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Differentiation of in vitro-modified human peripheral blood monocytes into hepatocyte-like and pancreatic islet-like cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Adult stem cells provide a promising alternative for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and end-stage liver diseases. We evaluated the differentiation potential of human peripheral blood monocytes into hepatocyte-like and pancreatic islet-like cells. METHODS: Monocytes were treated with macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin 3 for 6 days, followed by incubation with hepatocyte and pancreatic islet-specific differentiation media. Cells were characterized by flow cytometry, gene-expression analysis, metabolic assays, and transplantation for their state of differentiation and tissue-specific functions. RESULTS: In response to macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin 3, monocytes resumed cell division in a CD115-dependent fashion, which was associated with a down-regulation of the PRDM1 and ICSBP genes. These programmable cells of monocytic origin were capable of differentiating into neohepatocytes, which closely resemble primary human hepatocytes with respect to morphology, expression of hepatocyte markers, and specific metabolic functions. After transplantation into the liver of severe combined immunodeficiency disease/nonobese diabetic mice, neohepatocytes integrated well into the liver tissue and showed a morphology and albumin expression similar to that of primary human hepatocytes transplanted under identical conditions. Programmable cells of monocytic origin-derived pancreatic neoislets expressed beta cell-specific transcription factors, secreted insulin and C peptide in a glucose-dependent manner, and normalized blood glucose levels when xenotransplanted into immunocompetent, streptozotocin-treated diabetic mice. Programmable cells of monocytic origin retained monocytic characteristics, notably CD14 expression, a monocyte-specific methylation pattern of the CD115 gene, and expression of the transcription factor PU.1. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to reprogram, expand, and differentiate peripheral blood monocytes in large quantities opens the real possibility of the clinical application of programmable cells of monocytic origin in tissue repair and organ regeneration.

Albumins↗

Transcriptomic insights into thermal stress reveal physiological trade-off between thermal stress adaptation and reproductive investment in Spodoptera litura.

Spodoptera litura, a highly polyphagous lepidopteran pest, poses a major threat to agricultural productivity due to its remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. Although heat stress is known to trigger transcriptional reprogramming in insects, the molecular mechanisms underlying thermal stress responses in S. litura remain poorly understood. In the present study, fourth-instar larvae were exposed to acute heat stress (44 °C) and compared with control conditions (27 ± 1 °C) to investigate heat-induced transcriptional alterations affecting physiology and reproduction. High-quality RNA-Seq data achieved more than 80% mapping efficiency, with a total of 15,782 transcripts were identified. Transcriptome analysis of S. litura larvae showed 323 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 262 genes were significantly upregulated and 61 were downregulated in heat-stressed larvae compared to the control group. The DEGs were associated with stress response, reproduction, signalling, proteostasis, detoxification, oxidative stress, metabolism, development, and chromatin regulation. Heat shock proteins genes, including HSP70, HSP90, and HSP27, together with co-chaperones such as TRET-1, STIP1, and Starvin, were strongly upregulated, indicating enhanced cellular protection against protein damage and oxidative stress under heat stress. Conversely, key reproductive and cell cycle-related genes, including BARR, CAPD2, FEO, CDK2 and MORULA, were significantly downregulated, suggesting reproductive impairment and developmental arrest. RT-qPCR validation corroborated the RNA-Seq findings, demonstrating a heat-induced physiological trade-off that prioritizes survival over reproduction. Consistent with these molecular responses, heat-stressed insects exhibited marked reproductive impairment, including significant reductions in gonadosomatic index, eupyrene sperm bundle count, mating frequency, mating success, female calling behaviour, copulation duration, fecundity, and egg fertility. Collectively, these findings provide comprehensive insights into the molecular basis of thermal adaptation in S. litura and demonstrate that acute heat stress compromises reproductive fitness while activating conserved stress-response pathways that promote short-term survival.

Animals↗

Deficient arsenic methylation and global proteomic reprogramming in human keratinocytes during arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis.

