swithers, Susan E.; Laboy, Alycia F.; Clark, Kiely; Cooper, Stephanie; Davidson, T.L.

    2012-01-01

    Previous work from our lab has demonstrated that experience with high-intensity sweeteners in rats leads to increased food intake, body weight gain and adiposity, along with diminished caloric compensation and decreased thermic effect of food. These changes may occur as a result of interfering with learned relations between the sweet taste of food and the caloric or nutritive consequences of consuming those foods. The present experiments determined whether experience with the high-intensity sweetener saccharin versus the caloric sweetener glucose affected blood glucose homeostasis. The results demonstrated that during oral glucose tolerance tests, blood glucose levels were more elevated in animals that had previously consumed the saccharin-sweetened supplements. In contrast, during glucose tolerance tests when a glucose solution was delivered directly into the stomach, no differences in blood glucose levels between the groups were observed. Differences in oral glucose tolerance responses were not accompanied by differences in insulin release; insulin release was similar in animals previously exposed to saccharin and those previously exposed to glucose. However, release of GLP-1 in response to an oral glucose tolerance test, but not to glucose tolerance tests delivered by gavage, was significantly lower in saccharin-exposed animals compared to glucose-exposed animals. Differences in both blood glucose and GLP-1 release in saccharin animals were rapid and transient, and suggest that one mechanism by which exposure to high-intensity sweeteners that interfere with a predictive relation between sweet tastes and calories may impair energy balance is by suppressing GLP-1 release, which could alter glucose homeostasis and reduce satiety. PMID:22561130

  10. A novel dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist is neuroprotective in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease by increasing expression of BNDF.

    PubMed

    Ji, Chenhui; Xue, Guo-Fang; Lijun, Cao; Feng, Peng; Li, Dongfang; Li, Lin; Li, Guanglai; Hölscher, Christian

    2016-03-01

    The incretins glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are growth factors with neuroprotective properties. GLP-1 mimetics are on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes and are well tolerated. Both GLP-1 and GIP mimetics have shown neuroprotective properties in animal models of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the GLP-1 mimetic exendin-4 has shown protective effects in a clinical trial in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Novel GLP-1/GIP dual-agonist peptides have been developed and are tested in diabetic patients. Here we demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of a novel dual agonist (DA-JC1) in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. MPTP was injected once-daily (20 mg/kg i.p.) for 7 days, and the dual agonist was injected 30 min later i.p. (50 nmol/kg bw). The PI3k inhibitor LY294002 (0.6 mg/kg i.v.) was co-injected in one group. DA-JC1 reduced or reversed most of the MPTP induced motor impairments in the rotarod and in a muscle strength test. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) was reduced by MPTP and increased by DA-JC1. The ratio of anti-inflammatory Bcl-2 to pro-inflammatory BAX as well as the activation of the growth factor kinase Akt was reduced by MPTP and reversed by DA-JC1. The PI3k inhibitor had only limited effect on the DA-JC1 drug effect. Importantly, levels of the neuroprotective brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were reduced by MPTP and enhanced by DA-JC1. The results demonstrate that DA-JC1 shows promise as a novel treatment for PD. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  11. Expression of recombinant CD59 with an N-terminal peptide epitope facilitates analysis of residues contributing to its complement-inhibitory function.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Q; Zhao, J; Hüsler, T; Sims, P J

    1996-10-01

    CD59 is a plasma membrane-anchored glycoprotein that serves to protect human cells from lysis by the C5b-9 complex of complement. The immunodominant epitopes of CD59 are known to be sensitive to disruption of native tertiary structure, complicating immunological measurement of expressed mutant constructs for structure function analysis. In order to quantify cell-surface expression of wild-type and mutant forms of this complement inhibitor, independent of CD59 antigen, an 11-residue peptide (TAG) recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAb) 9E10 was inserted before the N-terminal codon (L1) of mature CD59, in a pcDNA3 expression plasmid. SV-T2 cells were transfected with this plasmid, yielding cell lines expressing 0 to > 10(5) CD59/cell. The TAG-CD59 fusion protein was confirmed to be GPI-anchored, N-glycosylated and showed identical complement-inhibitory function to wild-type CD59, lacking the TAG peptide sequence. Using this construct, the contribution of each of four surface-localized aromatic residues (4Y, 47F, 61Y, and 62Y) to CD59's complement-inhibitory function was examined. These assays revealed normal surface expression with complete loss of complement-inhibitory function in the 4Y --> S, 47F --> G and 61Y --> S mutants. By contrast, 62Y --> S mutants retained approximately 40% of function of wild-type CD59. These studies confirmed the utility of the TAG-CD59 construct for quantifying CD59 surface expression and activity, and implicate surface aromatic residues 4Y, 47F, 61Y and 62Y as essential to maintenance of CD59's normal complement-regulatory function.

  12. Brain GLP-1/IGF-1 Signaling and Autophagy Mediate Exendin-4 Protection Against Apoptosis in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

    PubMed

    Candeias, Emanuel; Sebastião, Inês; Cardoso, Susana; Carvalho, Cristina; Santos, Maria Sancha; Oliveira, Catarina Resende; Moreira, Paula I; Duarte, Ana I

    2018-05-01

    Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a modern socioeconomic burden, mostly due to its long-term complications affecting nearly all tissues. One of them is the brain, whose dysfunctional intracellular quality control mechanisms (namely autophagy) may upregulate apoptosis, leading to cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer disease (AD). Since impaired brain insulin signaling may constitute the crosslink between T2D and AD, its restoration may be potentially therapeutic herein. Accordingly, the insulinotropic anti-T2D drugs from glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetics, namely, exendin-4 (Ex-4), could be a promising therapy. In line with this, we hypothesized that peripherally administered Ex-4 rescues brain intracellular signaling pathways, promoting autophagy and ultimately protecting against chronic T2D-induced apoptosis. Thus, we aimed to explore the effects of chronic, continuous, subcutaneous (s.c.) exposure to Ex-4 in brain cortical GLP-1/insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling, and in autophagic and cell death mechanisms in middle-aged (8 months old), male T2D Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. We used brain cortical homogenates obtained from middle-aged (8 months old) male Wistar (control) and T2D GK rats. Ex-4 was continuously administered for 28 days, via s.c. implanted micro-osmotic pumps (5 μg/kg/day; infusion rate 2.5 μL/h). Peripheral characterization of the animal models was given by the standard biochemical analyses of blood or plasma, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, and the heart rate. GLP-1, insulin, and IGF-1, their downstream signaling and autophagic markers were evaluated by specific ELISA kits and Western blotting. Caspase-like activities and other apoptotic markers were given by colorimetric methods and Western blotting. Chronic Ex-4 treatment attenuated peripheral features of T2D in GK rats, including hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Furthermore, s.c. Ex-4 enhanced their brain cortical GLP-1 and IGF-1 levels, and subsequent

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

    PubMed

    König, Alexander; Glebe, Dieter

    2017-01-01

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

  14. Differential GFP expression patterns induced by different heavy metals in Tg(hsp70:gfp) transgenic medaka (Oryzias latipes).

    PubMed

    Ng, Grace Hwee Boon; Xu, Hongyan; Pi, Na; Kelly, Barry C; Gong, Zhiyuan

    2015-06-01

    Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is one of the most widely used biomarker for monitoring environment perturbations in biological systems. To facilitate the analysis of hsp70 expression as a biomarker, we generated a Tg(hsp70:gfp) transgenic medaka line in which green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter gene was driven by the medaka hsp70 promoter. Here, we characterized Tg(hsp70:gfp) medaka for inducible GFP expression by seven environment-relevant heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, chromium, and zinc. We found that four of them (mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium) induced GFP expression in multiple and different organs. In general, the liver, kidney, gut, and skin are among the most frequent organs to show induced GFP expression. In contrast, no detectable GFP induction was observed to copper, chromium, or zinc, indicating that the transgenic line was not responsive to all heavy metals. RT-qPCR determination of hsp70 mRNA showed similar induction and non-induction by these metals, which also correlated with the levels of metal uptake in medaka exposed to these metals. Our observations suggested that these heavy metals have different mechanisms of toxicity and/or differential bioaccumulation in various organs; different patterns of GFP expression induced by different metals may be used to determine or exclude metals in water samples tested. Furthermore, we also tested several non-metal toxicants such as bisphenol A, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 4-introphenol, and lindane; none of them induced significant GFP expression in Tg(hsp70:gfp) medaka, further suggesting that the inducibility of Tg(hsp70:gfp) for GFP expression is specific to a subset of heavy metals.

  15. Synthesis and properties of the para-trimethylammonium analogues of green fluorescence protein (GFP) chromophore: The mimic of protonated GFP chromophore.

    PubMed

    Fanjiang, Ming-Wei; Li, Ming-Ju; Sung, Robert; Sung, Kuangsen

    2018-04-01

    At low pH, protons from the external, bulk solution can protonate the phenoxide group of the p-HBDI chromophore in wild-type green fluorescent protein (wtGFP) and its mutants, and likely continue to tentatively protonate the phenol hydroxyl group of the same chromophores. Because the protonated GFP chromophore is a transient, we prepare the stable p-trimethylammonium analogues (2a and 2b) of the GFP chromophore to mimic it and explore their properties. What we found is that the p-trimethylammonium analogues of the GFP chromophore have the highly electrophilic amidine carbon, blue-shifted electronic absorption, smaller molar absorptivity, smaller fluorescent quantum yield, and faster E-Z thermoisomerization rate. The amidine carbon of the p-trimethylammonium analogue (2b) of the GFP chromophore is the only site that is attacked by very weak nucleophile of water, resulting in ring-opening of the imidazolinone moiety. The half-life of its decay rate in D 2 O is around 33 days. Actually, acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-HBDI also results in ring-opening of the imidazolinone moiety. The ratio of the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis rate constants [k obs (p-HBDI)/k obs (1b)] between p-HBDI and 1b (p-dimethylammonium analogue of the GFP chromophore) is dramatically increased from 0.30 at pH = 2 to 0.63 at pH = 0. This is the evidence that more and more phenol hydroxyl groups of p-HBDI are tentatively protonated in a low-pH aqueous solution and that accelerates hydrolysis of p-HBDI in the way similar to the quaternary ammonium derivatives 2a and 2b in water. With this view point, 2a and 2b still can partially mimic the cationic p-HBDI with the protonated phenol hydroxyl group. Implication of the experiment is that the amidine carbon of the chromophore in wtGFP and its mutants at very low pH should be highly electrophilic. Whether ring-opening of the imidazolinone moiety of the GFP chromophore would occur or not depends on if water molecules can reach the amidine carbon of

