1. |
- Aaseth, Jan, et al.
(författare)
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The Aging Kidney-As Influenced by Heavy Metal Exposure and Selenium Supplementation
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 11:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aging process in the kidneys has been well studied. It is known that the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines with age in subjects older than 50-60 years. However, there is still insufficient knowledge regarding the response of the aged kidney to environmental toxicants such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. Here, we present a review on the functional decline and proposed mechanisms in the aging kidney as influenced by metal pollutants. Due to the prevalence of these toxicants in the environment, human exposure is nearly unavoidable. Further, it is well known that acute and chronic exposures to toxic metals may be detrimental to kidneys of normal adults, thus it may be hypothesized that exposure of individuals with reduced GFR will result in additional reductions in renal function. Individuals with compromised renal function, either from aging or from a combination of aging and disease, may be particularly susceptible to environmental toxicants. The available data appear to show an association between exposure to mercury, cadmium and/or lead and an increase in incidence and severity of renal disease in elderly individuals. Furthermore, some physiological thiols, as well as adequate selenium status, appear to exert a protective action. Further studies providing improved insight into the mechanisms by which nephrotoxic metals are handled by aging kidneys, as well as possibilities of therapeutic protection, are of utmost importance.
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2. |
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3. |
- Addinsall, AB, et al.
(författare)
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Treatment of Dystrophic mdx Mice with an ADAMTS-5 Specific Monoclonal Antibody Increases the Ex Vivo Strength of Isolated Fast Twitch Hindlimb Muscles
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aberrant extracellular matrix synthesis and remodeling contributes to muscle degeneration and weakness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). ADAMTS-5, a secreted metalloproteinase with catalytic activity against versican, is implicated in myogenesis and inflammation. Here, using the mdx mouse model of DMD, we report increased ADAMTS-5 expression in dystrophic hindlimb muscles, localized to regions of regeneration and inflammation. To investigate the pathophysiological significance of this, 4-week-old mdx mice were treated with an ADAMTS-5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or IgG2c (IgG) isotype control for 3 weeks. ADAMTS-5 mAb treatment did not reduce versican processing, as protein levels of the cleaved versikine fragment did not differ between hindlimb muscles from ADAMTS-5 mAb or IgG treated mdx mice. Nonetheless, ADAMTS-5 blockade improved ex vivo strength of isolated fast extensor digitorum longus, but not slow soleus, muscles. The underpinning mechanism may include modulation of regenerative myogenesis, as ADAMTS-5 blockade reduced the number of recently repaired desmin positive myofibers without affecting the number of desmin positive muscle progenitor cells. Treatment with the ADAMTS-5 mAb did not significantly affect markers of muscle damage, inflammation, nor fiber size. Altogether, the positive effects of ADAMTS-5 blockade in dystrophic muscles are fiber-type-specific and independent of versican processing.
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4. |
- Ahlström, Stina, et al.
(författare)
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The Importance of BHB Testing on the Post-Mortem Diagnosis of Ketoacidosis
- 2022
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 12:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) analysis has proved its importance in forensic pathology, its effects on cause-of-death diagnostics are unaddressed. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the effects of BHB analysis on the number of deaths by DKA (diabetes ketoacidosis), AKA (alcoholic ketoacidosis), HHS (hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state), hypothermia, diabetes, alcoholism, and acidosis NOS (not otherwise specified). All 2900 deaths from 2013 through 2019 in which BHB was analysed at the National Board of Forensic Medicine, and 1069 DKA, AKA, HHS, hypothermia, diabetes, alcoholism, and acidosis cases without BHB analysis were included. The prevalence of BHB-positive cases for each cause of death, and trends and proportions of different BHB concentrations, were investigated. The number of BHB analyses/year increased from 13 to 1417. AKA increased from three to 66 and acidosis from one to 20. The deaths from alcoholism, DKA, and hypothermia remained stable. It is unclear why death from alcoholism remained stable while AKA increased. The increase in unspecific acidosis deaths raises the question why a more specific diagnosis had not been used. In conclusion, BHB analysis is instrumental in detecting AKA and acidosis. The scientific basis for the diagnosis of DKA and hypothermia improved, but the number of cases did not change.
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5. |
- Alehagen, Urban, 1951-, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of Selenium on Biomarkers and Clinical Aspects Related to Ageing : A Review
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 11:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary trace element that plays an important role in the prevention of inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, infections, and cancer. Selenoproteins contain selenocysteine in the active center and include, i.a., the enzymes thioredoxin reductases (TXNRD1-3), glutathione peroxidases (GPX1-4 and GPX6) and methionine sulfoxide reductase, involved in immune functions, metabolic homeostasis, and antioxidant defense. Ageing is an inevitable process, which, i.a., involves an imbalance between antioxidative defense and reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in protein and mitochondrial renewal, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, epigenetic alterations, and stem cell exhaustion. These conditions are associated with mild to moderate inflammation, which always accompanies the process of ageing and age-related diseases. In older individuals, Se, by being a component in protective enzymes, operates by decreasing ROS-mediated inflammation, removing misfolded proteins, decreasing DNA damage, and promoting telomere length. Se-dependent GPX1-4 and TXNRD1-3 directly suppress oxidative stress. Selenoprotein H in the cell nucleus protects DNA, and selenoproteins residing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) assist in the removal of misfolded proteins and protection against ER stress. In this review, we highlight the role of adequate Se status for human ageing and prevention of age-related diseases, and further its proposed role in preservation of telomere length in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
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6. |
- Alehagen, Urban, et al.
(författare)
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Significant Changes in Metabolic Profiles after Intervention with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 in an Elderly Population
- 2019
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Ingår i: BIOMOLECULES. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 9:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Selenium and coenzyme Q10 (SeQ10) are important for normal cellular function. Low selenium intake leads to increased cardiovascular mortality. Intervention with these substances with healthy elderly persons over a period of four years in a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled prospective study showed reduced cardiovascular mortality, increased cardiac function, and a lower level of NT-proBNP. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate changes in biochemical pathways as a result of the intervention with SeQ10 using metabolic profiling. From a population of 443 healthy elderly individuals that were given 200 µg selenium and 200 mg coenzyme Q10, or placebo daily for four years, we selected nine males on active intervention and nine males on placebo for metabolic profiling in the main study. To confirm the results, two validation studies (study 1 n = 60 males, study 2 n = 37 males) were conducted. Principal component analyses were used on clinical and demographic data to select representative sets of samples for analysis and to divide the samples into batches for analysis. Gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was applied. The metabolite data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate approaches, mainly T-tests and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) analyses. Out of 95 identified metabolites, 19 were significantly decreased due to the intervention after 18 months of intervention. Significant changes could be seen in the pentose phosphate, the mevalonate, the beta-oxidation and the xanthine oxidase pathways. The intervention also resulted in changes in the urea cycle, and increases in the levels of the precursors to neurotransmitters of the brain. This adds information to previous published results reporting decreased oxidative stress and inflammation. This is the first-time metabolic profiling has been applied to elucidate the mechanisms behind an intervention with SeQ10. The study is small and should be regarded as hypothesis-generating; however, the results are interesting and, therefore, further research in the area is needed.
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7. |
- Almeida, Joana R., et al.
(författare)
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Structure-Antifouling Activity Relationship and Molecular Targets of Bio-Inspired(thio)xanthones
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 10:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of alternative ecological and effective antifouling technologies is still challenging. Synthesis of nature-inspired compounds has been exploited, given the potential to assure commercial supplies of potential ecofriendly antifouling agents. In this direction, the antifouling activity of a series of nineteen synthetic small molecules, with chemical similarities with natural products, were exploited in this work. Six (4,5,7,10,15and17) of the tested xanthones showed in vivo activity toward the settlement ofMytilus galloprovincialislarvae (EC50: 3.53-28.60 mu M) and low toxicity to this macrofouling species (LC50> 500 mu M and LC50/EC50: 17.42-141.64), and two of them (7and10) showed no general marine ecotoxicity (Artemia salinamortality) after 48 h of exposure. Regarding the mechanism of action in mussel larvae, the best performance compounds4and5might be acting by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity (in vitro and in silico studies), while7and10showed specific targets (proteomic studies) directly related with the mussel adhesive structure (byssal threads), given by the alterations in the expression ofMytiluscollagen proteins (PreCols) and proximal thread proteins (TMPs). A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was built with predictive capacity to enable speeding the design of new potential active compounds.
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8. |
- Arya, Ashwani, et al.