Chronic inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure affects > 220 million people worldwide and skin cancer is a hallmark of long-term iAs exposure. Limited information exists regarding arsenic methylation by human keratinocytes and how methylation influences skin carcinogenesis. Inorganic arsenite (iAsIII) and its methylated metabolites disrupt diverse zinc finger proteins, leading to differential toxicity patterns. We examined arsenic methylation capacity in non-malignant human keratinocytes and interrogated proteomic remodeling across three stages of iAsIII induced malignant transformation using the well-established preclinical HaCaT model. Arsenic methylation was assessed by hydride generation cryotrapping inductively coupled-mass spectrometry and global proteomic changes were analyzed by tandem-mass tagging liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Primary, hTERT-immortalized and HaCaT human keratinocytes exhibited negligible arsenic methylation, with iAsIII comprising at least 98.5% of total intracellular arsenic, attributable to minimal expression of arsenite methyltransferase. Proteomic profiling identified over 275 differentially expressed proteins at each stage of transformation, including multiple zinc finger proteins implicated in cell cycle control, RNA metabolism, and genome stability. Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis revealed progressive, coordinated disruption of cancer-associated pathways and regulatory networks over the transformation timeline, including zinc-coordinating upstream regulators that may explain widespread pathway dysregulation. Collectively, our findings suggest that iAsIII promotes skin carcinogenesis by disrupting C3H1- and C4-type zinc finger protein-centered regulatory networks that coordinate cancer-associated signaling and metabolic pathways in human keratinocytes, highlighting key candidates for future mechanistic studies.

Arsenic↗

Regulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblasts within a three-dimensional collagen gel.

Fibroblasts cultivated within a three-dimensional collagen gel display an elongated, spindle-like morphology, reduce their proliferation rate, contact the gel to a very dense tissue, and modify their metabolic activity as compared to monolayer cultures. Collagen synthesis measured as protein-bound hydroxyproline is reduced to 5% of the values found in monolayer culture. The reduction involving type I and type III collagen is due to decreased de novo synthesis and not to enhanced degradation. Dot blot hybridization, Northern blot analysis, and in situ hybridization using collagen I- and III-specific cDNA probes demonstrate that reduced biosynthesis rates are reflected by a marked reduction of pro alpha 1 (I), pro alpha 2 (I), and pro alpha 1 (III) collagen mRNA indicating pretranslational regulation. A similar reduction was observed for actin mRNA whereas levels of tubulin mRNA were similar for fibroblasts in monolayer culture or cultivated within the three-dimensional collagen gels. The data suggest a specific reprogramming of various cellular activities in response to contact with the reconstituted extracellular matrix.

Blotting, Northern↗

Modelling regulatory pathways in E. coli from time series expression profiles.

MOTIVATION: Cells continuously reprogram their gene expression network as they move through the cell cycle or sense changes in their environment. In order to understand the regulation of cells, time series expression profiles provide a more complete picture than single time point expression profiles. Few analysis techniques, however, are well suited to modelling such time series data. RESULTS: We describe an approach that naturally handles time series data with the capabilities of modelling causality, feedback loops, and environmental or hidden variables using a Dynamic Bayesian network. We also present a novel way of combining prior biological knowledge and current observations to improve the quality of analysis and to model interactions between sets of genes rather than individual genes. Our approach is evaluated on time series expression data measured in response to physiological changes that affect tryptophan metabolism in E. coli. Results indicate that this approach is capable of finding correlations between sets of related genes.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Integrated metabolomics, transcriptional, and physicochemical analysis reveals key metabolites and genes associated with somatic embryogenesis in Phyllostachys pubescens.

Phyllostachys pubescens (Moso bamboo) is a significant perennial crop species that provides valuable nutritional and industrial uses, as well as carbon sequestration. Due to its remarkable growth rate, bamboo offers an ideal system for studying organogenesis, particularly in monocots. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) serves as a useful technique for crop breeding and improvement. SE in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) remains challenging due to limited knowledge of its transcriptional and metabolomic reprogramming. To address this, we optimized callus initiation (MS + 18.1 µM 2,4-D + 8.5 µM picloram), callus proliferation (MS + 12.5 µM 2,4-D + 8.5 µM picloram), and somatic embryogenesis (MS + 1.1 µM 2,4-D + 3.3 µM metatopolin), using nodal segments as explants. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based metabolite profiling revealed distinct biochemical trajectories across developmental stages of P. pubescens. NEC (non-embryogenic callus) was enriched in flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, while in-vitro shoots showed flavonoids and glycosides enrichment, and ex-vitro shoots showed high accumulation of glycosides and terpenoids. In contrast, EC (embryogenic callus) showed elevated levels of fatty acid derivatives (α-ESA, 26-Methyl Nigranoate), phytoalexins (Wyerone acid), sesquiterpene (Alpha-santalal, Beta-guaiene), flavonoid glycosides, and plant hormones (Cis-Zeatin, Gibberellin A45), indicating a metabolically active state supporting somatic embryogenesis. Similarly, genes and transcription factors controlling cell differentiation and embryogenesis were upregulated during SE. This study provides a comprehensive resource to facilitate future genomic and genetic investigations aimed at deciphering the molecular basis of organogenesis and advancing research on somatic embryogenesis in bamboo.