  16. Coevolution of the ATPase ClpV, the Sheath Proteins TssB and TssC, and the Accessory Protein TagJ/HsiE1 Distinguishes Type VI Secretion Classes*

    PubMed Central

    Förster, Andreas; Planamente, Sara; Manoli, Eleni; Lossi, Nadine S.; Freemont, Paul S.; Filloux, Alain

    2014-01-01

    The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a bacterial nanomachine for the transport of effector molecules into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It involves the assembly of a tubular structure composed of TssB and TssC that is similar to the tail sheath of bacteriophages. The sheath contracts to provide the energy needed for effector delivery. The AAA+ ATPase ClpV disassembles the contracted sheath, which resets the systems for reassembly of an extended sheath that is ready to fire again. This mechanism is crucial for T6SS function. In Vibrio cholerae, ClpV binds the N terminus of TssC within a hydrophobic groove. In this study, we resolved the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ClpV1 and observed structural alterations in the hydrophobic groove. The modification in the ClpV1 groove is matched by a change in the N terminus of TssC, suggesting the existence of distinct T6SS classes. An accessory T6SS component, TagJ/HsiE, exists predominantly in one of the classes. Using bacterial two-hybrid approaches, we showed that the P. aeruginosa homolog HsiE1 interacts strongly with ClpV1. We then resolved the crystal structure of HsiE1 in complex with the N terminus of HsiB1, a TssB homolog and component of the contractile sheath. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these differences distinguish T6SS classes that resulted from a functional co-evolution between TssB, TssC, TagJ/HsiE, and ClpV. The interaction of TagJ/HsiE with the sheath as well as with ClpV suggests an alternative mode of disassembly in which HsiE recruits the ATPase to the sheath. PMID:25305017

  17. Glucagon Like Peptide-1 Receptor Expression in the Human Thyroid Gland

    PubMed Central

    Gier, Belinda; Butler, Peter C.; Lai, Chi K.; Kirakossian, David; DeNicola, Matthew M.

    2012-01-01

    Background: Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetic therapy induces medullary thyroid neoplasia in rodents. We sought to establish whether C cells in human medullary thyroid carcinoma, C cell hyperplasia, and normal human thyroid express the GLP-1 receptor. Methods: Thyroid tissue samples with medullary thyroid carcinoma (n = 12), C cell hyperplasia (n = 9), papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 17), and normal human thyroid (n = 15) were evaluated by immunofluorescence for expression of calcitonin and GLP-1 receptors. Results: Coincident immunoreactivity for calcitonin and GLP-1 receptor was consistently observed in both medullary thyroid carcinoma and C cell hyperplasia. GLP-1 receptor immunoreactivity was also detected in 18% of papillary thyroid carcinoma (three of 17 cases). Within normal human thyroid tissue, GLP-1 receptor immunoreactivity was found in five of 15 of the examined cases in about 35% of the total C cells assessed. Conclusions: In humans, neoplastic and hyperplastic lesions of thyroid C cells express the GLP-1 receptor. GLP-1 receptor expression is detected in 18% papillary thyroid carcinomas and in C cells in 33% of control thyroid lobes. The consequence of long-term pharmacologically increased GLP-1 signaling on these GLP-1 receptor-expressing cells in the thyroid gland in humans remains unknown, but appropriately powered prospective studies to exclude an increase in medullary or papillary carcinomas of the thyroid are warranted. PMID:22031513

  18. GFP as potential cellular viscosimeter.

    PubMed

    Visser, Antonie J W G; Westphal, Adrie H; Skakun, Victor V; Borst, Jan Willem

    2016-08-18

    The molecular dimensions of proteins such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) are large as compared to the ones of solvents like water or glycerol. The microscopic viscosity, which determines the resistance to diffusion of, e.g. GFP, is then the same as that determined from the resistance of the solvent to flow, which is known as macroscopic viscosity. GFP in water/glycerol mixtures senses this macroscopic viscosity, because the translational and rotational diffusion coefficients are proportional to the reciprocal value of the viscosity as predicted by the Stokes-Einstein equations. To test this hypothesis, we have performed time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (reporting on rotational diffusion) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (reporting on translational diffusion) experiments of GFP in water/glycerol mixtures. When the solvent also contains macromolecules of similar or larger dimensions as GFP, the microscopic and macroscopic viscosities can be markedly different and the Stokes-Einstein relations must be adapted. It was established from previous dynamic fluorescence spectroscopy observations of diffusing proteins with dextran polysaccharides as co-solvents (Lavalette et al 2006 Eur. Biophys. J. 35 517-22), that rotation and translation sense a different microscopic viscosity, in which the one arising from rotation is always less than that from translation. A microscopic viscosity parameter is defined that depends on scaling factors between GFP and its immediate environment. The direct consequence is discussed for two reported diffusion coefficients of GFP in living cells.

  19. GFP as potential cellular viscosimeter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Visser, Antonie J. W. G.; Westphal, Adrie H.; Skakun, Victor V.; Borst, Jan Willem

    2016-09-01

    The molecular dimensions of proteins such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) are large as compared to the ones of solvents like water or glycerol. The microscopic viscosity, which determines the resistance to diffusion of, e.g. GFP, is then the same as that determined from the resistance of the solvent to flow, which is known as macroscopic viscosity. GFP in water/glycerol mixtures senses this macroscopic viscosity, because the translational and rotational diffusion coefficients are proportional to the reciprocal value of the viscosity as predicted by the Stokes-Einstein equations. To test this hypothesis, we have performed time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (reporting on rotational diffusion) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (reporting on translational diffusion) experiments of GFP in water/glycerol mixtures. When the solvent also contains macromolecules of similar or larger dimensions as GFP, the microscopic and macroscopic viscosities can be markedly different and the Stokes-Einstein relations must be adapted. It was established from previous dynamic fluorescence spectroscopy observations of diffusing proteins with dextran polysaccharides as co-solvents (Lavalette et al 2006 Eur. Biophys. J. 35 517-22), that rotation and translation sense a different microscopic viscosity, in which the one arising from rotation is always less than that from translation. A microscopic viscosity parameter is defined that depends on scaling factors between GFP and its immediate environment. The direct consequence is discussed for two reported diffusion coefficients of GFP in living cells.

  20. Antigenicity and Immunogenicity of RV144 Vaccine AIDSVAX Clade E Envelope Immunogen Is Enhanced by a gp120 N-Terminal Deletion

    PubMed Central

    Liao, Hua-Xin; Tomaras, Georgia D.; Bonsignori, Mattia; Tsao, Chun-Yen; Hwang, Kwan-Ki; Chen, Haiyan; Lloyd, Krissey E.; Bowman, Cindy; Sutherland, Laura; Jeffries, Thomas L.; Kozink, Daniel M.; Stewart, Shelley; Anasti, Kara; Jaeger, Frederick H.; Parks, Robert; Yates, Nicole L.; Overman, R. Glenn; Sinangil, Faruk; Berman, Phillip W.; Pitisuttithum, Punnee; Kaewkungwal, Jaranit; Nitayaphan, Sorachai; Karasavva, Nicos; Rerks-Ngarm, Supachai; Kim, Jerome H.; Michael, Nelson L.; Zolla-Pazner, Susan; Santra, Sampa; Letvin, Norman L.; Harrison, Stephen C.

    2013-01-01

    An immune correlates analysis of the RV144 HIV-1 vaccine trial revealed that antibody responses to the gp120 V1/V2 region correlated inversely with infection risk. The RV144 protein immunogens (A244-rp120 and MN-rgp120) were modified by an N-terminal 11-amino-acid deletion (Δ11) and addition of a herpes simplex virus (HSV) gD protein-derived tag (gD). We investigated the effects of these modifications on gp120 expression, antigenicity, and immunogenicity by comparing unmodified A244 gp120 with both Δ11 deletion and gD tag and with Δ11 only. Analysis of A244 gp120, with or without Δ11 or gD, demonstrated that the Δ11 deletion, without the addition of gD, was sufficient for enhanced antigenicity to gp120 C1 region, conformational V2, and V1/V2 gp120 conformational epitopes. RV144 vaccinee serum IgGs bound more avidly to A244 gp120 Δ11 than to the unmodified gp120, and their binding was blocked by C1, V2, and V1/V2 antibodies. Rhesus macaques immunized with the three different forms of A244 gp120 proteins gave similar levels of gp120 antibody titers, although higher antibody titers developed earlier in A244 Δ11 gp120-immunized animals. Conformational V1/V2 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) gave significantly higher levels of blocking of plasma IgG from A244 Δ11 gp120-immunized animals than IgG from animals immunized with unmodified A244 gp120, thus indicating a qualitative difference in the V1/V2 antibodies induced by A244 Δ11 gp120. These results demonstrate that deletion of N-terminal residues in the RV144 A244 gp120 immunogen improves both envelope antigenicity and immunogenicity. PMID:23175357

  1. Blocking an N-terminal acetylation–dependent protein interaction inhibits an E3 ligase

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

    Scott, Daniel C.; Hammill, Jared T.; Min, Jaeki

    N-terminal acetylation is an abundant modification influencing protein functions. Because ~80% of mammalian cytosolic proteins are N-terminally acetylated, this modification is potentially an untapped target for chemical control of their functions. Structural studies have revealed that, like lysine acetylation, N-terminal acetylation converts a positively charged amine into a hydrophobic handle that mediates protein interactions; hence, this modification may be a druggable target. We report the development of chemical probes targeting the N-terminal acetylation–dependent interaction between an E2 conjugating enzyme (UBE2M or UBC12) and DCN1 (DCUN1D1), a subunit of a multiprotein E3 ligase for the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8. The inhibitors aremore » highly selective with respect to other protein acetyl-amide–binding sites, inhibit NEDD8 ligation in vitro and in cells, and suppress anchorage-independent growth of a cell line with DCN1 amplification. Overall, our data demonstrate that N-terminal acetyl-dependent protein interactions are druggable targets and provide insights into targeting multiprotein E2–E3 ligases.« less

  2. Development of the sigma-1 receptor in C-terminals of motoneurons and colocalization with the N,N'-dimethyltryptamine forming enzyme, indole-N-methyl transferase.