(författare)
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Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Potential of Various Sesquiterpene Analogues for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:3
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a gradually growing irreversible illness of the brain that almost affects every fifth person (aged > 80 years) in the world. World Health Organization (WHO) also revealed that the prevalence of this disease will enhance (upto double) significantly upto 2030. The poor cholinergic transmission at the synapse is considered to be one of the main reasons behind the progression and occurrence of this disorder. Natural inhibitors of acetylcholine (ACh) such as galanthamine and rivastigmine are used commercially in the treatmentof AD. The biomolecules such assesquiterpenes, possess a great structural diversity and are responsible for a plethora of pharmacological properties. The potential of various sesquiterpenes as anticholinesterase has been reviewed in this article. For this purpose, the various databases, mainly PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were investigatedwith different keywords such as “sesquiterpenes+acetylcholinesterase” and “sesquiterpenes+cholinesterase+inhibitors” in the surveyed time frame (2010–2020). A vast literature was evident in the last decade, which affirms the potential of various sesquiterpenes in the improvement of cholinergic transmission by inhibiting the AChE. After data analysis, it was found that 12 compounds out of a total of 58 sesquiterpenes were reported to possess IC50 < 9 μM and can be considered as potential candidates for the improvement of learning and memory. Sesquiterpene is an important category of terpenoids, found to possess a large spectrum of biological activities. The outcome of the review clearly states that sesquiterpenes (such as amberboin, lipidiol, etc.) from herbs could offer fresh, functional compounds for possible prevention and treatment of AD.
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9. |
- Balion, Zbigniev, et al.
(författare)
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Cerebellar Cells Self-Assemble into Functional Organoids on Synthetic, Chemically Crosslinked ECM-Mimicking Peptide Hydrogels
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 10:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hydrogel-supported neural cell cultures are more in vivo-relevant compared to monolayers formed on glass or plastic substrates. However, there is a lack of synthetic microenvironment available for obtaining standardized and easily reproducible cultures characterized by tissue-mimicking cell composition, cell-cell interactions, and functional networks. Synthetic peptides representing the biological properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been reported to promote the adhesion-driven differentiation and functional maturation of neural cells. Thus, such peptides can serve as building blocks for engineering a standardized, all-synthetic environment. In this study, we have compared the effect of two chemically crosslinked hydrogel compositions on primary cerebellar cells: collagen-like peptide (CLP), and CLP with an integrin-binding motif arginine-glycine-aspartate (CLP-RGD), both conjugated to polyethylene glycol molecular templates (PEG-CLP and PEG-CLP-RGD, respectively) and fabricated as self-supporting membranes. Both compositions promoted a spontaneous organization of primary cerebellar cells into tissue-like clusters with fast-rising Ca2+ signals in soma, reflecting action potential generation. Notably, neurons on PEG-CLP-RGD had more neurites and better synaptic efficiency compared to PEG-CLP. For comparison, poly-L-lysine-coated glass and plastic surfaces did not induce formation of such spontaneously active networks. Additionally, contrary to the hydrogel membranes, glass substrates functionalized with PEG-CLP and PEG-CLP-RGD did not sufficiently support cell attachment and, subsequently, did not promote functional cluster formation. These results indicate that not only chemical composition but also the hydrogel structure and viscoelasticity are essential for bioactive signaling. The synthetic strategy based on ECM-mimicking, multifunctional blocks in registry with chemical crosslinking for obtaining tissue-like mechanical properties is promising for the development of fast and well standardized functional in vitro neural models and new regenerative therapies.
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10. |
- Barranco, Isabel, et al.
(författare)
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Seminal Plasma Modulates miRNA Expression by Sow Genital Tract Lining Explants
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 10:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The seminal plasma (SP) modulates the female reproductive immune environment after mating, and microRNAs (miRNAs) could participate in the process. Considering that the boar ejaculate is built by fractions differing in SP-composition, this study evaluated whether exposure of mucosal explants of the sow internal genital tract (uterus, utero-tubal junction and isthmus) to different SP-fractions changed the profile of explant-secreted miRNAs. Mucosal explants retrieved from oestrus sows (n = 3) were in vitro exposed to: Medium 199 (M199, Control) or M199 supplemented (1:40 v/v) with SP from the sperm-rich fraction (SRF), the post-SRF or the entire recomposed ejaculate, for 16 h. After, the explants were cultured in M199 for 24 h to finally collect the media for miRNA analyses using GeneChip miRNA 4.0 Array (Affymetrix). Fifteen differentially expressed (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05 and Fold-change ≥ 2) miRNAs (11 down- versus 4 up-regulated) were identified (the most in the media of uterine explants incubated with SP from post-SRF). Bioinformatics analysis identified that predicted target genes of dysregulated miRNAs, mainly miR-34b, miR-205, miR-4776-3p and miR-574-5p, were involved in functions and pathways related to immune response. In conclusion, SP is able to elicit changes in the miRNAs profile secreted by female genital tract, ultimately depending SP-composition.
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11. |
- Beck, C, et al.
(författare)
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Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint Protein 1 Facilitates V(D)J Recombination in Cells Lacking DNA Repair Factor XLF
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) trigger the Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent DNA damage response (DDR), which consists of histone H2AX, MDC1, RNF168, 53BP1, PTIP, RIF1, Rev7, and Shieldin. Early stages of B and T lymphocyte development are dependent on recombination activating gene (RAG)-induced DSBs that form the basis for further V(D)J recombination. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway factors recognize, process, and ligate DSBs. Based on numerous loss-of-function studies, DDR factors were thought to be dispensable for the V(D)J recombination. In particular, mice lacking Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint Protein 1 (MDC1) possessed nearly wild-type levels of mature B and T lymphocytes in the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. NHEJ factor XRCC4-like factor (XLF)/Cernunnos is functionally redundant with ATM, histone H2AX, and p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) during the lymphocyte development in mice. Here, we genetically inactivated MDC1, XLF, or both MDC1 and XLF in murine vAbl pro-B cell lines and, using chromosomally integrated substrates, demonstrated that MDC1 stimulates the V(D)J recombination in cells lacking XLF. Moreover, combined inactivation of MDC1 and XLF in mice resulted in synthetic lethality. Together, these findings suggest that MDC1 and XLF are functionally redundant during the mouse development, in general, and the V(D)J recombination, in particular.
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12. |
- Bencze, Janos, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of Semi-Quantitative Scoring and Artificial Intelligence Aided Digital Image Analysis of Chromogenic Immunohistochemistry
- 2022
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Semi-quantitative scoring is a method that is widely used to estimate the quantity of proteins on chromogen-labelled immunohistochemical (IHC) tissue sections. However, it suffers from several disadvantages, including its lack of objectivity and the fact that it is a time-consuming process. Our aim was to test a recently established artificial intelligence (AI)-aided digital image analysis platform, Pathronus, and to compare it to conventional scoring by five observers on chromogenic IHC-stained slides belonging to three experimental groups. Because Pathronus operates on grayscale 0-255 values, we transformed the data to a seven-point scale for use by pathologists and scientists. The accuracy of these methods was evaluated by comparing statistical significance among groups with quantitative fluorescent IHC reference data on subsequent tissue sections. The pairwise inter-rater reliability of the scoring and converted Pathronus data varied from poor to moderate with Cohen's kappa, and overall agreement was poor within every experimental group using Fleiss' kappa. Only the original and converted that were obtained from Pathronus original were able to reproduce the statistical significance among the groups that were determined by the reference method. In this study, we present an AI-aided software that can identify cells of interest, differentiate among organelles, protein specific chromogenic labelling, and nuclear counterstaining after an initial training period, providing a feasible and more accurate alternative to semi-quantitative scoring.
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13. |
- Bonmati, Eduardo Mateo, et al.
(författare)
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Epigenetic Regulation of Auxin Homeostasis
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 9
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Epigenetic regulation involves a myriad of mechanisms that regulate the expression of loci without altering the DNA sequence. These different mechanisms primarily result in modifications of the chromatin topology or DNA chemical structure that can be heritable or transient as a dynamic response to environmental cues. The phytohormone auxin plays an important role in almost every aspect of plant life via gradient formation. Auxin maxima/minima result from a complex balance of metabolism, transport, and signaling. Although epigenetic regulation of gene expression during development has been known for decades, the specific mechanisms behind the spatiotemporal dynamics of auxin levels in plants are only just being elucidated. In this review, we gather current knowledge on the epigenetic mechanisms regulating the expression of genes for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) metabolism and transport in Arabidopsis and discuss future perspectives of this emerging field.
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14. |
- Boyaci, C, et al.
