| 1. |
- Aguiló, Francesca, et al.
(författare)
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Transcriptional regulation of the human acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase gene by PPARgamma.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 427:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the cytosol of lipogenic tissue, ketone bodies are activated by AACS (acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase) and incorporated into cholesterol and fatty acids. AACS gene expression is particularly abundant in white adipose tissue, as it is induced during adipocyte differentiation. In order to elucidate the mechanism controlling the gene expression of human AACS and to clarify its physiological role, we isolated the human promoter, characterized the elements required to initiate transcription and analysed the expression of the gene in response to PPARgamma (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma), an inducer of adipogenesis. We show that the human AACS promoter is a PPARgamma target gene and that this nuclear receptor is recruited to the AACS promoter by direct interaction with Sp1 (stimulating protein-1).
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| 2. |
- Berndt, Carsten, et al.
(författare)
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Chelation of lysosomal iron protects against ionizing radiation.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 432:2, s. 295-301
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ionizing radiation causes DNA damage and consequent apoptosis, mainly due to the production of hydroxyl radicals (HO•) that follows radiolytic splitting of water. However, superoxide (O2•-) and H2O2 also form and induce oxidative stress with resulting LMP (lysosomal membrane permeabilization) arising from iron-catalysed oxidative events. The latter will contribute significantly to radiation-induced cell death and its degree largely depends on the quantities of lysosomal redox-active iron present as a consequence of autophagy and endocytosis of iron-rich compounds. Therefore radiation sensitivity might be depressed by lysosome-targeted iron chelators. In the present study, we have shown that cells in culture are significantly protected from ionizing radiation damage if initially exposed to the lipophilic iron chelator SIH (salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone), and that this effect is based on SIH-dependent lysosomal stabilization against oxidative stress. According to its dose-response-modifying effect, SIH is a most powerful radioprotector and a promising candidate for clinical application, mainly to reduce the radiation sensitivity of normal tissue. We propose, as an example, that inhalation of SIH before each irradiation session by patients undergoing treatment for lung malignancies would protect normally aerated lung tissue against life-threatening pulmonary fibrosis, whereas the sensitivity of malignant lung tumours, which usually are non-aerated, will not be affected by inhaled SIH.
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| 3. |
- Elgán, Tobias H., et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of activity in glutaredoxins : An in vitro evolved Grx1-like variant of Escherichia coli Grx3
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 430:3, s. 487-495
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Escherichia coli glutaredoxins 1 and 3 (Grx1 and Grx3) are structurally similar (37% sequence identity), yet have different activities in vivo. Unlike Grx3, Grx1 efficiently reduces protein disulfides in proteins such as RR (ribonucleotide reductase), whereas it is poor at reducing S-glutathionylated proteins. An E. coli strain lacking genes encoding thioredoxins 1 and 2 and Grx1 is not viable on either rich or minimal medium; however, a M43V mutation in Grx3 restores growth under these conditions and results in a Grx1-like protein [Ortenberg, Gon, Porat and Beckwith (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101, 7439-7944]. To uncover the structural basis of this change in activity, we have compared wild-type and mutant Grx3 using CD and NMR spectroscopy. Ligand-induced stability measurements demonstrate that the Grx3(M43V/C65Y) mutant has acquired affinity for RR. Far-UV CD spectra reveal no significant differences, but differences are observed in the near-UV region indicative of tertiary structural changes. NMR 1H- 15N HSQC (heteronuclear single quantum coherence) spectra show that approximately half of the 82 residues experience significant (Δδ > 0.03 p.p.m.) chemical shift deviations in the mutant, including nine residues experiencing extensive (Δδ ≥ 0.15 p.p.m.) deviations. To test whether the M43V mutation alters dynamic properties of Grx3, H/D (hydrogen/deuterium) exchange experiments were performed demonstrating that the rate at which backbone amides exchange protons with the solvent is dramatically enhanced in the mutant, particularly in the core of the protein. These data suggest that the Grx1-like activity of the Grx3(M43V/C65Y) mutant may be explained by enhanced intrinsic motion allowing for increased specificity towards larger substrates such as RR.
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| 4. |
- Engel, Stephanie, et al.