Plant Somatic Embryogenesis Techniques↗

Acclimatory-phase specificity of gene expression during the course of heat acclimation and superimposed hypohydration in the rat hypothalamus.

The induction of the heat-acclimated phenotype involves reprogramming the expression of genes encoding both constitutive and inducible proteins. In this investigation, we studied the global genomic response in the hypothalamus during heat acclimation, with and without combined hypohydration stress. Rats were acclimated for 2 days (STHA) or for 30 days (LTHA) at 34 degrees C. Hypohydration (10% decrease in body weight) was attained by water deprivation. 32P-labeled RNA samples from the hypothalamus were hybridized onto cDNA Atlas array (Clontech no. 1.2) membranes. Clustering and functional analyses of the expression profile of a battery of genes representing various central regulatory functions of body homeostasis demonstrated a biphasic acclimation profile with a transient upregulation of genes encoding ion channels, transporters, and transmitter signaling upon STHA. After LTHA, most genes returned to their preacclimation expression levels. In both STHA and LTHA, genes encoding hormones and neuropeptides, linked with metabolic rate and food intake, were downregulated. This genomic profile, demonstrating an enhanced transcription of genes linked with neuronal excitability during STHA and enhanced metabolic efficiency upon LTHA, is consistent with our previously established integrative acclimation model. The response to hypohydration was characterized by an upregulation of a large number of genes primarily associated with the regulation of ion channels, cell volume, and neuronal excitability. During STHA, the response was transiently desensitized, recovering upon LTHA. We conclude that hypohydration overrides the heat acclimatory status. It is notable that STHA and hypohydration gene profiles are analogous with the physiological profile described in the response to various types of brain injury.

Acclimatization↗

Transcriptional reprogramming and ultrastructure during atrophy and recovery of mouse soleus muscle.

This study investigated the use of the hindlimb suspension (HS) and reloading model of mice for the mapping of ultrastructural and gene expressional alterations underlying load-dependent muscular adaptations. Mice were hindlimb suspended for 7 days or kept as controls (n = 12). Soleus muscles were harvested after HS (HS7, n = 23) or after resuming ambulatory cage activity (reloading) for either 1 day (R1, n = 13) or 7 days (R7, n = 9). Using electron microscopy, a reduction in mean fiber area (-37%) and in capillary-to-fiber ratio (from 1.83 to 1.42) was found for HS7. Subsequent reloading caused an increase in interstitial cells (+96%) and in total capillary length (+57%), whereas mean fiber area and capillary-to-fiber ratio did not significantly change compared with HS. Total RNA in the soleus muscle was altered with both HS (-63%) and reloading (+108% in R7 compared with control). This is seen as an important adaptive mechanism. Gene expression alterations were assessed by a muscle-specific low-density cDNA microarray. The transcriptional adjustments indicate an early increase of myogenic factors during reloading together with an overshoot of contractile (MyHC I and IIa) and metabolic (glycolytic and oxidative) mRNA amounts and suggest mechano-sensitivity of factors keeping the sarcomeres in register (desmin, titin, integrin-beta1). Important differences to published data from former rat studies were found with the mouse HS model for contractile and glycolytic enzyme expression. These species-specific differences need to be considered when transgenic mice are used for the elucidation of monogenetic factors in mechano-dependent muscle plasticity.

Animals↗

A link between lung androgen metabolism and the emergence of mature epithelial type II cells.