(författare)
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Independent Clinical Validation of the Automated Ki67 Scoring Guideline from the International Ki67 in Breast Cancer Working Group
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ki67 is an important biomarker with prognostic and potential predictive value in breast cancer. However, the lack of standardization hinders its clinical applicability. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reproducibility among pathologists following the guidelines of the International Ki67 in Breast Cancer Working Group (IKWG) for Ki67 scoring and to evaluate the prognostic potential of this platform in an independent cohort. Four algorithms were independently built by four pathologists based on our study cohort using an open-source digital image analysis (DIA) platform (QuPath) following the detailed guideline of the IKWG. The algorithms were applied on an ER+ breast cancer study cohort of 157 patients with 15 years of follow-up. The reference Ki67 score was obtained by a DIA algorithm trained on a subset of the study cohort. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure reproducibility. High interobserver reliability was reached with an ICC of 0.938 (CI: 0.920–0.952) among the algorithms and the reference standard. Comparing each machine-read score against relapse-free survival, the hazard ratios were similar (2.593–4.165) and showed independent prognostic potential (p ≤ 0.018, for all comparisons). In conclusion, we demonstrate high reproducibility and independent prognostic potential using the IKWG DIA instructions to score Ki67 in breast cancer. A prospective study is needed to assess the clinical utility of the IKWG DIA Ki67 instructions.
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15. |
- Castaneda-Zegarra, S, et al.
(författare)
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Generation of a Mouse Model Lacking the Non-Homologous End-Joining Factor Mri/Cyren
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 9:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Classical non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is a molecular pathway that detects, processes, and ligates DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) throughout the cell cycle. Mutations in several NHEJ genes result in neurological abnormalities and immunodeficiency both in humans and mice. The NHEJ pathway is required for V(D)J recombination in developing B and T lymphocytes, and for class switch recombination in mature B cells. The Ku heterodimer formed by Ku70 and Ku80 recognizes DSBs and facilitates the recruitment of accessory factors (e.g., DNA-PKcs, Artemis, Paxx and Mri/Cyren) and downstream core factor subunits X-ray repair cross-complementing group 4 (XRCC4), XRCC4-like factor (XLF), and DNA ligase 4 (Lig4). Accessory factors might be dispensable for the process, depending on the genetic background and DNA lesion type. To determine the physiological role of Mri in DNA repair and development, we introduced a frame-shift mutation in the Mri gene in mice. We then analyzed the development of Mri-deficient mice as well as wild type and immunodeficient controls. Mice lacking Mri possessed reduced levels of class switch recombination in B lymphocytes and slow proliferation of neuronal progenitors when compared to wild type littermates. Human cell lines lacking Mri were as sensitive to DSBs as the wild type controls. Overall, we concluded that Mri/Cyren is largely dispensable for DNA repair and mouse development.
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16. |
- Caulfield, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Molecular Dynamics Simulations Suggest a Non-Doublet Decoding Model of -1 Frameshifting by tRNA(Ser3)
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 9:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In-frame decoding in the ribosome occurs through canonical or wobble Watson-Crick pairing of three mRNA codon bases (a triplet) with a triplet of anticodon bases in tRNA. Departures from the triplet-triplet interaction can result in frameshifting, meaning downstream mRNA codons are then read in a different register. There are many mechanisms to induce frameshifting, and most are insufficiently understood. One previously proposed mechanism is doublet decoding, in which only codon bases 1 and 2 are read by anticodon bases 34 and 35, which would lead to -1 frameshifting. In E. coli, tRNA(GCU)(Ser3) can induce -1 frameshifting at alanine (GCA) codons. The logic of the doublet decoding model is that the Ala codon's GC could pair with the tRNA(Ser3 ')s GC, leaving the third anticodon residue U36 making no interactions with mRNA. Under that model, a U36C mutation would still induce -1 frameshifting, but experiments refute this. We perform all-atom simulations of wild-type tRNA(Ser3), as well as a U36C mutant. Our simulations revealed a hydrogen bond between U36 of the anticodon and G1 of the codon. The U36C mutant cannot make this interaction, as it lacks the hydrogen-bond-donating H3. The simulation thus suggests a novel, non-doublet decoding mechanism for -1 frameshifting by tRNA(Ser3) at Ala codons.
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17. |
- Cherian, Reeja Maria, et al.
(författare)
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A Panel of Recombinant Mucins Carrying a Repertoire of Sialylated O-Glycans Based on Different Core Chains for Studies of Glycan Binding Proteins.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 5:3, s. 1810-31
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sialylated glycans serve as key elements of receptors for many viruses, bacteria, and bacterial toxins. The microbial recognition and their binding specificity can be affected by the linkage of the terminal sugar residue, types of underlying sugar chains, and the nature of the entire glycoconjugate. Owing to the pathobiological significance of sialylated glycans, we have engineered Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to secrete mucin-type immunoglobulin-fused proteins carrying terminal α2,3- or α2,6-linked sialic acid on defined O-glycan core saccharide chains. Besides stably expressing P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1/mouse immunoglobulin G2b cDNA (PSGL-1/mIgG2b), CHO cells were stably transfected with plasmids encoding glycosyltransferases to synthesize core 2 (GCNT1), core 3 (B3GNT6), core 4 (GCNT1 and B3GNT6), or extended core 1 (B3GNT3) chains with or without the type 1 chain-encoding enzyme B3GALT5 and ST6GAL1. Western blot and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of core 1, 2, 3, 4, and extended core 1 chains carrying either type 1 (Galb3GlcNAc) or type 2 (Galb4GlcNAc) outer chains with or without α2,6-linked sialic acids. This panel of recombinant mucins carrying a repertoire of sialylated O-glycans will be important tools in studies aiming at determining the fine O-glycan binding specificity of sialic acid-specific microbial adhesins and mammalian lectins.
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18. |
- Coyle, S, et al.
(författare)
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Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Glaucoma
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies characterised by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, resulting in damage to the optic nerve head (ONH) and loss of vision in one or both eyes. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the major aetiological risk factors in glaucoma, and is currently the only modifiable risk factor. However, 30–40% of glaucoma patients do not present with elevated IOP and still proceed to lose vision. The pathophysiology of glaucoma is therefore not completely understood, and there is a need for the development of IOP-independent neuroprotective therapies to preserve vision. Neuroinflammation has been shown to play a key role in glaucoma and, specifically, the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key driver of inflammation, has recently been implicated. The NLRP3 inflammasome is expressed in the eye and its activation is reported in pre-clinical studies of glaucoma. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in IL-1β processing. This pro inflammatory cytokine is elevated in the blood of glaucoma patients and is believed to drive neurotoxic inflammation, resulting in axon degeneration and the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This review discusses glaucoma as an inflammatory disease and evaluates targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome as a therapeutic strategy. A hypothetical mechanism for the action of the NLRP3 inflammasome in glaucoma is presented.
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19. |
- Cragnell, Carolina, et al.
(författare)
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Dynamical Oligomerisation of Histidine Rich Intrinsically Disordered ProteinS Is Regulated through Zinc-Histidine Interactions
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 9:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) can form functional oligomers and in some cases, insoluble disease related aggregates. It is therefore vital to understand processes and mechanisms that control pathway distribution. Divalent cations including Zn2+ can initiate IDP oligomerisation through the interaction with histidine residues but the mechanisms of doing so are far from understood. Here we apply a multi-disciplinary approach using small angle X-ray scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, calorimetry and computations to show that that saliva protein Histatin 5 forms highly dynamic oligomers in the presence of Zn2+. The process is critically dependent upon interaction between Zn2+ ions and distinct histidine rich binding motifs which allows for thermodynamic switching between states. We propose a molecular mechanism of oligomerisation, which may be generally applicable to other histidine rich IDPs. Finally, as Histatin 5 is an important saliva component, we suggest that Zn2+ induced oligomerisation may be crucial for maintaining saliva homeostasis.
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20. |
- Dispenza, Clelia, et al.
(författare)
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Micro- to Nanoscale Bio-Hybrid Hydrogels Engineered by Ionizing Radiation
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 11:1
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bio-hybrid hydrogels consist of a water-swollen hydrophilic polymer network encapsulating or conjugating single biomolecules, or larger and more complex biological constructs like whole cells. By modulating at least one dimension of the hydrogel system at the micro- or nanoscale, the activity of the biological component can be extremely upgraded with clear advantages for the development of therapeutic or diagnostic micro- and nano-devices. Gamma or e-beam irradiation of polymers allow a good control of the chemistry at the micro-/nanoscale with minimal recourse to toxic reactants and solvents. Another potential advantage is to obtain simultaneous sterilization when the absorbed doses are within the sterilization dose range. This short review will highlight opportunities and challenges of the radiation technologies to produce bio-hybrid nanogels as delivery devices of therapeutic biomolecules to the target cells, tissues, and organs, and to create hydrogel patterns at the nano-length and micro-length scales on surfaces.