    PubMed

    Mavlyutov, T A; Epstein, M L; Liu, P; Verbny, Y I; Ziskind-Conhaim, L; Ruoho, A E

    2012-03-29

    The function of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) has been linked to modulating the activities of ion channels and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). In the CNS, the S1R is expressed ubiquitously but is enriched in mouse motoneurons (MN), where it is localized to subsurface cisternae of cholinergic postsynaptic densities, also known as C-terminals. We found that S1R is enriched in mouse spinal MN at late stages of embryonic development when it is first visualized in the endoplasmic reticulum. S1Rs appear to concentrate at C-terminals of mouse MN only on the second week of postnatal development. We found that indole-N-methyl transferase (INMT), an enzyme that converts tryptamine into the sigma-1 ligand dimethyltryptamine (DMT), is also localized to postsynaptic sites of C-terminals in close proximity to the S1R. This close association of INMT and S1Rs suggest that DMT is synthesized locally to effectively activate S1R in MN. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  3. Structural and functional characterization of a new recombinant histidine-tagged acyl coenzyme A binding protein (ACBP) from mouse

    PubMed Central

    Petrescu, Anca D.; Huang, Huan; Hostetler, Heather A.; Schroeder, Friedhelm; Kier, Ann B.

    2008-01-01

    Acyl-coenzyme A binding protein (ACBP) has been proposed to transport fatty acyl-CoAs intracellularly, facilitating their metabolism. In this study, a new mouse recombinant ACBP was produced by insertion of a histidine (his) tag at the C-terminus to allow efficient purification by Ni-affinity chromatography. The his-tag was inserted at the C-terminus since ACBP is a small molecular size (10 kDa) protein whose structure and activity are sensitive to amino acid substitutions in the N-terminus. The his tag had no or little effect on ACBP structure or ligand binding affinity and specificity. His-ACBP bound the naturally-occurring fluorescent cis-parinaroyl-CoA with very high affinity (Kd=2.15 nM), but exhibited no affinity for non-esterified cis-parinaric acid. To determine if the presence of the C-terminal his tag altered ACBP interactions with other proteins, direct binding to hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α), a nuclear receptor regulating transcription of genes involved in lipid metabolism, was examined. His-ACBP and HNF-4α were labeled with Cy5 and Cy3, respectively, and direct interaction was determined by a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) binding assay. FRET analysis showed that his-ACBP directly interacted with HNF-4α (intermolecular distance of 73 Å) at high affinity (Kd=64-111 nM) similar to native ACBP. The his-tag also had no effect on ACBPs ability to interact with and stimulate microsomal enzymes utilizing or forming fatty acyl CoA. Thus, C-terminal his-tagged-ACBP maintained very similar structural and functional features of the untagged native protein and can be used in further in vitro experiments that require pure recombinant ACBP. PMID:18178100

  4. Two-Photon Microscopy Imaging of thy1GFP-M Transgenic Mice: A Novel Animal Model to Investigate Brain Dendritic Cell Subsets In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Laperchia, Claudia; Allegra Mascaro, Anna L.; Sacconi, Leonardo; Andrioli, Anna; Mattè, Alessandro; De Franceschi, Lucia; Grassi-Zucconi, Gigliola; Bentivoglio, Marina; Buffelli, Mario; Pavone, Francesco S.

    2013-01-01

    Transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins in specific cell populations are widely used for in vivo brain studies with two-photon fluorescence (TPF) microscopy. Mice of the thy1GFP-M line have been engineered for selective expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in neuronal populations. Here, we report that TPF microscopy reveals, at the brain surface of these mice, also motile non-neuronal GFP+ cells. We have analyzed the behavior of these cells in vivo and characterized in brain sections their immunophenotype. With TPF imaging, motile GFP+ cells were found in the meninges, subarachnoid space and upper cortical layers. The striking feature of these cells was their ability to move across the brain parenchyma, exhibiting evident shape changes during their scanning-like motion. In brain sections, GFP+ cells were immunonegative to antigens recognizing motile cells such as migratory neuroblasts, neuronal and glial precursors, mast cells, and fibroblasts. GFP+ non-neuronal cells exhibited instead the characteristic features and immunophenotype (CD11c and major histocompatibility complex molecule class II immunopositivity) of dendritic cells (DCs), and were immunonegative to the microglial marker Iba-1. GFP+ cells were also identified in lymph nodes and blood of thy1GFP-M mice, supporting their identity as DCs. Thus, TPF microscopy has here allowed the visualization for the first time of the motile behavior of brain DCs in situ. The results indicate that the thy1GFP-M mouse line provides a novel animal model for the study of subsets of these professional antigen-presenting cells in the brain. Information on brain DCs is still very limited and imaging in thy1GFP-M mice has a great potential for analyses of DC-neuron interaction in normal and pathological conditions. PMID:23409142

  5. Drosophila variable nurse cells encodes Arrest defective 1 (ARD1), the catalytic subunit of the major N-terminal acetyltransferase complex

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Ying; Mijares, Michelle; Gall, Megan D.; Turan, Tolga; Javier, Anna; Bornemann, Douglas J; Manage, Kevin; Warrior, Rahul

    2010-01-01

    Mutations in the Drosophila variable nurse cells (vnc) gene result in female sterility and oogenesis defects, including egg chambers with too many or too few nurse cells. We show that vnc corresponds to Arrest Defective1 (Ard1) and encodes the catalytic subunit of NatA, the major N-terminal acetyl-transferase complex. While N-terminal acetylation is one of the most prevalent covalent protein modifications in eukaryotes, analysis of its role in development has been challenging since mutants that compromise NatA activity have not been described in any multicellular animal. Our data show that reduced ARD1 levels result in pleiotropic oogenesis defects including abnormal cyst encapsulation, desynchronized cystocyte division, disrupted nurse cell chromosome dispersion and abnormal chorion patterning, consistent with the wide range of predicted NatA substrates. Further we find that loss of Ard1 affects cell survival/proliferation and is lethal for the animal, providing the first demonstration that this modification is essential in higher eukaryotes. PMID:20882681

  6. Geometry of GLP on silver surface by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bao, PeiDi; Bao, Lang; Huang, TianQuan; Liu, XinMing; Wu, GuoFeng

    2000-05-01

    Leptospirosis is one of the most harmful zoonosis, it is a serious public health issue in some area of Sichuan province. Surface-Enhance Raman Scattering (SERS) Spectroscopy is an effective approach for the study of biomolecular adsorption on metal surface and provides information about the adsorbed species. Two samples of Leptospiral Glycolipoprotein (GLP-1) and GLP-2 which have different toxic effects have been obtained and investigated.

  7. An orange fluorescent protein tagging system for real-time pollen tracking.

    PubMed

    Rice, J Hollis; Millwood, Reginald J; Mundell, Richard E; Chambers, Orlando D; Abercrombie, Laura L; Davies, H Maelor; Stewart, C Neal

    2013-09-27

    Monitoring gene flow could be important for future transgenic crops, such as those producing plant-made-pharmaceuticals (PMPs) in open field production. A Nicotiana hybrid (Nicotiana. tabacum × Nicotiana glauca) shows limited male fertility and could be used as a bioconfined PMP platform. Effective assessment of gene flow from these plants is augmented with methods that utilize fluorescent proteins for transgenic pollen identification. We report the generation of a pollen tagging system utilizing an orange fluorescent protein to monitor pollen flow and as a visual assessment of transgene zygosity of the parent plant. This system was created to generate a tagged Nicotiana hybrid that could be used for the incidence of gene flow. Nicotiana tabacum 'TN 90' and Nicotiana glauca were successfully transformed via Agrobacterium tumefaciens to express the orange fluorescent protein gene, tdTomato-ER, in pollen and a green fluorescent protein gene, mgfp5-er, was expressed in vegetative structures of the plant. Hybrids were created that utilized the fluorescent proteins as a research tool for monitoring pollen movement and gene flow. Manual greenhouse crosses were used to assess hybrid sexual compatibility with N. tabacum, resulting in seed formation from hybrid pollination in 2% of crosses, which yielded non-viable seed. Pollen transfer to the hybrid formed seed in 19% of crosses and 10 out of 12 viable progeny showed GFP expression. The orange fluorescent protein is visible when expressed in the pollen of N. glauca, N. tabacum, and the Nicotiana hybrid, although hybrid pollen did not appear as bright as the parent lines. The hybrid plants, which show limited ability to outcross, could provide bioconfinement with the benefit of detectable pollen using this system. Fluorescent protein-tagging could be a valuable tool for breeding and in vivo ecological monitoring.

  8. Does GLP enhance the quality of toxicological evidence for regulatory decisions?

    PubMed Central

    Borgert, Christopher J.; Becker, Richard A.; Carlton, Betsy D.; Hanson, Mark; Kwiatkowski, Patricia L.; Sue Marty, Mary; McCarty, Lynn S.; Quill, Terry F.; Solomon, Keith; Van Der Kraak, Glen; Witorsch, Raphael J.; Don Yi, Kun

    2016-01-01

    There is debate over whether the requirements of GLP are appropriate standards for evaluating the quality of toxicological data used to formulate regulations. A group promoting the importance of non-monotonic dose responses for endocrine disruptors contend that scoring systems giving primacy to GLP are biased against non-GLP studies from the literature and are merely record-keeping exercises to prevent fraudulent reporting of data from non-published guideline toxicology studies. They argue that guideline studies often employ insensitive species and outdated methods, and ignore the perspectives of subject-matter experts in endocrine disruption, who should be the sole arbiters of data quality. We believe regulatory agencies should use both non-GLP and GLP studies, that GLP requirements assure fundamental tenets of study integrity not typically addressed by journal peer-review, and that use of standardized test guidelines and GLP promotes consistency, reliability, comparability, and harmonization of various types of studies used by regulatory agencies worldwide. This debate suffers two impediments to progress: a conflation of different phases of study interpretation and levels of data validity, and a misleading characterization of many essential components of GLP and regulatory toxicology. Herein we provide clarifications critical for removing those impediments. PMID:27208076

  9. Generation of Tg(cyp1a:gfp) Transgenic Zebrafish for Development of a Convenient and Sensitive In Vivo Assay for Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activity.