(författare)
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FLIM-FRET and FRAP reveal association of influenza virus haemagglutinin with membrane rafts.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 425:3, s. 567-73
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It has been supposed that the HA (haemagglutinin) of influenza virus must be recruited to membrane rafts to perform its function in membrane fusion and virus budding. In the present study, we aimed at substantiating this association in living cells by biophysical methods. To this end, we fused the cyan fluorescent protein Cer (Cerulean) to the cytoplasmic tail of HA. Upon expression in CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary) cells HA-Cer was glycosylated and transported to the plasma membrane in a similar manner to authentic HA. We measured FLIM-FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy) and showed strong association of HA-Cer with Myr-Pal-YFP (myristoylated and palmitoylated peptide fused to yellow fluorescent protein), an established marker for rafts of the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Clustering was significantly reduced when rafts were disintegrated by cholesterol extraction and when the known raft-targeting signals of HA, the palmitoylation sites and amino acids in its transmembrane region, were removed. FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) showed that removal of raft-targeting signals moderately increased the mobility of HA in the plasma membrane, indicating that the signals influence access of HA to slowly diffusing rafts. However, Myr-Pal-YFP exhibited a much faster mobility compared with HA-Cer, demonstrating that HA and the raft marker do not diffuse together in a stable raft complex for long periods of time.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Fedulova, Natalia, 1980-, et al.
(författare)
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Porcine glutathione transferase Alpha 2-2 is a human GST A3-3 analogue that catalyses steroid double-bond isomerization
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 431:1, s. 159-167
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A primary role of GSTs (glutathione transferases) is detoxication of electrophilic compounds. In addition to this protective function, hGST (human GST) A3-3, a member of the Alpha class of soluble GSTs, has prominent steroid double-bond isomerase activity. The isomerase reaction is an obligatory step in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, indicating a special role of hGST A3-3 in steroidogenic tissues. An analogous GST with high steroid isomerase activity has so far not been found in any other biological species. In the present study, we characterized a Sus scrofa (pig) enzyme, pGST A2-2, displaying high steroid isomerase activity. High levels of pGST A2-2 expression were found in ovary, testis and liver. In its functional properties, other than steroid isomerization, pGST A2-2 was most similar to hGST A3-3. The properties of the novel porcine enzyme lend support to the notion that particular GSTs play an important role in steroidogenesis.
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| 7. |
- Holtta-Vuori, M., et al.
(författare)
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Zebrafish: gaining popularity in lipid research
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 429:2, s. 235-242
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Zebrafish are an increasingly popular vertebrate model organism in which to study biological phenomena. It has been widely used, especially ill developmental biology and neurobiology, and many aspects of its development and physiology are similar to those of mammals. The popularity of zebrafish relies on its relatively low cost, rapid development and ease of genetic manipulation. Moreover, the optical transparency of the developing fish together with novel imaging techniques enable the direct visualization of complex phenomena at the level of the entire organism. This potential is now also being increasingly appreciated by the lipid research community. In the present review we summarize basic information on the lipid composition and distribution in zebrafish tissues, including lipoprotein metabolism, intestinal lipid absorption, the yolk lipids and their mobilization, as well as lipids in the nervous system. We also discuss studies in which zebrafish have been employed for the visualization of whole-body lipid distribution and trafficking. Finally, recent advances in using zebrafish as a model for lipid-related diseases, including atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes and hepatic steatosis are highlighted. As the insights into zebrafish lipid metabolism increase, it is likely that zebrafish as a model organism will become an increasingly powerful tool in lipid research.
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| 8. |
- Karlsson, Markus, et al.
(författare)
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What does the commonly used DCF test for oxidative stress really show?