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21. |
- Emmert, David B., et al.
(författare)
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Genetic and Metabolic Determinants of Atrial Fibrillation in a General Population Sample : The CHRIS Study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 11:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a supraventricular arrhythmia deriving from uncoordinated electrical activation with considerable associated morbidity and mortality. To expand the limited understanding of AF biological mechanisms, we performed two screenings, investigating the genetic and metabolic determinants of AF in the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol study. We found 110 AF cases out of 10,509 general population individuals. A genome-wide association scan (GWAS) identified two novel loci (p-value < 5 x 10(-8)) around SNPs rs745582874, next to gene PBX1, and rs768476991, within gene PCCA, with genotype calling confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Risk alleles at both SNPs were enriched in a family detected through familial aggregation analysis of the phenotype, and both rare alleles co-segregated with AF. The metabolic screening of 175 metabolites, in a subset of individuals, revealed a 41% lower concentration of lysophosphatidylcholine lysoPC a C20:3 in AF cases compared to controls (p-adj = 0.005). The genetic findings, combined with previous evidence, indicate that the two identified GWAS loci may be considered novel genetic rare determinants for AF. Considering additionally the association of lysoPC a C20:3 with AF by metabolic screening, our results demonstrate the valuable contribution of the combined genomic and metabolomic approach in studying AF in large-scale population studies.
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22. |
- Faulin, TDS, et al.
(författare)
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Proinflammatory Action of a New Electronegative Low-Density Lipoprotein Epitope
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 9:8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The electronegative low-density lipoprotein, LDL (−), is an endogenously modified LDL subfraction with cytotoxic and proinflammatory actions on endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, epitopes of LDL (−) were mapped using a phage display library of peptides and monoclonal antibodies reactive to this modified lipoprotein. Two different peptide libraries (X6 and CX8C for 6- and 8-amino acid-long peptides, respectively) were used in the mapping. Among all tested peptides, two circular peptides, P1A3 and P2C7, were selected based on their high affinities for the monoclonal antibodies. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis confirmed their structures as circular rings. P1A3 or P2C7 were quickly internalized by bone marrow-derived murine macrophages as shown by confocal microscopy. P2C7 increased the expression of TNFα, IL-1 β and iNOS as well as the secretion of TNFα, CCL2, and nitric oxide by murine macrophages, similar to the responses induced by LDL (−), although less intense. In contrast, P1A3 did not show pro-inflammatory effects. We identified a mimetic epitope associated with LDL (−), the P2C7 circular peptide, that activates macrophages. Our data suggest that this conformational epitope represents an important danger-associated molecular pattern of LDL (−) that triggers proinflammatory responses.
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23. |
- Fellström, Bengt, 1947-, et al.
(författare)
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Albumin Urinary Excretion Is Associated with Increased Levels of Urinary Chemokines, Cytokines, and Growth Factors Levels in Humans
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 11:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to study the associations between urine albumin excretion, and a large number of urinary chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors in a normal population. We selected 90 urine samples from individuals without CVD, diabetes, stroke or kidney disease belonging to the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors Study (41 males and 49 females, all aged 75 years). Urinary cytokine levels were analyzed with two multiplex assays (proximity extension assays) and the cytokine levels were correlated with urine albumin. After adjustment for sex, body mass index (BMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), smoking and multiplicity testing, 11 biomarkers remained significantly associated with urine albumin: thrombospondin 2, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, hepatocyte growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12), C-X-C motif chemokine 9, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11B, osteoprotegerin, growth-regulated alpha protein, C-X-C motif chemokine 6, oncostatin-M (OSM) and fatty acid-binding protein, intestinal, despite large differences in molecular weights. In this study, we found associations between urinary albumin and both small and large urine proteins. Additional studies are warranted to identify cytokine patterns and potential progression markers in various renal diseases.
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24. |
- Gaunitz, S, et al.
(författare)
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What Can N-glycomics and N-glycoproteomics of Cerebrospinal Fluid Tell Us about Alzheimer Disease?
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Proteomics—large-scale studies of proteins—has over the last decade gained an enormous interest for studies aimed at revealing proteins and pathways involved in disease. To fully understand biological and pathological processes it is crucial to also include post-translational modifications in the “omics”. To this end, glycomics (identification and quantification of glycans enzymatically or chemically released from proteins) and glycoproteomics (identification and quantification of peptides/proteins with the glycans still attached) is gaining interest. The study of protein glycosylation requires a workflow that involves an array of sample preparation and analysis steps that needs to be carefully considered. Herein, we briefly touch upon important steps such as sample preparation and preconcentration, glycan release, glycan derivatization and quantification and advances in mass spectrometry that today are the work-horse for glycomics and glycoproteomics studies. Several proteins related to Alzheimer disease pathogenesis have altered protein glycosylation, and recent glycomics studies have shown differences in cerebrospinal fluid as well as in brain tissue in Alzheimer disease as compared to controls. In this review, we discuss these techniques and how they have been used to shed light on Alzheimer disease and to find glycan biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid.
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25. |
- Gharibyan, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Apolipoprotein E Interferes with IAPP Aggregation and Protects Pericytes from IAPP-Induced Toxicity
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 10:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has become a primary focus of research after the discovery of its strong linkage to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where the ApoE4 variant is the highest genetic risk factor for this disease. ApoE is commonly found in amyloid deposits of different origins, and its interaction with amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), the hallmark of AD, is well known. However, studies on the interaction of ApoEs with other amyloid-forming proteins are limited. Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is an amyloid-forming peptide linked to the development of type-2 diabetes and has also been shown to be involved in AD pathology and vascular dementia. Here we studied the impact of ApoE on IAPP aggregation and IAPP-induced toxicity on blood vessel pericytes. Using both in vitro and cell-based assays, we show that ApoE efficiently inhibits the amyloid formation of IAPP at highly substoichiometric ratios and that it interferes with both nucleation and elongation. We also show that ApoE protects the pericytes against IAPP-induced toxicity, however, the ApoE4 variant displays the weakest protective potential. Taken together, our results suggest that ApoE has a generic amyloid-interfering property and can be protective against amyloid-induced cytotoxicity, but there is a loss of function for the ApoE4 variant.
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26. |
- Grasso, Francesca, et al.
(författare)
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Bacterial Genotoxins : Merging the DNA Damage Response into Infection Biology
- 2015
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 5:3, s. 1762-1782
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bacterial genotoxins are unique among bacterial toxins as their molecular target is DNA. The consequence of intoxication or infection is induction of DNA breaks that, if not properly repaired, results in irreversible cell cycle arrest (senescence) or death of the target cells. At present, only three bacterial genotoxins have been identified. Two are protein toxins: the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) family produced by a number of Gram-negative bacteria and the typhoid toxin produced by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. The third member, colibactin, is a peptide-polyketide genotoxin, produced by strains belonging to the phylogenetic group B2 of Escherichia coli. This review will present the cellular effects of acute and chronic intoxication or infection with the genotoxins-producing bacteria. The carcinogenic properties and the role of these effectors in the context of the host-microbe interaction will be discussed. We will further highlight the open questions that remain to be solved regarding the biology of this unusual family of bacterial toxins.
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27. |
- Gustafsson, Robert, et al.
(författare)
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Structure and Characterization of Phosphoglucomutase 5 from Atlantic and Baltic Herring : An Inactive Enzyme with Intact Substrate Binding
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Phosphoglucomutase 5 (PGM5) in humans is known as a structural muscle protein without enzymatic activity, but detailed understanding of its function is lacking. PGM5 belongs to the alpha-D-phosphohexomutase family and is closely related to the enzymatically active metabolic enzyme PGM1. In the Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, PGM5 is one of the genes strongly associated with ecological adaptation to the brackish Baltic Sea. We here present the first crystal structures of PGM5, from the Atlantic and Baltic herring, diering by a single substitution Ala330Val. The structure of PGM5 is overall highly similar to structures of PGM1. The structure of the Baltic herring PGM5 in complex with the substrate glucose-1-phosphate shows conserved substrate binding and active site compared to human PGM1, but both PGM5 variants lack phosphoglucomutase activity under the tested conditions. Structure comparison and sequence analysis of PGM5 and PGM1 from fish and mammals suggest that the lacking enzymatic activity of PGM5 is related to dierences in active-site loops that are important for flipping of the reaction intermediate. The Ala330Val substitution does not alter structure or biophysical properties of PGM5 but, due to its surface-exposed location, could affect interactions with protein-binding partners.