    PubMed

    Xu, Hongyan; Li, Caixia; Li, Yan; Ng, Grace Hwee Boon; Liu, Chunsheng; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Gong, Zhiyuan

    2015-12-01

    Both dioxins/dioxin-like compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants and cause multiple adverse health effects on human and wildlife. Cyp1a is the most commonly used biomarker induced by these pollutants through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Here we generated Tg(cyp1a:gfp) transgenic zebrafish for establishing a convenient in vivo assay for analysing these xenobiotic compounds. The Tg(cyp1a:gfp) larvae at 4 day post-fertilization were tested with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and GFP induction was observed mainly in the kidney, liver and gut. Similar GFP expression was also induced strongly by two dioxin-like chemicals, co-planar polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB126) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furan (PeCDF) and relatively weakly by two PAHs, 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and benzo[a]pyrene (BAP). The lowest observed effective concentration (LOEC) of TCDD was estimated to be ∼1 pM and the EC50 (effective concentration to induce GFP in 50 % of Tg(cyp1a:gfp) larvae) was ∼10 pM. PCB126 and PeCDF had ∼10× lower potencies in GFP induction than TCDD, while the potencies for 3-MC and BAP were at least 1000× lower. The sensitivity of Tg(cyp1a:gfp) larvae to respond TCDD was also favourable compared to that of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay in both zebrafish larvae and adult livers. As GFP-based assay in transgenic zebrafish can be easily accommodated in multi-well dishes, the Tg(cyp1a:gfp) zebrafish should provide not only a valuable biomonitoring tool for aquatic contaminants but also a potential high-throughput chemical screening platform for identification of new AhR agonists.

  10. GLP-1-Based Therapies Have No Microvascular Effects in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Acute and 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Smits, Mark M; Tonneijck, Lennart; Muskiet, Marcel H A; Hoekstra, Trynke; Kramer, Mark H H; Diamant, Michaela; Serné, Erik H; van Raalte, Daniël H

    2016-10-01

    To assess the effects of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1-based therapies (ie, GLP-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) on microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We studied 57 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean±SD age: 62.8±6.9 years; body mass index: 31.8±4.1 kg/m(2); HbA1c [glycated hemoglobin] 7.3±0.6%) in an acute and 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted at the Diabetes Center of the VU University Medical Center. In the acute study, the GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide (therapeutic concentrations) or placebo (saline 0.9%) was administered intravenously. During the 12-week study, patients received the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide (1.8 mg daily), the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin (100 mg daily), or matching placebos. Capillary perfusion was assessed by nailfold skin capillary videomicroscopy and vasomotion by laser Doppler fluxmetry, in the fasting state and after a high-fat mixed meal. In neither study, treatment affected fasting or postprandial capillary perfusion compared with placebo (P>0.05). In the fasting state, acute exenatide infusion increased neurogenic vasomotion domain power, while reducing myogenic domain power (both P<0.05). After the meal, exenatide increased endothelial domain power (P<0.05). In the 12-week study, no effects on vasomotion were observed. Despite modest changes in vasomotion, suggestive of sympathetic nervous system activation and improved endothelial function, acute exenatide infusion does not affect skin capillary perfusion in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Twelve-week treatment with liraglutide or sitagliptin has no effect on capillary perfusion or vasomotion in these patients. Our data suggest that the effects of GLP-1-based therapies on glucose are not mediated through microvascular responses. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  11. A novel GLP-1/GIP dual agonist is more effective than liraglutide in reducing inflammation and enhancing GDNF release in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Ziyue; Li, Dongfang; Feng, Peng; Xue, Guofang; Ji, Chenhui; Li, Guanglai; Hölscher, Christian

    2017-10-05

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). Insulin desensitisation has been observed in the brains of patients, which may promote neurodegeneration. Incretins are a family of growth factors that can re-sensitise insulin signalling. We have previously shown that mimetics of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) have neuroprotective effects in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropypridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. Recently, dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists have been developed. We therefore tested the novel dual agonist DA3-CH in comparison with the best GLP-1 analogue currently on the market, liraglutide (both drugs 25nmol/kg ip once-daily for 7 days) in the MPTP mouse model of PD (25mg/kg ip once-daily for 7 days). In the Rotarod and grip strength assessment, DA3-CH was superior to liraglutide in reversing the MPTP-induced motor impairment. Dopamine synthesis as indicated by levels of tyrosine hydroxylase was much reduced by MPTP in the substantia nigra and striatum, and DA3-CH reversed this while liragutide only partially reversed this. The chronic inflammation response as shown in increased levels of activated microglia and astrocytes was reduced by both drugs. Importantly, expression levels of the neuroprotective growth factor Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) was much enhanced by both DA3-CH and liragutide. The results demonstrate that the combination of GLP-1 and GIP receptor activation is superior to single GLP-1 receptor activation alone. Therefore, new dual agonists may be a promising treatment for PD. The GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 has already shown disease modifying effects in clinical trials in PD patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Effect of immediate and prolonged GLP-1 receptor agonist administration on uric acid and kidney clearance: Post-hoc analyses of four clinical trials.

    PubMed

    Tonneijck, Lennart; Muskiet, Marcel H A; Smits, Mark M; Bjornstad, Petter; Kramer, Mark H H; Diamant, Michaela; Hoorn, Ewout J; Joles, Jaap A; van Raalte, Daniël H

    2018-05-01

    To determine the effects of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists (RA) on uric acid (UA) levels and kidney UA clearance. This study involved post-hoc analyses of 4 controlled clinical trials, which assessed actions of GLP-1RA administration on kidney physiology. The immediate effects of GLP-1RA exenatide infusion vs placebo were determined in 9 healthy overweight men (Study-A) and in 52 overweight T2DM patients (Study-B). The effects of 12 weeks of long-acting GLP-1RA liraglutide vs placebo in 36 overweight T2DM patients (Study-C) and of 8 weeks of short-acting GLP-1RA lixisenatide vs once-daily titrated insulin glulisine in 35 overweight T2DM patients (Study-D) were also examined. Plasma UA, fractional (inulin-corrected) and absolute urinary excretion of UA (UE UA ) and sodium (UE Na ), and urine pH were determined. Median baseline plasma UA level was 5.39 to 6.33 mg/dL across all studies (17%-22% of subjects were hyperuricaemic). In Study-A, exenatide infusion slightly increased plasma UA (+0.07 ± 0.02 mg/dL, P = .04), and raised absolute-UE UA (+1.58 ± 0.65 mg/min/1.73 m 2 , P = .02), but did not affect fractional UE UA compared to placebo. Fractional UE UA and absolute UE UA correlated with increases in urine pH (r:0.86, P = .003 and r:0.92, P < .001, respectively). Fractional UE UA correlated with increased fractional UE Na (r:0.76, P = .02). In Study-B, exenatide infusion did not affect plasma UA, but increased fractional UE UA (+0.76 ± 0.38%, P = .049) and absolute UE UA (+0.75 ± 0.27 mg/min/1.73 m 2 , P = .007), compared to placebo. In regression analyses, both parameters were explained by changes in urine pH and, in part, by changes in UE Na . In Study-C, liraglutide treatment did not affect plasma UA, UE UA, UE Na or urine pH, compared to placebo. In Study-D, lixisenatide treatment increased UE Na and urine pH from baseline, but did not affect plasma UA or UE UA . Immediate exenatide infusion increases UE UA in overweight healthy men and in

  13. Cooperative folding of a polytopic α-helical membrane protein involves a compact N-terminal nucleus and nonnative loops

    PubMed Central

    Paslawski, Wojciech; Lillelund, Ove K.; Kristensen, Julie Veje; Schafer, Nicholas P.; Baker, Rosanna P.; Urban, Sinisa; Otzen, Daniel E.

    2015-01-01

    Despite the ubiquity of helical membrane proteins in nature and their pharmacological importance, the mechanisms guiding their folding remain unclear. We performed kinetic folding and unfolding experiments on 69 mutants (engineered every 2–3 residues throughout the 178-residue transmembrane domain) of GlpG, a membrane-embedded rhomboid protease from Escherichia coli. The only clustering of significantly positive ϕ-values occurs at the cytosolic termini of transmembrane helices 1 and 2, which we identify as a compact nucleus. The three loops flanking these helices show a preponderance of negative ϕ-values, which are sometimes taken to be indicative of nonnative interactions in the transition state. Mutations in transmembrane helices 3–6 yielded predominantly ϕ-values near zero, indicating that this part of the protein has denatured-state–level structure in the transition state. We propose that loops 1–3 undergo conformational rearrangements to position the folding nucleus correctly, which then drives folding of the rest of the domain. A compact N-terminal nucleus is consistent with the vectorial nature of cotranslational membrane insertion found in vivo. The origin of the interactions in the transition state that lead to a large number of negative ϕ-values remains to be elucidated. PMID:26056273

  14. Refinement of glucagon-like peptide 1 docking to its intact receptor using mid-region photolabile probes and molecular modeling.

    PubMed

    Miller, Laurence J; Chen, Quan; Lam, Polo C-H; Pinon, Delia I; Sexton, Patrick M; Abagyan, Ruben; Dong, Maoqing

    2011-05-06

    The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor is an important drug target within the B family of G protein-coupled receptors. Its natural agonist ligand, GLP1, has incretin-like actions and the receptor is a recognized target for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite recent solution of the structure of the amino terminus of the GLP1 receptor and several close family members, the molecular basis for GLP1 binding to and activation of the intact receptor remains unclear. We previously demonstrated molecular approximations between amino- and carboxyl-terminal residues of GLP1 and its receptor. In this work, we study spatial approximations with the mid-region of this peptide to gain insights into the orientation of the intact receptor and the ligand-receptor complex. We have prepared two new photolabile probes incorporating a p-benzoyl-l-phenylalanine into positions 16 and 20 of GLP1(7-36). Both probes bound to the GLP1 receptor specifically and with high affinity. These were each fully efficacious agonists, stimulating cAMP accumulation in receptor-bearing CHO cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Each probe specifically labeled a single receptor site. Protease cleavage and radiochemical sequencing identified receptor residue Leu(141) above transmembrane segment one as its site of labeling for the position 16 probe, whereas the position 20 probe labeled receptor residue Trp(297) within the second extracellular loop. Establishing ligand residue approximation with this loop region is unique among family members and may help to orient the receptor amino-terminal domain relative to its helical bundle region.