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 428:2, s. 183-90
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- H(2)DCF-DA (dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate) is widely used to evaluate 'cellular oxidative stress'. After passing through the plasma membrane, this lipophilic and non-fluorescent compound is de-esterified to a hydrophilic alcohol [H(2)DCF (dihydrodichlorofluorescein)] that may be oxidized to fluorescent DCF (2',7'-dichlorofluorescein) by a process usually considered to involve ROS (reactive oxygen species). It is, however, not always recognized that, being a hydrophilic molecule, H(2)DCF does not cross membranes, except for the outer fenestrated mitochondrial ones. It is also not generally realized that oxidation of H(2)DCF is dependent either on Fenton-type reactions or on unspecific enzymatic oxidation by cytochrome c, for neither superoxide, nor H(2)O(2), directly oxidizes H(2)DCF. Consequently, oxidation of H(2)DCF requires the presence of either cytochrome c or of both redox-active transition metals and H(2)O(2). Redox-active metals exist mainly within lysosomes, whereas cytochrome c resides bound to the outer side of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Following exposure to H(2)DCF-DA, weak mitochondrial fluorescence was found in both the oxidation-resistant ARPE-19 cells and the much more sensitive J774 cells. This fluorescence was only marginally enhanced following short exposure to H(2)O(2), showing that by itself it is unable to oxidize H(2)DCF. Cells that were either exposed to the lysosomotropic detergent MSDH (O-methylserine dodecylamide hydrochloride), exposed to prolonged oxidative stress, or spontaneously apoptotic showed lysosomal permeabilization and strong DCF-induced fluorescence. The results suggest that DCF-dependent fluorescence largely reflects relocation to the cytosol of lysosomal iron and/or mitochondrial cytochrome c.
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| 9. |
- Krus, Ulrika, et al.
(författare)
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Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 controls mitochondrial metabolism and insulin secretion in INS-1 832/13 clonal beta-cells
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 429, s. 205-213
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Tight coupling between cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolism is key for GSIS (glucose-stimulated insulin secretion). In the present study we examined the regulatory contribution of PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) kinase 1, a negative regulator of PDH, to metabolic coupling in 832/13 clonal beta-cells. Knockdown of PDH kinase 1 with siRNA (small interfering RNA) reduced its mRNA (>80 %) and protein level (>40 %) after 72 h. PDH activity, glucose-stimulated cellular oxygen consumption and pyruvate-stimulated mitochondrial oxygen consumption increased 1.7- (P < 0.05), 1.6- (P < 0.05) and 1.6-fold (P < 0.05) respectively. Gas chromatography/MS revealed an altered metabolite profile upon silencing of PDH kinase 1, determined by increased levels of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates malate, fumarate and alpha-ketoglutarate. These metabolic alterations were associated with exaggerated GSIS (5-fold compared with 3.1-fold in control cells; P < 0.01). Insulin secretion, provoked by leucine and dimethylsuccinate, which feed into the tricarboxylic acid cycle bypassing PDH, was unaffected. The oxygen consumption and metabolic data strongly suggest that knockdown of PDH kinase 1 in beta-cells permits increased metabolic flux of glucose-derived carbons into the tricarboxylic acid cycle via PDH. Enhanced insulin secretion is probably caused by increased generation of tricarboxylic acid cycle-derived reducing equivalents for mitochondrial electron transport to generate ATP and/or stimulatory metabolic intermediates. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that PDH kinase 1 is an important regulator of PDH in clonal beta-cells and that PDH kinase 1 and PDH are important for efficient metabolic coupling. Maintaining low PDH kinase I expression/activity, keeping PDH in a dephosphorylated and active state, may be important for beta-cells to achieve the metabolic flux rates necessary for maximal GSIS.
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| 10. |
- Lombard, Vincent, et al.
(författare)
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A hierarchical classification of polysaccharide lyases for glycogenomics
- 2010
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 432, s. 437-444
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Carbohydrate-active enzymes face huge substrate diversity in a highly selective manner using only a limited number of available folds. They are therefore subjected to multiple divergent and convergent evolutionary events. This and their frequent modularity render their functional annotation in genomes difficult in a number of cases. In the present paper, a classification of polysaccharide lyases (the enzymes that cleave polysaccharides using an elimination instead of a hydrolytic mechanism) is shown thoroughly for the first time. Based on the analysis of a large panel of experimentally characterized polysaccharide lyases, we examined the correlation of various enzyme properties with the three levels of the classification: fold, family and subfamily. The resulting hierarchical classification, which should help annotate relevant genes in genomic efforts, is available and constantly updated at the Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes Database (http://www.cazy.org).
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