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28. |
- Hanna, BMF, et al.
(författare)
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OGG1 Inhibitor TH5487 Alters OGG1 Chromatin Dynamics and Prevents Incisions
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) is the main DNA glycosylase responsible for the excision of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) from duplex DNA to initiate base excision repair. This glycosylase activity is relevant in many pathological conditions including cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. To have a better understanding of the role of OGG1, we previously reported TH5487, a potent active site inhibitor of OGG1. Here, we further investigate the consequences of inhibiting OGG1 with TH5487. TH5487 treatment induces accumulation of genomic 8-oxoG lesions. Furthermore, it impairs the chromatin binding of OGG1 and results in lower recruitment of OGG1 to regions of DNA damage. Inhibiting OGG1 with TH5487 interferes with OGG1′s incision activity, resulting in fewer DNA double-strand breaks in cells exposed to oxidative stress. This study validates TH5487 as a potent OGG1 inhibitor that prevents the repair of 8-oxoG and alters OGG1–chromatin dynamics and OGG1′s recruitment kinetics.
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29. |
- Hernandez, M, et al.
(författare)
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MMP-8, TRAP-5, and OPG Levels in GCF Diagnostic Potential to Discriminate between Healthy Patients', Mild and Severe Periodontitis Sites
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Biomarkers represent promising aids in periodontitis, host-mediate diseases of the tooth-supporting tissues. We assessed the diagnostic potential of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5 (TRAP-5), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) to discriminate between healthy patients’, mild and severe periodontitis sites. Thirty-one otherwise healthy volunteers with and without periodontal disease were enrolled at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile. Periodontal parameters were examined and gingival crevicular fluid was sampled from mild periodontitis sites (M; n = 42), severe periodontitis sites (S; n = 59), and healthy volunteer sites (H; n = 30). TRAP-5 and OPG were determined by commercial multiplex assay and MMP-8 by the immunofluorometric (IFMA) method. STATA software was used. All biomarkers showed a good discrimination performance. MMP-8 had the overall best performance in regression models and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, with high discrimination of healthy from periodontitis sites (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.901). OPG showed a very high diagnostic precision (AUC ≥ 0.95) to identify severe periodontitis sites (S versus H + M), while TRAP-5 identified both healthy and severe sites. As conclusions, MMP-8, TRAP-5, and OPG present a high precision potential in the identification of periodontal disease destruction, with MMP-8 as the most accurate diagnostic biomarker.
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30. |
- Holster, Savanne, 1991-, et al.
(författare)
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Allogenic Faecal Microbiota Transfer Induces Immune-Related Gene Sets in the Colon Mucosa of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 9:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Faecal microbiota transfer (FMT) consists of the introduction of new microbial communities into the intestine of a patient, with the aim of restoring a disturbed gut microbiota. Even though it is used as a potential treatment for various diseases, it is unknown how the host mucosa responds to FMT. This study aims to investigate the colonic mucosa gene expression response to allogenic (from a donor) or autologous (own) FMT in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In a recently conducted randomised, double-blinded, controlled clinical study, 17 IBS patients were treated with FMT by colonoscopy. RNA was isolated from colonic biopsies collected by sigmoidoscopy at baseline, as well as two weeks and eight weeks after FMT. In patients treated with allogenic FMT, predominantly immune response-related gene sets were induced, with the strongest response two weeks after the FMT. In patients treated with autologous FMT, predominantly metabolism-related gene sets were affected. Furthermore, several microbiota genera showed correlations with immune-related gene sets, with different correlations found after allogenic compared to autologous FMT. This study shows that the microbe–host response is influenced by FMT on the mucosal gene expression level, and that there are clear differences in response to allogenic compared to autologous FMT.
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31. |
- Houttu, N, et al.
(författare)
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The Impacts of Fish Oil and/or Probiotic Intervention on Low-Grade Inflammation, IGFBP-1 and MMP-8 in Pregnancy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: We investigated the impact of fish oil and/or probiotics on serum and vaginal inflammatory and metabolic proteins and their relation to the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Overweight/obese pregnant women received fish oil + placebo, probiotics + placebo, fish oil + probiotics or placebo + placebo from early pregnancy until six months postpartum (fish oil: 1.9 g docosahexaenoic acid and 0.22 g eicosapentaenoic acid; probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420, 1010 colony-forming units each). Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and serum/vaginal (s/v) phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding-protein-1 (phIGFBP-1), IGFBP-1 and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) were analyzed. GDM was diagnosed according to 2 h 75 g OGTT. Results: The intervention had no impact on the change in proteins during pregnancy. Nevertheless, s-MMP-8 decreased and s-IGFBP-1 increased more in obese than in overweight women in the fish oil + probiotics group, while a decrease in s-MMP-8 was seen in obese women and an increase was seen in overweight women in the probiotics + placebo group. The late pregnancy s-phIGFBP-1 was higher in women who developed GDM in fish oil + probiotics-group compared to fish oil + placebo-group. The concentrations of s-phIGFBP-1 (635.9 ± 315.3 ng/mL vs. 753.2 ± 335.1 ng/mL, p = 0.005) and s-IGFBP-1 (3.78 ± 0.72 ng/mL vs. 3.96 ± 0.69 ng/mL, p = 0.042) were lower in early pregnancy in women who developed GDM than in women remaining healthy. Conclusions: The intervention per se had no impact on the proteins, but obesity and GDM may modify the effect. IGFBPs may affect the development of GDM.
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32. |
- Hyltegren, Kristin, et al.
(författare)
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Adsorption of Fibrinogen on Silica Surfaces-The Effect of Attached Nanoparticles
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- When a biomaterial is inserted into the body, proteins rapidly adsorb onto its surface, creating a conditioning protein film that functions as a link between the implant and adhering cells. Depending on the nano-roughness of the surface, proteins will adsorb in different amounts, with different conformations and orientations, possibly affecting the subsequent attachment of cells to the surface. Thus, modifications of the surface nanotopography of an implant may prevent biomaterial-associated infections. Fibrinogen is of particular importance since it contains adhesion epitopes that are recognized by both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and can therefore influence the adhesion of bacteria. The aim of this study was to model adsorption of fibrinogen to smooth or nanostructured silica surfaces in an attempt to further understand how surface nanotopography may affect the orientation of the adsorbed fibrinogen molecule. We used a coarse-grained model, where the main body of fibrinogen (visible in the crystal structure) was modeled as rigid and the flexible α C-chains (not visible in the crystal structure) were modeled as completely disordered. We found that the elongated fibrinogen molecule preferably adsorbs in such a way that it protrudes further into solution on a nanostructured surface compared to a flat one. This implicates that the orientation on the flat surface increases its bio-availability.
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33. |
- Javadi, J, et al.
(författare)
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Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of the Extracellular Vesicles Subpopulations Present in Pleural Effusion
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), comprising exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, are released by all cells into the extracellular matrix and body fluids, where they play important roles in intercellular communication and matrix remodeling in various pathological conditions. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a primary tumor of mesothelial origin, predominantly related to asbestos exposure. The detection of MPM at an early stage and distinguishing it from benign conditions and metastatic adenocarcinomas (AD) is sometimes challenging. Pleural effusion is often the first available biological material and an ideal source for characterizing diagnostic and prognostic factors. Specific proteins have previously been identified as diagnostic markers in effusion, but it is not currently known whether these are associated with vesicles or released in soluble form. Here, we study and characterize tumor heterogeneity and extracellular vesicle diversity in pleural effusion as diagnostic or prognostic markers for MPM. We analyzed extracellular vesicles and soluble proteins from 27 pleural effusions, which were collected and processed at the department of pathology and cytology at Karolinska University Hospital, representing three different patient groups, MPM (n = 9), benign (n = 6), and AD (n = 12). The vesicles were fractionated into apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes by differential centrifugation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and Western blotting. Multiplex bead-based flow cytometry analysis showed that exosomal markers were expressed differently on EVs present in different fractions. Further characterization of exosomes by a multiplex immunoassay (Luminex) showed that all soluble proteins studied were also present in exosomes, though the ratio of protein concentration present in supernatant versus exosomes varied. The proportion of Angiopoietin-1 present in exosomes was generally higher in benign compared to malignant samples. The corresponding ratios of Mesothelin, Galectin-1, Osteopontin, and VEGF were higher in MPM effusions compared to those in the benign group. These findings demonstrate that relevant diagnostic markers can be recovered from exosomes.