  15. The N-Terminal Domain of the Flo1 Flocculation Protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae Binds Specifically to Mannose Carbohydrates ▿

    PubMed Central

    Goossens, Katty V. Y.; Stassen, Catherine; Stals, Ingeborg; Donohue, Dagmara S.; Devreese, Bart; De Greve, Henri; Willaert, Ronnie G.

    2011-01-01

    Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells possess a remarkable capacity to adhere to other yeast cells, which is called flocculation. Flocculation is defined as the phenomenon wherein yeast cells adhere in clumps and sediment rapidly from the medium in which they are suspended. These cell-cell interactions are mediated by a class of specific cell wall proteins, called flocculins, that stick out of the cell walls of flocculent cells. The N-terminal part of the three-domain protein is responsible for carbohydrate binding. We studied the N-terminal domain of the Flo1 protein (N-Flo1p), which is the most important flocculin responsible for flocculation of yeast cells. It was shown that this domain is both O and N glycosylated and is structurally composed mainly of β-sheets. The binding of N-Flo1p to d-mannose, α-methyl-d-mannoside, various dimannoses, and mannan confirmed that the N-terminal domain of Flo1p is indeed responsible for the sugar-binding activity of the protein. Moreover, fluorescence spectroscopy data suggest that N-Flo1p contains two mannose carbohydrate binding sites with different affinities. The carbohydrate dissociation constants show that the affinity of N-Flo1p for mono- and dimannoses is in the millimolar range for the binding site with low affinity and in the micromolar range for the binding site with high affinity. The high-affinity binding site has a higher affinity for low-molecular-weight (low-MW) mannose carbohydrates and no affinity for mannan. However, mannan as well as low-MW mannose carbohydrates can bind to the low-affinity binding site. These results extend the cellular flocculation model on the molecular level. PMID:21076009

  16. N-terminal nesprin-2 variants regulate β-catenin signalling

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

    Zhang, Qiuping; Minaisah, Rose-Marie; Ferraro, Elisa

    2016-07-15

    The spatial compartmentalisation of biochemical signalling pathways is essential for cell function. Nesprins are a multi-isomeric family of proteins that have emerged as signalling scaffolds, herein, we investigate the localisation and function of novel nesprin-2 N-terminal variants. We show that these nesprin-2 variants display cell specific distribution and reside in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that nesprin-2 N-terminal variants colocalised with β-catenin at cell-cell junctions in U2OS cells. Calcium switch assays demonstrated that nesprin-2 and β-catenin are lost from cell-cell junctions in low calcium conditions whereas emerin localisation at the NE remained unaltered, furthermore, an N-terminal fragmentmore » of nesprin-2 was sufficient for cell-cell junction localisation and interacted with β-catenin. Disruption of these N-terminal nesprin-2 variants, using siRNA depletion resulted in loss of β-catenin from cell-cell junctions, nuclear accumulation of active β-catenin and augmented β-catenin transcriptional activity. Importantly, we show that U2OS cells lack nesprin-2 giant, suggesting that the N-terminal nesprin-2 variants regulate β-catenin signalling independently of the NE. Together, these data identify N-terminal nesprin-2 variants as novel regulators of β-catenin signalling that tether β-catenin to cell-cell contacts to inhibit β-catenin transcriptional activity. - Highlights: • N-terminal nesprin-2 variants display cell specific expression patterns. • N-terminal spectrin repeats of nesprin-2 interact with β-catenin. • N-terminal nesprin-2 variants scaffold β-catenin at cell-cell junctions.. • Nesprin-2 variants play multiple roles in β-catenin signalling.« less

  17. Visualization of endothelial cell cycle dynamics in mouse using the Flt-1/eGFP-anillin system.

    PubMed

    Herz, Katia; Becker, Alexandra; Shi, Chenyue; Ema, Masatsugo; Takahashi, Satoru; Potente, Michael; Hesse, Michael; Fleischmann, Bernd K; Wenzel, Daniela

    2018-05-01

    Endothelial cell proliferation is a key process during vascular growth but its kinetics could only be assessed in vitro or ex vivo so far. To enable the monitoring and quantification of cell cycle kinetics in vivo, we have generated transgenic mice expressing an eGFP-anillin construct under control of the endothelial-specific Flt-1 promoter. This construct labels the nuclei of endothelial cells in late G1, S and G2 phase and changes its localization during the different stages of M phase, thereby enabling the monitoring of EC proliferation and cytokinesis. In Flt-1/eGFP-anillin mice, we found eGFP + signals specifically in Ki67 + /PECAM + endothelial cells during vascular development. Quantification using this cell cycle reporter in embryos revealed a decline in endothelial cell proliferation between E9.5 to E12.5. By time-lapse microscopy, we determined the length of different cell cycle phases in embryonic endothelial cells in vivo and found a M phase duration of about 80 min with 2/3 covering karyokinesis and 1/3 cytokinesis. Thus, we have generated a versatile transgenic system for the accurate assessment of endothelial cell cycle dynamics in vitro and in vivo.

  18. Charged tag founded in N-(1-chloroalkyl)pyridinium quaternization for quantification of fatty aldehydes.

    PubMed

    Cao, Yanjing; Guan, Qing; Sun, Tuanqi; Qi, Wanshu; Guo, Yinlong

    2016-09-21

    N-(1-chloroalkyl)pyridinium quaternization was developed for the derivatization of fatty aldehydes. Differing from common pre-charged reagents, non-charged pyridine and thionyl chloride were designed to add permanently charged tag on aldehydes. Pyridine was far less competitive than charged derivatives in ionization. Thionyl chloride in excess was quenched by deionized water, converting into less residual sulfur dioxide bubbles. Thus solutions could be tested directly by mass spectrometry without further post-treatments. Pyridine-d5 labeled fatty aldehydes were prepared as internal standards. Mixed derivatives were then analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Analytical parameters including reaction yield, stability, precision, linearity, and detection limits (LODs < 0.3 pg mL(-1)) were carefully validated. This method facilitated the analysis low content (ng mL(-1)) levels of free aliphatic aldehydes (C6C18) in human thyroid carcinoma and para-carcinoma tissue with a simple pretreatment procedure. Content of long chain nonvolatile aldehydes (C10C18) remarkably increased in thyroid carcinoma tissues (p < 0.05). Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  19. The FBPase Encoding Gene glpX Is Required for Gluconeogenesis, Bacterial Proliferation and Division In Vivo of Mycobacterium marinum

    PubMed Central

    Lyu, Liangdong; Wang, Chuan; Li, Yang; Gao, Qian; Yang, Chen

    2016-01-01

    Lipids have been identified as important carbon sources for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to utilize in vivo. Thus gluconeogenesis bears a key role for Mtb to survive and replicate in host. A rate-limiting enzyme of gluconeogenesis, fructose 1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) is encoded by the gene glpX. The functions of glpX were studied in M. marinum, a closely related species to Mtb. The glpX deletion strain (ΔglpX) displayed altered gluconeogenesis, attenuated virulence, and altered bacterial proliferation. Metabolic profiles indicate an accumulation of the FBPase substrate, fructose 1, 6-bisphosphate (FBP) and altered gluconeogenic flux when ΔglpX is cultivated in a gluconeogenic carbon substrate, acetate. In both macrophages and zebrafish, the proliferation of ΔglpX was halted, resulting in dramatically attenuated virulence. Intracellular ΔglpX exhibited an elongated morphology, which was also observed when ΔglpX was grown in a gluconeogenic carbon source. This elongated morphology is also supported by the observation of unseparated multi-nucleoid cell, indicating that a complete mycobacterial division in vivo is correlated with intact gluconeogenesis. Together, our results indicate that glpX has essential functions in gluconeogenesis, and plays an indispensable role in bacterial proliferation in vivo and virulence of M. marinum. PMID:27233038

  20. The FBPase Encoding Gene glpX Is Required for Gluconeogenesis, Bacterial Proliferation and Division In Vivo of Mycobacterium marinum.

    PubMed

    Tong, Jingfeng; Meng, Lu; Wang, Xinwei; Liu, Lixia; Lyu, Liangdong; Wang, Chuan; Li, Yang; Gao, Qian; Yang, Chen; Niu, Chen

    2016-01-01

    Lipids have been identified as important carbon sources for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to utilize in vivo. Thus gluconeogenesis bears a key role for Mtb to survive and replicate in host. A rate-limiting enzyme of gluconeogenesis, fructose 1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) is encoded by the gene glpX. The functions of glpX were studied in M. marinum, a closely related species to Mtb. The glpX deletion strain (ΔglpX) displayed altered gluconeogenesis, attenuated virulence, and altered bacterial proliferation. Metabolic profiles indicate an accumulation of the FBPase substrate, fructose 1, 6-bisphosphate (FBP) and altered gluconeogenic flux when ΔglpX is cultivated in a gluconeogenic carbon substrate, acetate. In both macrophages and zebrafish, the proliferation of ΔglpX was halted, resulting in dramatically attenuated virulence. Intracellular ΔglpX exhibited an elongated morphology, which was also observed when ΔglpX was grown in a gluconeogenic carbon source. This elongated morphology is also supported by the observation of unseparated multi-nucleoid cell, indicating that a complete mycobacterial division in vivo is correlated with intact gluconeogenesis. Together, our results indicate that glpX has essential functions in gluconeogenesis, and plays an indispensable role in bacterial proliferation in vivo and virulence of M. marinum.

  1. Ubiquilin overexpression reduces GFP-polyalanine-induced protein aggregates and toxicity

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

    Wang Hongmin; Monteiro, Mervyn J.