Lung maturation is delayed in male fetuses compared with female fetuses, which has been attributed to higher levels of androgens in the male lung. Our previous studies demonstrated that the genes encoding for the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) type 5 (androstenedione --> testosterone) and type 2 (the opposite reaction) are expressed in human epithelial type II (PTII)-like A549 cells and in human lung fibroblasts, respectively. Here, we aim to explain the physiological relevance of androgen synthesis by PTII cells. We showed that both 17 beta-HSD type 2 and type 5 genes are upregulated in correlation with the emergence of mature PTII cells in both male and female developing lungs of the mouse. In contrast, the androgen receptor gene is expressed equally in both sexes with no temporal regulation. We conclude that the expression profile of the 17 beta-HSD type 5 gene does not explain the presence of higher levels of androgen in the male fetal lung, but that androgen synthesis must be a normal feature of mature PTII cells for both sexes. The production of androgens after the emergence of mature PTII cells should negatively regulate PTII cell maturation and, thus, a role for androgens in cell reprogramming is suggested.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Proportionality of rate response to metabolic workload provided by a rate adaptive pacemaker with automatic rate profile optimization.

OBJECTIVE: The rate response of a pacemaker (PM) was compared with the sinus rate in patients during repeated exercise tests, at different settings of the rate response parameters. METHODS AND RESULTS: In patients with paroxysmal sick sinus syndrome (n=3) or atrioventricular block (n=8), a rate responsive PM was implanted. The activity-dependent pacing rate is represented by the sensor indicated rate (SIR). Each patient performed a treadmill test at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years after implantation. Prior to the 1 and 2 year tests PM parameters were changed to produce a larger rate increase, especially at moderate levels of daily life activity. During the tests the O(2) consumption and CO(2) production were measured, breath-by-breath, to determine the workload and the anaerobic threshold. On average the workload (oxygen consumption), the patient's sinus rate, and the SIR, showed a linear increase with the workload imposed by the treadmill. In the 1 month and 1 year test the SIR was much lower than the spontaneous rhythm, especially at low or moderate workloads. On the more dynamic setting of several rate adaptive parameters at 2 years, the SIR changed significantly and was close to the spontaneous HR. CONCLUSIONS: The examined PM provides a paced heart rate that is proportional to the workload. For the first time the effect of reprogramming rate response parameters to produce an SIR that is similar to the sinus rate is shown in this study.

Aged↗

DNA Methylation and Proteomic Profiling of Postmortem Brain Tissue Reveals Epigenetic Dysregulation and Neuroinflammatory in Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS).

BACKGROUND: Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by FMR1 premutation CGG repeat expansions (55-200 repeats). The epigenetic landscape of the FXTAS brain remains uncharacterized. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of postmortem prefrontal cortex tissue to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and candidate genes, and sought protein-level support for a neuroinflammatory signal. METHODS: DNA methylation was profiled in postmortem prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9) from 27 male FXTAS cases and 29 male controls using the Illumina MethylationEPIC array (EPICv1 and EPICv2 platforms), merging 721,802 common probes. Surrogate variable analysis (SVA) controlled for confounders. DMPs were defined by |&#x394;&#x3b2;| > 0.10 and FDR < 0.05; exploratory Reactome 2024 pathway analysis was performed on the DMP-associated gene list. Targeted proteomic profiling was performed in the same brain region using the Olink (proximity extension assay) Inflammation panel in 9 FXTAS cases and 12 controls, with SVA-adjusted differential abundance analysis, and concordance assessment against a prior mass spectrometry dataset. RESULTS: We identified 108 significant cg-type DMPs mapping to 80 genes (50 hypermethylated, 58 hypomethylated in FXTAS). The strongest signal was CYP2E1 (7 concordant hypomethylated DMPs, mean &#x394;&#x3b2; = -0.143), an oxidative stress gene also implicated in Parkinson's disease. FTCD, a one-carbon cycle enzyme, carried 5 hypermethylated DMPs (mean &#x394;&#x3b2; = +0.210). A cluster of DMP-associated genes with established roles in innate immune and NF-&#x3ba;B signaling, TRAF3 (the single most significant DMP among the inflammation genes, hypermethylated), BATF, RCOR1, and MSI2; they pointed toward neuroinflammatory dysregulation. Additional genes included LINGO1 (myelination inhibitor), SYT3 (synaptic vesicle), and SLC39A4 (zinc transporter). Exploratory Reactome enrichment using the DMP-associated gene set nominated themes including neuroinflammation resolution, axonal growth inhibition, zinc homeostasis, and CYP2E1 metabolism at nominal significance (p<0.05); however, the gene-to-pathway mapping rate was low and no pathway survived correction for multiple testing. Olink proteomic analysis independently identified 60 significantly altered inflammation proteins (59 downregulated), including CXCL8, CXCL10, IL6, IL15, IL18, TLR3, IRAK1/4, and complement C1QA, which were directionally concordant with prior mass spectrometry data. CONCLUSIONS: This integrated study reveals a genome-wide epigenetic signature in the FXTAS prefrontal cortex implicating oxidative stress, myelination failure, zinc dysregulation, one-carbon cycle disruption, and most notably a coordinated set of epigenetically altered genes governing innate immune and NF-&#x3ba;B signaling. Convergence of TRAF3 hypermethylation with independent downregulation of TLR3 and NF-&#x3ba;B-pathway proteins at the protein level supports a coherent, cross-platform model of dysregulated neuroinflammatory signaling in FXTAS, identified here through individual gene- and protein-level convergence rather than formal pathway enrichment. FTCD hypermethylation proposes a self-reinforcing epigenetic loop via SAM depletion. These multi-omic findings establish FXTAS as a disorder of pervasive epigenetic reprogramming and nominate candidate genes for future mechanistic and therapeutic investigation.