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34. |
- Javadi, J, et al.
(författare)
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Multiplex Soluble Biomarker Analysis from Pleural Effusion
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive and therapy resistant pleural malignancy that is caused by asbestos exposure. MPM is associated with poor prognosis and a short patient survival. The survival time is strongly influenced by the subtype of the tumor. Dyspnea and accumulation of pleural effusion in the pleural cavity are common symptoms of MPM. The diagnostic distinction from other malignancies and reactive conditions is done using histopathology or cytopathology, always supported by immunohistochemistry, and sometimes also by analyses of soluble biomarkers in effusion supernatant. We evaluated the soluble angiogenesis related molecules as possible prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for MPM by Luminex multiplex assay. Pleural effusion from 42 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), 36 patients with adenocarcinoma (AD) and 40 benign (BE) effusions were analyzed for 10 different analytes that, in previous studies, were associated with angiogenesis, consisting of Angiopoietin-1, HGF, MMP-7, Osteopontin, TIMP-1, Galectin, Mesothelin, NRG1-b1, Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) and VEGF by a Human Premixed Multi-Analyte Luminex kit. We found that shed SDC-1 and MMP-7 levels were significantly lower, whereas Mesothelin and Galectin-1 levels were significantly higher in malignant mesothelioma effusions, compared to adenocarcinoma. Galectin-1, HGF, Mesothelin, MMP-7, Osteopontin, shed SDC-1, NRG1-β1, VEGF and TIMP-1 were significantly higher in malignant pleural mesothelioma effusions compared to benign samples. Moreover, there is a negative correlation between Mesothelin and shed SDC-1 and positive correlation between VEGF, Angiopoietin-1 and shed SDC-1 level in the pleural effusion from malignant cases. Shed SDC-1 and VEGF have a prognostic value in malignant mesothelioma patients. Collectively, our data suggest that MMP-7, shed SDC-1, Mesothelin and Galectin-1 can be diagnostic and VEGF and SDC-1 prognostic markers in MPM patients. Additionally, Galectin-1, HGF, Mesothelin, MMP-7, Osteopontin, shed SDC-1 and TIMP-1 can be diagnostic for malignant cases.
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35. |
- Jephthah, Stéphanie, et al.
(författare)
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Physicochemical characterisation of KEIF€-the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of magnesium transporter A
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Magnesium transporter A (MgtA) is an active transporter responsible for importing magnesium ions into the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. This study focuses on the peptide corresponding to the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of MgtA, referred to as KEIF. Primary-structure and bioinformatic analyses were performed, followed by studies of the undisturbed single chain using a combination of techniques including small-angle X-ray scattering, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and atomistic molecular-dynamics simulations. Moreover, interactions with large unilamellar vesicles were investigated by using dynamic light scattering, laser Doppler velocimetry, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. KEIF was confirmed to be intrinsically disordered in aqueous solution, although extended and containing little β-structure and possibly PPII structure. An increase of helical content was observed in organic solvent, and a similar effect was also seen in aqueous solution containing anionic vesicles. Interactions of cationic KEIF with anionic vesicles led to the hypothesis that KEIF adsorbs to the vesicle surface through electrostatic and entropic driving forces. Considering this, there is a possibility that the biological role of KEIF is to anchor MgtA in the cell membrane, although further investigation is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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36. |
- Jussing, E, et al.
(författare)
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Clinically Applicable Cyclotron-Produced Gallium-68 Gives High-Yield Radiolabeling of DOTA-Based Tracers
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- By using solid targets in medical cyclotrons, it is possible to produce large amounts of 68GaCl3. Purification of Ga3+ from metal ion impurities is a critical step, as these metals compete with Ga3+ in the complexation with different chelators, which negatively affects the radiolabeling yields. In this work, we significantly lowered the level of iron (Fe) impurities by adding ascorbate in the purification, and the resulting 68GaCl3could be utilized for high-yield radiolabeling of clinically relevant DOTA-based tracers. 68GaCl3 was cyclotron-produced and purified with ascorbate added in the wash solutions through the UTEVA resins. The 68Ga eluate was analyzed for radionuclidic purity (RNP) by gamma spectroscopy, metal content by ICP-MS, and by titrations with the chelators DOTA, NOTA, and HBED. The 68GaCl3eluate was utilized for GMP-radiolabeling of the DOTA-based tracers DOTATOC and FAPI-46 using an automated synthesis module. DOTA chelator titrations gave an apparent molar activity (AMA) of 491 ± 204 GBq/µmol. GMP-compliant syntheses yielded up to 7 GBq/batch [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 (radiochemical yield, RCY ~ 60%, corresponding to ten times higher compared to generator-based productions). Full quality control (QC) of 68Ga-labelled tracers showed radiochemically pure and stable products at least four hours from end-of-synthesis.
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37. |
- Kabir, Md. Tanvir, et al.
(författare)
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Potential Role of Curcumin and Its Nanoformulations to Treat Various Types of Cancers
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:3
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cancer is a major burden of disease globally. Each year, tens of millions of people are diagnosed with cancer worldwide, and more than half of the patients eventually die from it. Significant advances have been noticed in cancer treatment, but the mortality and incidence rates of cancers are still high. Thus, there is a growing research interest in developing more effective and less toxic cancer treatment approaches. Curcumin (CUR), the major active component of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), has gained great research interest as an antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agent. This natural compound shows its anticancer effect through several pathways including interfering with multiple cellular mechanisms and inhibiting/inducing the generation of multiple cytokines, enzymes, or growth factors including IκB kinase β (IκKβ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), signal transducer, and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), cyclooxygenase II (COX-2), protein kinase D1 (PKD1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), epidermal growth factor, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Interestingly, the anticancer activity of CUR has been limited primarily due to its poor water solubility, which can lead to low chemical stability, low oral bioavailability, and low cellular uptake. Delivering drugs at a controlled rate, slow delivery, and targeted delivery are other very attractive methods and have been pursued vigorously. Multiple CUR nanoformulations have also been developed so far to ameliorate solubility and bioavailability of CUR and to provide protection to CUR against hydrolysis inactivation. In this review, we have summarized the anticancer activity of CUR against several cancers, for example, gastrointestinal, head and neck, brain, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. In addition, we have also focused on the findings obtained from multiple experimental and clinical studies regarding the anticancer effect of CUR in animal models, human subjects, and cancer cell lines.
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38. |
- Kajitani, Naoko, et al.
(författare)
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RNA Binding Proteins that Control Human Papillomavirus Gene Expression.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 5:2, s. 758-774
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) life cycle is strictly linked to the differentiation program of the infected mucosal epithelial cell. In the basal and lower levels of the epithelium, early genes coding for pro-mitotic proteins and viral replication factors are expressed, while terminal cell differentiation is required for activation of late gene expression and production of viral particles at the very top of the epithelium. Such productive infections are normally cleared within 18-24 months. In rare cases, the HPV infection is stuck in the early stage of the infection. Such infections may give rise to cervical lesions that can progress to cancer, primarily cancer of the uterine cervix. Since cancer progression is strictly linked to HPV gene expression, it is of interest to understand how HPV gene expression is regulated. Cis-acting HPV RNA elements and cellular RNA-binding proteins control HPV mRNA splicing and polyadenylation. These interactions are believed to play a particularly important role in the switch from early to late gene expression, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of HPV. Indeed, it has been shown that the levels of various RNA binding proteins change in response to differentiation and in response to HPV induced cervical lesions and cancer. Here we have compiled published data on RNA binding proteins involved in the regulation of HPV gene expression.
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39. |
- Karakostis, Konstantinos, et al.
(författare)
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Molecular and Biochemical Techniques for Deciphering p53-MDM2 Regulatory Mechanisms
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 11:1
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The p53 and Mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) proteins are hubs in extensive networks of interactions with multiple partners and functions. Intrinsically disordered regions help to adopt function-specific structural conformations in response to ligand binding and post-translational modifications. Different techniques have been used to dissect interactions of the p53-MDM2 pathway, in vitro, in vivo, and in situ each having its own advantages and disadvantages. This review uses the p53-MDM2 to show how different techniques can be employed, illustrating how a combination of in vitro and in vivo techniques is highly recommended to study the spatio-temporal location and dynamics of interactions, and to address their regulation mechanisms and functions. By using well-established techniques in combination with more recent advances, it is possible to rapidly decipher complex mechanisms, such as the p53 regulatory pathway, and to demonstrate how protein and nucleotide ligands in combination with post-translational modifications, result in inter-allosteric and intra-allosteric interactions that govern the activity of the protein complexes and their specific roles in oncogenesis. This promotes elegant therapeutic strategies that exploit protein dynamics to target specific interactions.