    2007-08-01

    Several human disorders are associated with an increase in a continuous stretch of alanine amino acids in proteins. These so-called polyalanine expansion diseases share many similarities with polyglutamine-related disorders, including a length-dependent reiteration of amino acid induction of protein aggregation and cytotoxicity. We previously reported that overexpression of ubiquilin reduces protein aggregates and toxicity of expanded polyglutamine proteins. Here, we demonstrate a similar role for ubiquilin toward expanded polyalanine proteins. Overexpression of ubiquilin-1 in HeLa cells reduced protein aggregates and the cytotoxicity associated with expression of a transfected nuclear-targeted GFP-fusion protein containing 37-alanine repeats (GFP-A37), in a dose dependent manner.more » Ubiquilin coimmunoprecipitated more with GFP proteins containing a 37-polyalanine tract compared to either 7 (GFP-A7), or no alanine tract (GFP). Moreover, overexpression of ubiquilin suppressed the increased vulnerability of HeLa cell lines stably expressing the GFP-A37 fusion protein to oxidative stress-induced cell death compared to cell lines expressing GFP or GFP-A7 proteins. By contrast, siRNA knockdown of ubiquilin expression in the GFP-A37 cell line was associated with decreased cellular proliferation, and increases in GFP protein aggregates, nuclear fragmentation, and cell death. Our results suggest that boosting ubiquilin levels in cells might provide a universal and attractive strategy to prevent toxicity of proteins containing reiterative expansions of amino acids involved in many human diseases.« less

  2. Targeted mass spectrometric analysis of N-terminally truncated isoforms generated via alternative translation initiation.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Ryuji; Patenia, Rebecca; Ashizawa, Satoshi; Vykoukal, Jody

    2009-07-21

    Alternative translation initiation is a mechanism whereby functionally altered proteins are produced from a single mRNA. Internal initiation of translation generates N-terminally truncated protein isoforms, but such isoforms observed in immunoblot analysis are often overlooked or dismissed as degradation products. We identified an N-terminally truncated isoform of human Dok-1 with N-terminal acetylation as seen in the wild-type. This Dok-1 isoform exhibited distinct perinuclear localization whereas the wild-type protein was distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Targeted analysis of blocked N-terminal peptides provides rapid identification of protein isoforms and could be widely applied for the general evaluation of perplexing immunoblot bands.

  3. Biotin-tagged proteins: Reagents for efficient ELISA-based serodiagnosis and phage display-based affinity selection

    PubMed Central

    Verma, Vaishali; Kaur, Charanpreet; Grover, Payal; Gupta, Amita

    2018-01-01

    The high-affinity interaction between biotin and streptavidin has opened avenues for using recombinant proteins with site-specific biotinylation to achieve efficient and directional immobilization. The site-specific biotinylation of proteins carrying a 15 amino acid long Biotin Acceptor Peptide tag (BAP; also known as AviTag) is effected on a specific lysine either by co-expressing the E. coli BirA enzyme in vivo or by using purified recombinant E. coli BirA enzyme in the presence of ATP and biotin in vitro. In this paper, we have designed a T7 promoter-lac operator-based expression vector for rapid and efficient cloning, and high-level cytosolic expression of proteins carrying a C-terminal BAP tag in E. coli with TEV protease cleavable N-terminal deca-histidine tag, useful for initial purification. Furthermore, a robust three-step purification pipeline integrated with well-optimized protocols for TEV protease-based H10 tag removal, and recombinant BirA enzyme-based site-specific in vitro biotinylation is described to obtain highly pure biotinylated proteins. Most importantly, the paper demonstrates superior sensitivities in indirect ELISA with directional and efficient immobilization of biotin-tagged proteins on streptavidin-coated surfaces in comparison to passive immobilization. The use of biotin-tagged proteins through specific immobilization also allows more efficient selection of binders from a phage-displayed naïve antibody library. In addition, for both these applications, specific immobilization requires much less amount of protein as compared to passive immobilization and can be easily multiplexed. The simplified strategy described here for the production of highly pure biotin-tagged proteins will find use in numerous applications, including those, which may require immobilization of multiple proteins simultaneously on a solid surface. PMID:29360877

  4. Biotin-tagged proteins: Reagents for efficient ELISA-based serodiagnosis and phage display-based affinity selection.

    PubMed

    Verma, Vaishali; Kaur, Charanpreet; Grover, Payal; Gupta, Amita; Chaudhary, Vijay K

    2018-01-01

    The high-affinity interaction between biotin and streptavidin has opened avenues for using recombinant proteins with site-specific biotinylation to achieve efficient and directional immobilization. The site-specific biotinylation of proteins carrying a 15 amino acid long Biotin Acceptor Peptide tag (BAP; also known as AviTag) is effected on a specific lysine either by co-expressing the E. coli BirA enzyme in vivo or by using purified recombinant E. coli BirA enzyme in the presence of ATP and biotin in vitro. In this paper, we have designed a T7 promoter-lac operator-based expression vector for rapid and efficient cloning, and high-level cytosolic expression of proteins carrying a C-terminal BAP tag in E. coli with TEV protease cleavable N-terminal deca-histidine tag, useful for initial purification. Furthermore, a robust three-step purification pipeline integrated with well-optimized protocols for TEV protease-based H10 tag removal, and recombinant BirA enzyme-based site-specific in vitro biotinylation is described to obtain highly pure biotinylated proteins. Most importantly, the paper demonstrates superior sensitivities in indirect ELISA with directional and efficient immobilization of biotin-tagged proteins on streptavidin-coated surfaces in comparison to passive immobilization. The use of biotin-tagged proteins through specific immobilization also allows more efficient selection of binders from a phage-displayed naïve antibody library. In addition, for both these applications, specific immobilization requires much less amount of protein as compared to passive immobilization and can be easily multiplexed. The simplified strategy described here for the production of highly pure biotin-tagged proteins will find use in numerous applications, including those, which may require immobilization of multiple proteins simultaneously on a solid surface.

  5. The N-terminal domain of substance P is required for complete homologous desensitization but not phosphorylation of the rat neurokinin-1 receptor.

    PubMed

    Vigna, S R

    2001-02-01

    The agonist activity of substance P (SP) is a function of the C-terminal domain of the peptide. A C-terminal SP fragment (SP(6-11)) and analog (septide) and neurokinin A (NKA; a related tachykinin with a divergent N-terminal amino acid sequence) were found to be full neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) agonists, but were not able to desensitize the receptor maximally as much as SP. Substance P caused 95.6 +/- 0.9% maximal desensitization of the NK-1R whereas SP(6-11), septide, and NKA(only)caused 74 +/- 3.5, 50.6 +/- 8, and 71.5 +/- 4.4% maximal desensitization, respectively (mean +/- SEM; P < 0.001 vs SP). When a series of SP C-terminal fragment peptides were tested for their NK-1R desensitizing activity, it was found that SP(5-11)and SP(6-11)caused significantly less maximal NK-1R desensitization than SP. SP N-terminal fragment peptides had no effect on the ability of SP(6-11)to compete with(3)H-SP binding, generate an IP(3)response, or cause NK-1R desensitization when tested with or without SP(6-11). SP, SP(6-11), septide, and NKA all maximally stimulated 8-9-fold increases in NK-1R phosphorylation. When attached to the C-terminal domain of SP responsible for NK-1R binding and agonism, the N-terminus of SP is responsible for 25-50% of homologous desensitization and this may occur via a mechanism other than NK-1R phosphorylation. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

  6. Benefits of an automated GLP final report preparation software solution.

    PubMed

    Elvebak, Larry E

    2011-07-01

    The final product of analytical laboratories performing US FDA-regulated (or GLP) method validation and bioanalysis studies is the final report. Although there are commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software/instrument systems available to laboratory managers to automate and manage almost every aspect of the instrumental and sample-handling processes of GLP studies, there are few software systems available to fully manage the GLP final report preparation process. This lack of appropriate COTS tools results in the implementation of rather Byzantine and manual processes to cobble together all the information needed to generate a GLP final report. The manual nature of these processes results in the need for several iterative quality control and quality assurance events to ensure data accuracy and report formatting. The industry is in need of a COTS solution that gives laboratory managers and study directors the ability to manage as many portions as possible of the GLP final report writing process and the ability to generate a GLP final report with the click of a button. This article describes the COTS software features needed to give laboratory managers and study directors such a solution.

  7. Identification and Functional Characterization of N-Terminally Acetylated Proteins in Drosophila melanogaster

    PubMed Central

    Gerrits, Bertran; Roschitzki, Bernd; Mohanty, Sonali; Niederer, Eva M.; Laczko, Endre; Timmerman, Evy; Lange, Vinzenz; Hafen, Ernst; Aebersold, Ruedi; Vandekerckhove, Joël; Basler, Konrad; Ahrens, Christian H.; Gevaert, Kris; Brunner, Erich

    2009-01-01

    Protein modifications play a major role for most biological processes in living organisms. Amino-terminal acetylation of proteins is a common modification found throughout the tree of life: the N-terminus of a nascent polypeptide chain becomes co-translationally acetylated, often after the removal of the initiating methionine residue. While the enzymes and protein complexes involved in these processes have been extensively studied, only little is known about the biological function of such N-terminal modification events. To identify common principles of N-terminal acetylation, we analyzed the amino-terminal peptides from proteins extracted from Drosophila Kc167 cells. We detected more than 1,200 mature protein N-termini and could show that N-terminal acetylation occurs in insects with a similar frequency as in humans. As the sole true determinant for N-terminal acetylation we could extract the (X)PX rule that indicates the prevention of acetylation under all circumstances. We could show that this rule can be used to genetically engineer a protein to study the biological relevance of the presence or absence of an acetyl group, thereby generating a generic assay to probe the functional importance of N-terminal acetylation. We applied the assay by expressing mutated proteins as transgenes in cell lines and in flies. Here, we present a straightforward strategy to systematically study the functional relevance of N-terminal acetylations in cells and whole organisms. Since the (X)PX rule seems to be of general validity in lower as well as higher eukaryotes, we propose that it can be used to study the function of N-terminal acetylation in all species. PMID:19885390

  8. Xenopus-derived glucagon-like peptide-1 and polyethylene-glycosylated glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: long-acting hypoglycaemic and insulinotropic activities with potential therapeutic utilities.