CYP2E1↗

Role of reactive intermediates in tumor promotion and progression.

Many tumor promoters, including the phorbol esters, do not require biotransformation to stimulate cell growth. By contrast, some promoters, notably organic peroxides and hydroperoxides, must be metabolized to reactive intermediates to trigger signal transduction pathways for mitogenesis. These intermediates can be both free radicals and electrophiles. For example, skin tumor promoters such as tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, dicumyl peroxide and benzoyl peroxide undergo metal-dependent activation in keratinocytes to form alkoxyl, alkyl and aryl radicals as determined by spin trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. These radicals can participate in substitution, addition or hydrogen-abstraction reactions leading to protein oxidation or alkylation, lipid peroxidation and/or DNA damage. Scavenger studies indicate that these macromolecular interactions mediate the cytotoxic and mitogenic effects of these peroxides. In some instances radicals can undergo further oxidation to electrophiles. The promoting activity of butylated hydroxytoluene hydroperoxide is mediated by a quinone methide, an electrophile formed through a phenoxyl radical intermediate. In this instance, covalent interaction of the quinone methide with sulfhydryl groups or other nucleophiles in the target cell appears to transmit the molecular signal for cell division and replication. Like the phorbol esters, peroxides and hydroperoxides lead to a genetic reprogramming manifest by the induction of immediate early response genes such as c-jun and late response genes such as ornithine decarboxylase, suggesting convergence in the molecular signalling processes among different classes of promoters.

Animals↗

Clinical experience with the rate responsive pacemaker Sensolog 703.

Pacemaker therapy with rate responsive systems becomes increasingly more important. Numerous clinical and experimental trials have been conducted thus far to investigate different sensors of metabolic demands of the body, functioning independently of an atrial electrogram. To transform mechanical energy into electrical energy, activity-triggered systems utilize a piezo-quartz as their sensor. Thirty five patients suffering from pathological bradyarrhythmias and therefore from an inadequate increase of the heart rate during exercise were supplied with a Sensolog 703. Clinical follow-up was first performed with the help of treadmill ergometry, later on by walking on flat ground and climbing steps. The settings due to the first test caused inadequately high stimulation rates. A 24-h-Holter-ECG was necessary to control the programming and the rate profile in the patient's daily life. Using only the histogram and the rateread function, all rate adaptive parameters of the Sensolog 703 could be set by walking on flat ground and climbing steps. We defined a frequency of 75-85 min-1 to be appropriate during walking, respectively "low work." Individual programming ranged from 2-5/8-15/high-low/very fast-medium/fast-medium (slope, threshold, gain, reaction and recovery time). Reprogramming based on 24-h-Holter ECG was only necessary if the pacemaker was formerly adjusted with the help of treadmill ergometry. Besides, we observed an increase of the stimulation rate due to vibrations not related to exercise, e.g., by driving in a car.

Aged↗

Genome-wide mRNA profiling in glucose starved Bacillus subtilis cells.