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40. |
- Karlsson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Fungal X-Intrinsic Protein Aquaporin from Trichoderma atroviride: Structural and Functional Considerations
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The major intrinsic protein (MIP) superfamily is a key part of the fungal transmembrane transport network. It facilitates the transport of water and low molecular weight solutes across biomembranes. The fungal uncharacterized X-Intrinsic Protein (XIP) subfamily includes the full protein diversity of MIP. Their biological functions still remain fully hypothetical. The aim of this study is still to deepen the diversity and the structure of the XIP subfamily in light of the MIP counterparts-the aquaporins (AQPs) and aquaglyceroporins (AQGPs)-and to describe for the first time their function in the development, biomass accumulation, and mycoparasitic aptitudes of the fungal bioagent Trichoderma atroviride. The fungus-XIP Glade, with one member (TriatXIP), is one of the three clades of MIPs that make up the diversity of T. atroviride MIPs, along with the AQPs (three members) and the AQGPs (three members). TriatXIP resembles those of strict aquaporins, predicting water diffusion and possibly other small polar solutes due to particularly wider ar/R constriction with a Lysine substitution at the LE2 position. The XIP loss of function in Delta TriatXIP mutants slightly delays biomass accumulation but does not impact mycoparasitic activities. Delta TriatMIP forms colonies similar to wild type; however, the hyphae are slightly thinner and colonies produce rare chlamydospores in PDA and specific media, most of which are relatively small and exhibit abnormal morphologies. To better understand the molecular causes of these deviant phenotypes, a wide-metabolic survey of the ATriatXIPs demonstrates that the delayed growth kinetic, correlated to a decrease in respiration rate, is caused by perturbations in the pentose phosphate pathway. Furthermore, the null expression of the XIP gene strongly impacts the expression of four expressed MIP-encoding genes of T. atroviride, a plausible compensating effect which safeguards the physiological integrity and life cycle of the fungus. This paper offers an overview of the fungal XIP family in the biocontrol agent T. atroviride which will be useful for further functional analysis of this particular MIP subfamily in vegetative growth and the environmental stress response in fungi. Ultimately, these findings have implications for the ecophysiology of Trichoderma spp. in natural, agronomic, and industrial systems.
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41. |
- Katikaridis, P, et al.
(författare)
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ClpG Provides Increased Heat Resistance by Acting as Superior Disaggregase
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 9:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Elevation of temperature within and above the physiological limit causes the unfolding and aggregation of cellular proteins, which can ultimately lead to cell death. Bacteria are therefore equipped with Hsp100 disaggregation machines that revert the aggregation process and reactivate proteins otherwise lost by aggregation. In Gram-negative bacteria, two disaggregation systems have been described: the widespread ClpB disaggregase, which requires cooperation with an Hsp70 chaperone, and the standalone ClpG disaggregase. ClpG co-exists with ClpB in selected bacteria and provides superior heat resistance. Here, we compared the activities of both disaggregases towards diverse model substrates aggregated in vitro and in vivo at different temperatures. We show that ClpG exhibits robust activity towards all disordered aggregates, whereas ClpB acts poorly on the protein aggregates formed at very high temperatures. Extreme temperatures are expected not only to cause extended protein unfolding, but also to result in an accelerated formation of protein aggregates with potentially altered chemical and physical parameters, including increased stability. We show that ClpG exerts higher threading forces as compared to ClpB, likely enabling ClpG to process “tight” aggregates formed during severe heat stress. This defines ClpG as a more powerful disaggregase and mechanistically explains how ClpG provides increased heat resistance.
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42. |
- Kelly, Rachel, et al.
(författare)
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The Small Molecule Alpha-Synuclein Aggregator, FN075, Enhances Alpha-Synuclein Pathology in Subclinical AAV Rat Models
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 11:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Animal models of Parkinson’s disease, in which the human α-synuclein transgene is overexpressed in the nigrostriatal pathway using viral vectors, are widely considered to be the most relevant models of the human condition. However, although highly valid, these models have major limitations related to reliability and variability, with many animals exhibiting pronounced α-synuclein expression failing to demonstrate nigrostriatal neurodegeneration or motor dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if sequential intra-nigral administration of AAV-α-synuclein followed by the small α-synuclein aggregating molecule, FN075, would enhance or precipitate the associated α-synucleinopathy, nigrostriatal pathology and motor dysfunction in subclinical models. Rats were given unilateral intra-nigral injections of AAV-α-synuclein (either wild-type or A53T mutant) followed four weeks later by a unilateral intra-nigral injection of FN075, after which they underwent behavioral testing for lateralized motor functionality until they were sacrificed for immunohistological assessment at 20 weeks after AAV administration. In line with expectations, both of the AAV vectors induced widespread overexpression of human α-synuclein in the substantia nigra and striatum. Sequential administration of FN075 significantly enhanced the α-synuclein pathology with increased density and accumulation of the pathological form of the protein phosphorylated at serine 129 (pS129-α-synuclein). However, despite this enhanced α-synuclein pathology, FN075 did not precipitate nigrostriatal degeneration or motor dysfunction in these subclinical AAV models. In conclusion, FN075 holds significant promise as an approach to enhancing the α-synuclein pathology in viral overexpression models, but further studies are required to determine if alternative administration regimes for this molecule could improve the reliability and variability in these models.
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43. |
- Khromova, NV, et al.
(författare)
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Regulatory Action of Plasma from Patients with Obesity and Diabetes towards Muscle Cells Differentiation and Bioenergetics Revealed by the C2C12 Cell Model and MicroRNA Analysis
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are often combined and pathologically affect many tissues due to changes in circulating bioactive molecules. In this work, we evaluated the effect of blood plasma from obese (OB) patients or from obese patients comorbid with diabetes (OBD) on skeletal muscle function and metabolic state. We employed the mouse myoblasts C2C12 differentiation model to test the regulatory effect of plasma exposure at several levels: (1) cell morphology; (2) functional activity of mitochondria; (3) expression levels of several mitochondria regulators, i.e., Atgl, Pgc1b, and miR-378a-3p. Existing databases were used to computationally predict and analyze mir-378a-3p potential targets. We show that short-term exposure to OB or OBD patients’ plasma is sufficient to affect C2C12 properties. In fact, the expression of genes that regulate skeletal muscle differentiation and growth was downregulated in both OB- and OBD-treated cells, maximal mitochondrial respiration rate was downregulated in the OBD group, while in the OB group, a metabolic switch to glycolysis was detected. These alterations correlated with a decrease in ATGL and Pgc1b expression in the OB group and with an increase of miR-378a-3p levels in the OBD group.
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44. |
- Kim, Yonghyo, et al.
(författare)
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Identification and validation of VEGFR2 kinase as a target of voacangine by a systematic combination of DARTS and MSI
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although natural products are an important source of drugs and drug leads, identification and validation of their target proteins have proven difficult. Here, we report the development of a systematic strategy for target identification and validation employing drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) without modifying or labeling natural compounds. Through a validation step using curcumin, which targets aminopeptidase N (APN), we successfully standardized the systematic strategy. Using label-free voacangine, an antiangiogenic alkaloid molecule as the model natural compound, DARTS analysis revealed vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) as a target protein. Voacangine inhibits VEGFR2 kinase activity and its downstream signaling by binding to the kinase domain of VEGFR2, as was revealed by docking simulation. Through cell culture assays, voacangine was found to inhibit the growth of glioblastoma cells expressing high levels of VEGFR2. Specific localization of voacangine to tumor compartments in a glioblastoma xenograft mouse was revealed by MSI analysis. The overlap of histological images with the MSI signals for voacangine was intense in the tumor regions and showed colocalization of voacangine and VEGFR2 in the tumor tissues by immunofluorescence analysis of VEGFR2. The strategy employing DARTS and MSI to identify and validate the targets of a natural compound as demonstrated for voacangine in this study is expected to streamline the general approach of drug discovery and validation using other biomolecules including natural products.
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45. |
- Korany, Ahmed H., et al.