    PubMed

    Han, Jing; Fei, Yingying; Zhou, Feng; Chen, Xinyu; Zhang, Ying; Liu, Lin; Fu, Junjie

    2018-02-01

    Incretin-based therapies based on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are effective treatments of type 2 diabetes. Abundant research has focused on the development of long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, all GLP-1 receptor agonists in clinical use or development are based on human or Gila GLP-1. We have identified a potent GLP-1 receptor agonist, xGLP-1B, based on Xenopus GLP-1. To further modify the structure of xGLP-1B, alanine scanning was performed to study the structure -activity relationship of xGLP-1B. Two strategies were then employed to improve bioactivity. First, the C-terminal tail of lixisenatide was appended to cysteine-altered xGLP-1B analogues. Second, polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains with different molecular weights were conjugated with the peptides, giving a series of PEGylated conjugates. Comprehensive bioactivity studies of these conjugates were performed in vitro and in vivo. From the in vitro receptor activation potency and in vivo acute hypoglycaemic activities of conjugates 25 -36, 33 was identified as the best candidate for further biological assessments. Conjugate 33 exhibited prominent hypoglycaemic and insulinotropic activities, as well as improved pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo. The prolonged antidiabetic duration of 33 was further confirmed by pre-oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and multiple OGTT. Furthermore, chronic treatment of db/db mice with 33 ameliorated non-fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, reduced HbA1c values and normalized their impaired glucose tolerance. Importantly, no in vivo toxicity was observed in mice treated with 33. Peptide 33 is a promising long-acting type 2 diabetes therapeutic deserving further investigation. © 2017 The British Pharmacological Society.

  9. Bioinformatic mapping and production of recombinant N-terminal domains of human cardiac ryanodine receptor 2

    PubMed Central

    Bauerová-Hlinková, Vladena; Hostinová, Eva; Gašperík, Juraj; Beck, Konrad; Borko, Ľubomír; Lai, F. Anthony; Zahradníková, Alexandra; Ševčík, Jozef

    2010-01-01

    We report the domain analysis of the N-terminal region (residues 1–759) of the human cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) that encompasses one of the discrete RyR2 mutation clusters associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT1) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD2). Our strategy utilizes a bioinformatics approach complemented by protein expression, solubility analysis and limited proteolytic digestion. Based on the bioinformatics analysis, we designed a series of specific RyR2 N-terminal fragments for cloning and overexpression in Escherichia coli. High yields of soluble proteins were achieved for fragments RyR21–606·His6, RyR2391–606·His6, RyR2409–606·His6, Trx·RyR2384–606·His6, Trx·RyR2391-606·His6 and Trx·RyR2409–606·His6. The folding of RyR21–606·His6 was analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy resulting in α-helix and β-sheet content of ∼23% and ∼29%, respectively, at temperatures up to 35 °C, which is in agreement with sequence based secondary structure predictions. Tryptic digestion of the largest recombinant protein, RyR21–606·His6, resulted in the appearance of two specific subfragments of ∼40 and 25 kDa. The 25 kDa fragment exhibited greater stability. Hybridization with anti-His6·Tag antibody indicated that RyR21–606·His6 is cleaved from the N-terminus and amino acid sequencing of the proteolytic fragments revealed that digestion occurred after residues 259 and 384, respectively. PMID:20045464

  10. Lipophilic Prodrugs of FR900098 Are Antimicrobial against Francisella novicida In Vivo and In Vitro and Show GlpT Independent Efficacy

    PubMed Central

    McKenney, Elizabeth S.; Sargent, Michelle; Khan, Hameed; Uh, Eugene; Jackson, Emily R.; Jose, Géraldine San; Couch, Robin D.; Dowd, Cynthia S.; van Hoek, Monique L.

    2012-01-01

    Bacteria, plants, and algae produce isoprenoids through the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, an attractive pathway for antimicrobial drug development as it is present in prokaryotes and some lower eukaryotes but absent from human cells. The first committed step of the MEP pathway is catalyzed by 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR/MEP synthase). MEP pathway genes have been identified in many biothreat agents, including Francisella, Brucella, Bacillus, Burkholderia, and Yersinia. The importance of the MEP pathway to Francisella is demonstrated by the fact that MEP pathway mutations are lethal. We have previously established that fosmidomycin inhibits purified MEP synthase (DXR) from F. tularensis LVS. FR900098, the acetyl derivative of fosmidomycin, was found to inhibit the activity of purified DXR from F. tularensis LVS (IC50 = 230 nM). Fosmidomycin and FR900098 are effective against purified DXR from Mycobacterium tuberculosis as well, but have no effect on whole cells because the compounds are too polar to penetrate the thick cell wall. Fosmidomycin requires the GlpT transporter to enter cells, and this is absent in some pathogens, including M. tuberculosis. In this study, we have identified the GlpT homologs in F. novicida and tested transposon insertion mutants of glpT. We showed that FR900098 also requires GlpT for full activity against F. novicida. Thus, we synthesized several FR900098 prodrugs that have lipophilic groups to facilitate their passage through the bacterial cell wall and bypass the requirement for the GlpT transporter. One compound, that we termed “compound 1,” was found to have GlpT-independent antimicrobial activity. We tested the ability of this best performing prodrug to inhibit F. novicida intracellular infection of eukaryotic cell lines and the caterpillar Galleria mellonella as an in vivo infection model. As a lipophilic GlpT-independent DXR inhibitor, compound 1 has the potential to be a broad

  11. Establishment of oct4:gfp transgenic zebrafish line for monitoring cellular multipotency by GFP fluorescence.

    PubMed

    Kato, Hiroyuki; Abe, Kota; Yokota, Shinpei; Matsuno, Rinta; Mikekado, Tsuyoshi; Yokoi, Hayato; Suzuki, Tohru

    2015-01-01

    The establishment of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology in fish could facilitate the establishment of novel cryopreservation techniques for storing selected aquaculture strains as frozen cells. In order to apply iPS cell technology to fish, we established a transgenic zebrafish line, Tg(Tru.oct4:EGFP), using green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression under the control of the oct4 gene promoter as a marker to evaluate multipotency in iPS cell preparations. We used the oct4 promoter from fugu (Takifugu rubripes) due to the compact nature of the fugu genome and to facilitate future applications of this technology in marine fishes. During embryogenesis, maternal GFP fluorescence was observed at the cleavage stage and zygotic GFP expression was observed from the start of the shield stage until approximately 24 h after fertilization. gfp messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed by whole embryonic cells at the shield stage, and then restricted to the caudal neural tube in the latter stages of embryogenesis. These observations showed that GFP fluorescence and the regulation of gfp mRNA expression by the exogenous fugu oct4 promoter are well suited for monitoring endogenous oct4 mRNA expression in embryos. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the rate of CpG methylation in the transgenic oct4 promoter was high in adult cells (98%) and low in embryonic cells (37%). These findings suggest that, as with the endogenous oct4 promoter, demethylation and methylation both take place normally in the transgenic oct4 promoter during embryogenesis. The embryonic cells harvested at the shield stage formed embryonic body-like cellular aggregates and maintained GFP fluorescence for 6 d when cultured on Transwell-COL Permeable Supports or a feeder layer of adult fin cells. Loss of GFP fluorescence by cultured cells was correlated with cellular differentiation. We consider that the Tg(Tru.oct4:EGFP) zebrafish line established here is well suited for monitoring multipotency in

  12. Unexpectedly increased anorexigenic postprandial responses of PYY and GLP-1 to fast ice cream consumption in adult patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.

    PubMed

    Rigamonti, A E; Bini, S; Grugni, G; Agosti, F; De Col, A; Mallone, M; Cella, S G; Sartorio, A

    2014-10-01

    The effect of eating rate on the release of anorexigenic gut peptides in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a neurogenetic disorder clinically characterized by hyperphagia and excessive obesity, has not been investigated so far. Postprandial PYY and GLP-1 levels to fast (5 min) and slow (30 min) ice cream consumption were measured in PWS adult patients and age-matched patients with simple obesity and normal-weighted subjects. Visual analog scales (VASs) were used to evaluate the subjective feelings of hunger and satiety. Fast ice cream consumption stimulated GLP-1 release in normal subjects, a greater increase being observed with slow feeding. Fast or slow feeding did not change circulating levels of GLP-1 in obese patients, while, unexpectedly, fast feeding (but not slow feeding) stimulated GLP-1 release in PWS patients. Plasma PYY concentrations increased in all groups, irrespective of the eating rate. Slow feeding was more effective in stimulating PYY release in normal subjects, while fast feeding was more effective in PWS patients. Slow feeding evoked a lower hunger and higher satiety compared with fast feeding in normal subjects, this finding being not evident in obese patients. Unexpectedly, fast feeding evoked a lower hunger and higher satiety in PWS patients in comparison with slow feeding. Fast feeding leads to higher concentrations of anorexigenic gut peptides and favours satiety in PWS adult patients, this pattern being not evident in age-matched patients with simple obesity, thus suggesting the existence of a different pathophysiological substrate in these two clinical conditions. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  13. Evaluation of an [(18)F]AlF-NOTA Analog of Exendin-4 for Imaging of GLP-1 Receptor in Insulinoma.

    PubMed

    Kiesewetter, Dale O; Guo, Ning; Guo, Jinxia; Gao, Haokao; Zhu, Lei; Ma, Ying; Niu, Gang; Chen, Xiaoyuan

    2012-01-01

    The GLP-1 receptor plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and thus is a very important target for diabetes therapy. The receptor is also overexpressed in insulinoma, a tumor of pancreatic beta-cells. We previously evaluated two fluorine-18-labeled analogs of exendin-4 prepared by conjugation with [(18)F]FBEM (N-[2-(4-[(18)F]fluorobenzamide)ethyl]maleimide). Both compounds demonstrated good tumor uptake, but the synthesis of the radiotracers was time consuming. To overcome this challenge, we developed a NOTA analog and performed radiolabeling using aluminum [(18)F]fluoride complexation. Cys(40)-exendin-4 was conjugated with NOTA mono N-ethylmaleimide. [(18)F]AlF conjugation was conducted and the radiolabeled product purified by preparative HPLC. Dynamic and static PET imaging scans were conducted on nude mice with established INS-1 xenografts. Uptake of tumor and other major organs in static images was quantitated (%ID/g) and comparison with blocking studies was made. PET quantification was also compared with ex vivo biodistribution results. The radiosynthesis provided [(18)F]AlF-NOTA-MAL-cys(40)-exendin-4 in 23.6 ± 2.4 % radiochemical yield (uncorrected, n = 3) after HPLC; the process required about 55 min. The specific activity at time of injection ranged from 19.6 to 31.4 GBq (0.53-0.85 Ci)/µmol. Tumor uptake had reached its maximum (16.09 ± 1.18% ID/g, n = 4) by 5 min and remained nearly constant for the duration of the study. Kidney uptake continued to increase throughout the entire one hour time course. Pre-injection of exendin-4 caused a marked reduction in tissue uptake with the major exception of liver and kidneys, in which uptake was not affected. HPLC analysis of the radioactive components in extracts of the tumor and plasma showed primarily parent compound at 60 min post-injection, whereas extracts of kidney and urine contained exclusively one polar radioactive component. The radiotracer is prepared in a simple one-step procedure and obtained