(författare)
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Comparative structural analysis of different mycobacteriophage-derived mycolylarabinogalactan esterases (Lysin B)
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mycobacteriophage endolysins have emerged as a potential alternative to the current antimycobacterial agents. This study focuses on mycolylarabinogalactan hydrolase (LysB) enzymes of the α/β-hydrolase family, which disrupt the unique mycolic acid layer of mycobacterium cell wall. Multiple sequence alignment and structural analysis studies showed LysB-D29, the only enzyme with a solved three-dimensional structure, to share several common features with esterases (lacking lid domain) and lipases (acting on long chain lipids). Sequence and structural comparisons of 30 LysB homology models showed great variation in domain organizations and total protein length with major differences in the loop-5 motif harboring the catalytic histidine residue. Docking of different p-nitrophenyl ligands (C4-C18) to LysB-3D models revealed that the differences in length and residues of loop-5 contributed towards wide diversity of active site conformations (long tunnels, deep and superficial funnels, shallow bowls, and a narrow buried cave) resembling that of lipases, cutinases, and esterases. A set of seven LysB enzymes were recombinantly produced; their activity against p-nitrophenyl esters could be related to their active site conformation and acyl binding site. LysB-D29 (long tunnel) showed the highest activity with long chain p-nitrophenyl palmitate followed by LysB-Omega (shallow bowl) and LysB-Saal (deep funnel).
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46. |
- Kristiansson, Amanda, et al.
(författare)
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177Lu-PSMA-617 Therapy in Mice, with or without the Antioxidant α1-Microglobulin (A1M), Including Kidney Damage Assessment Using 99mTc-MAG3 Imaging
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Anti-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand therapy is promising but not curative in castration resistant prostate cancer. One way to broaden the therapeutic index could be to administer higher doses in combination with radioprotectors, since administered radioactivity is kept low today in order to avoid side-effects from a high absorbed dose to healthy tissue. Here, we investigated the human radical scavenger α1-microglobulin (A1M) together with 177-Lutetium (177Lu) labeled PSMA-617 in preclinical models with respect to therapeutic efficacy and kidney toxicity. Nude mice with subcutaneous LNCaP xenografts were injected with 50 or 100 MBq of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, with or without injections of recombinant A1M (rA1M) (at T = 0 and T = 24 h). Kidney absorbed dose was calculated to 7.36 Gy at 4 days post a 100 MBq injection. Activity distribution was imaged with Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) at 24 h. Tumor volumes were measured continuously, and kidneys and blood were collected at termination (3-4 days and 3-4 weeks after injections). In a parallel set of experiments, mice were given [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and rA1M as above and dynamic technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine ([99mTc]Tc-MAG3) SPECT imaging was performed prior to injection, and 3- and 6-months post injection. Blood and urine were continuously sampled. At termination (6 months) the kidneys were resected. Biomarkers of kidney function, expression of stress genes and kidney histopathology were analyzed. [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 uptake, in tumors and kidneys, as well as treatment efficacy did not differ between rA1M and vehicle groups. In mice given rA1M, [99mTc]Tc-MAG3 imaging revealed a significantly higher slope of initial uptake at three months compared to mice co-injected with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and vehicle. Little or no change compared to control was seen in urine albumin, serum/plasma urea levels, RT-qPCR analysis of stress response genes and in the kidney histopathological evaluation. In conclusion, [99mTc]Tc-MAG3 imaging presented itself as a sensitive tool to detect changes in kidney function revealing that administration of rA1M has a potentially positive effect on kidney perfusion and tubular function when combined with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. Furthermore, we could show that rA1M did not affect anti-PSMA radioligand therapy efficacy.
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47. |
- Krokidis, Marios G., et al.
(författare)
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Assessment of DNA Topoisomerase I Unwinding Activity, Radical Scavenging Capacity, and Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Viability of N-alkyl-acridones and N,N-dialkyl-9,9-biacridylidenes
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 9:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The anticancer activity of acridone derivatives has attracted increasing interest, therefore, a variety of substituted analogs belonging to this family have been developed and evaluated for their anti-cancer properties. A series of N-alkyl-acridones 1-6 and N,N-dialkyl-9,9-biacridylidenes 7-12 with variable alkyl chains were examined for their topoisomerase I activity at neutral and acidic conditions as well as for their binding capacity to calf thymus and possible radical trapping antioxidant activity. It was found that at a neutral pH, topoisomerase I activity of both classes of compounds was similar, while under acidic conditions, enhanced intercalation was observed. N-alkyl-acridone derivatives 1-6 exhibited stronger, dose-dependent, cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 human breast epithelial cancer cells than N,N-dialkyl-9,9-biacridylidenes 7-12, revealing that conjugation of the heteroaromatic system plays a significant role on the effective distribution of the compound in the intracellular environment. Cellular investigation of long alkyl derivatives against cell migration exhibited 40-50% wound healing effects and cytoplasm diffusion, while compounds with shorter alkyl chains were accumulated both in the nucleus and cytoplasm. All N,N-dialkyl-9,9-biacridylidenes showed unexpected high scavenging activity towards DPPH or ABTS radicals which may be explained by higher stabilization of radical cations by the extended conjugation of heteroaromatic ring system.
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48. |
- Kumar-Singh, A, et al.
(författare)
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Mapping the Interactome of the Nuclear Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Syndecan-1 in Mesothelioma Cells
- 2020
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 10:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Syndecan-1 (SDC1) is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), which regulates various signaling pathways controlling the proliferation and migration of malignant mesothelioma and other types of cancer. We have previously shown that SDC1 can translocate to the nucleus in mesothelioma cells through a tubulin-dependent transport mechanism. However, the role of nuclear SDC1 is largely unknown. Here, we performed co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) of SDC1 in a mesothelioma cell line to identify SDC1 interacting proteins. The precipitates contained a large number of proteins, indicating the recovery of protein networks. Proteomic analysis with a focus on nuclear proteins revealed an association with pathways related to cell proliferation and RNA synthesis, splicing and transport. In support of this, the top RNA splicing candidates were verified to interact with SDC1 by Co-IP and subsequent Western blot analysis. Further loss- and gain-of-function experiments showed that SDC1 influences RNA levels in mesothelioma cells. The results identify a proteomic map of SDC1 nuclear interactors in a mesothelioma cell line and suggest a previously unknown role for SDC1 in RNA biogenesis. The results should serve as a fundament for further studies to discover the role of nuclear SDC1 in normal and cancer cells of different origin.
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49. |
- Lamichhane, Santosh, et al.
(författare)
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Cord-Blood Lipidome in Progression to Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes
- 2019
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 9:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Previous studies suggest that children who progress to type 1 diabetes (T1D) later in life already have an altered serum lipid molecular profile at birth. Here, we compared cord blood lipidome across the three study groups: children who progressed to T1D (PT1D; n = 30), children who developed at least one islet autoantibody but did not progress to T1D during the follow-up (P1Ab; n = 33), and their age-matched controls (CTR; n = 38). We found that phospholipids, specifically sphingomyelins, were lower in T1D progressors when compared to P1Ab and the CTR. Cholesterol esters remained higher in PT1D when compared to other groups. A signature comprising five lipids was predictive of the risk of progression to T1D, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.83. Our findings provide further evidence that the lipidomic profiles of newborn infants who progress to T1D later in life are different from lipidomic profiles in P1Ab and CTR.
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50. |
- Leuti, Alessandro, et al.
(författare)
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Macrophage Plasticity and Polarization Are Altered in the Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 11:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS is characterized by infiltrations of leukocytes such as T and B lymphocytes and macrophages. Macrophages have been identified as major effectors of inflammation and demyelination in both MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the activation and heterogeneity of macrophages in MS has been poorly investigated. Thus, in this study, we evaluated M1 and M2 macrophages immunophenotype from EAE and control mice by analyzing over 30 surface and intracellular markers through polychromatic flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and ELISA assay. We showed that M1 macrophages possessed a higher proinflammatory profile in EAE compared to control mice, since they expressed higher levels of activation/co-stimulatory markers (iNOS, CD40, and CD80) and cytokines/chemokines (IL-6, IL-12, CCL2, and CXCL10), whereas M2 lost their M2-like phenotype by showing a decreased expression of their signature markers CD206 and CCL22, as well as a concomitant upregulation of several M1 makers. Furthermore, immunization of M1 and M2 macrophages with MOG35-55 led to a significant hyperactivation of M1 and a concomitant shift of anti-inflammatory M2 to pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. Overall, we provide evidence for a phenotypic alteration of M1/M2 balance during MS, which can be of crucial importance not only for a better understanding of the immunopathology of this neurodegenerative disease but also to potentially develop new macrophage-centered therapeutic strategies.
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