  14. High-throughput purification of recombinant proteins using self-cleaving intein tags.

    PubMed

    Coolbaugh, M J; Shakalli Tang, M J; Wood, D W

    2017-01-01

    High throughput methods for recombinant protein production using E. coli typically involve the use of affinity tags for simple purification of the protein of interest. One drawback of these techniques is the occasional need for tag removal before study, which can be hard to predict. In this work, we demonstrate two high throughput purification methods for untagged protein targets based on simple and cost-effective self-cleaving intein tags. Two model proteins, E. coli beta-galactosidase (βGal) and superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), were purified using self-cleaving versions of the conventional chitin-binding domain (CBD) affinity tag and the nonchromatographic elastin-like-polypeptide (ELP) precipitation tag in a 96-well filter plate format. Initial tests with shake flask cultures confirmed that the intein purification scheme could be scaled down, with >90% pure product generated in a single step using both methods. The scheme was then validated in a high throughput expression platform using 24-well plate cultures followed by purification in 96-well plates. For both tags and with both target proteins, the purified product was consistently obtained in a single-step, with low well-to-well and plate-to-plate variability. This simple method thus allows the reproducible production of highly pure untagged recombinant proteins in a convenient microtiter plate format. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Development of a stable ERroGFP variant suitable for monitoring redox dynamics in the ER.

    PubMed

    Hoseki, Jun; Oishi, Asami; Fujimura, Takaaki; Sakai, Yasuyoshi

    2016-01-01

    The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential organelle for cellular metabolic homeostasis including folding and maturation of secretory and membrane proteins. Disruption of ER proteostasis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The ER redox state, which is an oxidative environment suitable for disulfide-bond formation, is essential for ER protein quality control. Hence, detection of the ER redox state, especially in living cells, is essential to understand the mechanism by which the redox state of the ER is maintained. However, methods to detect the redox state of the ER have not been well-established because of inefficient folding and stability of roGFP variants with oxidative redox potential like roGFP-iL. Here we have improved the folding efficiency of ER-targeted roGFP-iL (ERroGFP-iL) in cells by introducing superfolder GFP (sfGFP) mutations. Four specific amino acid substitutions (S30R, Y39N, T105N and I171V) greatly improved folding efficiency in Escherichia coli and in the ER of HeLa cells, as well as the thermostability of the purified proteins. Introduction of these mutations also enhanced the dynamic range for redox change both in vitro and in the ER of living cells. ER-targeted roGFP-S4 (ERroGFP-S4) possessing these four mutations could detect physiological redox changes within the ER. ERroGFP-S4 is therefore a novel probe suitable for monitoring redox change in the ER. ERroGFP-S4 can be applied to detect aberrant ER redox states associated with various pathological conditions and to identify the mechanisms used to maintain the redox state of the ER. © 2016 The Author(s).

  16. Sucralose enhances GLP-1 release and lowers blood glucose in the presence of carbohydrate in healthy subjects but not in patients with type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Temizkan, S; Deyneli, O; Yasar, M; Arpa, M; Gunes, M; Yazici, D; Sirikci, O; Haklar, G; Imeryuz, N; Yavuz, D G

    2015-02-01

    Artificial sweeteners were thought to be metabolically inactive, but after demonstrating that the gustatory mechanism was also localized in the small intestine, suspicions about the metabolic effects of artificial sweeteners have emerged. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of artificial sweeteners (aspartame and sucralose) on blood glucose, insulin, c-peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. Eight newly diagnosed drug-naive type 2 diabetic patients (mean age 51.5±9.2 years; F/M: 4/4) and eight healthy subjects (mean age 45.0±4.1 years; F/M: 4/4) underwent 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). During OGTT, glucose, insulin, c-peptide and GLP-1 were measured at 15- min intervals for 120 min. The OGTTs were performed at three settings on different days, where subjects were given 72 mg of aspartame and 24 mg of sucralose in 200 ml of water or 200 ml of water alone 15 min before OGTT in a single-blinded randomized order. In healthy subjects, the total area under the curve (AUC) of glucose was statistically significantly lower in the sucralose setting than in the water setting (P=0.002). There was no difference between the aspartame setting and the water setting (P=0.53). Total AUC of insulin and c-peptide was similar in aspartame, sucralose and water settings. Total AUC of GLP-1 was significantly higher in the sucralose setting than in the water setting (P=0.04). Total AUC values of glucose, insulin, c-peptide and GLP-1 were not statistically different in three settings in type 2 diabetic patients. Sucralose enhances GLP-1 release and lowers blood glucose in the presence of carbohydrate in healthy subjects but not in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.

  17. The cardiovascular safety trials of DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Secrest, Matthew H; Udell, Jacob A; Filion, Kristian B

    2017-04-01

    In this paper, we review the results of large, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials mandated by the US Food and Drug Administration to examine the cardiovascular safety of newly-approved antihyperglycemic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes. The cardiovascular effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors remain controversial: while these drugs did not reduce or increase the risk of primary, pre-specified composite cardiovascular outcomes, one DPP-4 inhibitor (saxagliptin) increased the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in the overall population; another (alogliptin) demonstrated inconsistent effects on heart failure hospitalization across subgroups of patients, and a third (sitagliptin) demonstrated no effect on heart failure. Evidence for cardiovascular benefits of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists has been similarly heterogeneous, with liraglutide and semaglutide reducing the risk of composite cardiovascular outcomes, but lixisenatide having no reduction or increase in cardiovascular risk. The effect of GLP-1 agonists on retinopathy remains a potential concern. In the only completed trial to date to assess a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, empagliflozin reduced the risk of composite cardiovascular endpoints, predominantly through its impact on cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Novel cleavage of reductively aminated glycan-tags by N-bromosuccinimide to regenerate free, reducing glycans

    PubMed Central

    Song, Xuezheng; Johns, Brian A.; Ju, Hong; Lasanajak, Yi; Zhao, Chunmei; Smith, David F.; Cummings, Richard D.

    2014-01-01

    Glycans that are fluorescently tagged by reductive amination have been useful for functional glycomic studies. However, the existing tags can introduce unwanted properties to the glycans and complicate structural and functional studies. Here we describe a facile method using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) to remove the tags and efficiently regenerate free reducing glycans. The regenerated free reducing glycans can be easily analyzed by routine mass spectrometry or re-tagged with different tags for further studies. This new method can be used to efficiently remove a variety of fluorescent tags installed by reductive amination, including 2-aminobenzoic acid and 2-aminopyridine. NBS treatment essentially transforms the commonly used 2-aminobenzoic linkage to a cleavable linkage. It can be used to cleave printed glycans from microarrays and cleave neoglycopeptides containing a 2-aminobenzoic linker. PMID:23992636

  19. Mutagenesis Screen Identifies agtpbp1 and eps15L1 as Essential for T lymphocyte Development in Zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Seiler, Christoph; Gebhart, Nichole; Zhang, Yong; Shinton, Susan A; Li, Yue-sheng; Ross, Nicola L; Liu, Xingjun; Li, Qin; Bilbee, Alison N; Varshney, Gaurav K; LaFave, Matthew C; Burgess, Shawn M; Balciuniene, Jorune; Balciunas, Darius; Hardy, Richard R; Kappes, Dietmar J; Wiest, David L; Rhodes, Jennifer

    2015-01-01

    Genetic screens are a powerful tool to discover genes that are important in immune cell development and function. The evolutionarily conserved development of lymphoid cells paired with the genetic tractability of zebrafish make this a powerful model system for this purpose. We used a Tol2-based gene-breaking transposon to induce mutations in the zebrafish (Danio rerio, AB strain) genome, which served the dual purpose of fluorescently tagging cells and tissues that express the disrupted gene and provided a means of identifying the disrupted gene. We identified 12 lines in which hematopoietic tissues expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) during embryonic development, as detected by microscopy. Subsequent analysis of young adult fish, using a novel approach in which single cell suspensions of whole fish were analyzed by flow cytometry, revealed that 8 of these lines also exhibited GFP expression in young adult cells. An additional 15 lines that did not have embryonic GFP+ hematopoietic tissue by microscopy, nevertheless exhibited GFP+ cells in young adults. RT-PCR analysis of purified GFP+ populations for expression of T and B cell-specific markers identified 18 lines in which T and/or B cells were fluorescently tagged at 6 weeks of age. As transposon insertion is expected to cause gene disruption, these lines can be used to assess the requirement for the disrupted genes in immune cell development. Focusing on the lines with embryonic GFP+ hematopoietic tissue, we identified three lines in which homozygous mutants exhibited impaired T cell development at 6 days of age. In two of the lines we identified the disrupted genes, agtpbp1 and eps15L1. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of these genes mimicked the T cell defects in the corresponding mutant embryos, demonstrating the previously unrecognized, essential roles of agtpbp1 and eps15L1 in T cell development.

  20. The N-terminal Ankyrin Repeat Domain Is Not Required for Electrophile and Heat Activation of the Purified Mosquito TRPA1 Receptor*

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Temperature sensors are crucial for animals to optimize living conditions. The temperature response of the ion channel transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) is intriguing; some orthologs have been reported to be activated by cold and others by heat, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for its activation remain elusive. Single-channel electrophysiological recordings of heterologously expressed and purified Anopheles gambiae TRPA1 (AgTRPA1), with and without the N-terminal ankyrin repeat domain, demonstrate that both proteins are functional because they responded to the electrophilic compounds allyl isothiocyanate and cinnamaldehyde as well as heat. The proteins' similar intrinsic fluorescence properties and corresponding quenching when activated by allyl isothiocyanate or heat suggest lipid bilayer-independent conformational changes outside the N-terminal domain. The results show that AgTRPA1 is an inherent thermo- and chemoreceptor, and analogous to what has been reported for the human TRPA1 ortholog, the N-terminal domain may tune the response but is not required for the activation by these stimuli. PMID:27875296