In this study global changes in gene expression were monitored in Bacillus subtilis cells entering stationary growth phase owing to starvation for glucose. Gene expression was analysed in growing and starving cells at different time points by full-genome mRNA profiling using DNA macroarrays. During the transition to stationary phase we observed extensive reprogramming of gene expression, with approximately 1,000 genes being strongly repressed and approximately 900 strongly up-regulated in a time-dependent manner. The genes involved in the response to glucose starvation can be assigned to two main classes: (i) general stress/starvation genes which respond to various stress or starvation stimuli, and (ii) genes that respond specifically to starvation for glucose. The first class includes members of the sigma(B)-dependent general stress regulon, as well as 90 vegetative genes, which are strongly down regulated in the course of the stringent response. Among the genes in the second class, we observed a decrease in the expression of genes encoding proteins required for glucose uptake, glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Conversely, many carbohydrate utilisation systems that depend on phosphotransferase systems (PTS) or ABC transporters were activated. The expression of genes required for utilisation or generation of acetate indicates that acetate constitutes an important energy source for B. subtilis during periods of glucose starvation. Finally, genome wide mRNA profiling data can be used to predict new metabolic pathways in B. subtilis. Thus, our data suggest that glucose-starved cells are able to degrade branched-chain fatty acids to pyruvate and succinate via propionyl-CoA using the methylcitrate pathway. This pathway appears to link lipid degradation to gluconeogenesis in glucose-starved cells.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Early clinical experience with a minute ventilation sensor DDDR pacemaker.

UNLABELLED: The new DDDR pacemaker META DDDR utilizes a minute ventilation sensor based on transthoracic impedance measurements. The sensor determines the metabolic indicated interval, the atrioventricular (AV) delay and the postventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP). The baseline PVARP must be carefully selected to define nonphysiological tachycardias. If a P wave falls within the PVARP the pacemaker will automatically switch to the VVIR mode. This behavior prevents tracking of paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias (PAT). Twenty-eight patients with sinus node dysfunction (n = 20), AV junction ablation (n = 5), complete or intermittent AV block (n = 3); who received a META DDDR pacemaker were studied. The mean age was 65 +/- 13 years. RESULTS: mode switching (reversion) to VVIR was observed in 57% of the patients. Forty-two percent had episodes of mode switching to VVIR during a stress test, four related to PAT, and seven to sinus tachycardia. Fifty percent had episodes of mode switching to VVIR during a 24-hour Holter, four related to PAT, three to retrograde P wave sensing, and two to sinus tachycardia. At the last follow-up, 20 of the 26 patients initially programmed to the DDDR mode remained in the DDDR mode, while five were reprogrammed to the DDD and one to the VVIR mode. Mode switching has a high sensitivity but a low specificity for PAT. It appears to be a useful approach to prevent rapid tracking of atrial tachyarrhythmias. Careful PVARP programming is critical to appropriate reversion behavior, but further modifications of the algorithm are needed to improve its performance.

Aged↗

Leptin: pharmacological aspects in gynecology.

Hematic levels of leptin vary in relation to numerous metabolic factors and are able to interact in perfect synchrony with the hormones involved in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis during the various phases of the reproductive cycle. In general it is maintained that the complex and multiple action mechanisms of leptin need to be clarified by further in-depth research studies. It is likely that valid pharmacological applications of leptin will be found for human use although it is too premature to talk about concrete pharmacological answers and to formulate the relative complete technical protocols. In medicine the therapeutic use of leptin for humans has been reported in only a few cases. In fact human recombinant leptin has already been administered in gynecology for hypothalamic amenorrhea with precise protocols. In addition, very recent studies have provided the basis for new strategies to be developed concerning the use of leptin to fight multiple sclerosis. At present there are considerable technical and economic problems in the production of leptin on a large scale. Most likely these problems will be overcome in the foreseeable future, and will involve new techniques related to genetics, cellular reprograming, and stem cells. In fact, new pharmacogenetic research has provided encouraging results for the production in industrial quantities of a more effective and fail-proof leptin. Even considering that norms have not yet been proposed for pharmacological interventions with leptin for use directly on humans, in our work we have studied by immunohistochemistry methods the distribution of leptin and its receptor (Ob-R) in the ovaries of the female dog as a biological model, in the pre- and postpubertal phases and in other phases of the ovarian cycle. Given the hypothesis that the information obtained from immunohistochemical localization of the hormone and its receptor in various ovarian structures is transferable to humans, it could be useful to define therapeutic protocols based on the effective role of leptin and its receptor in folliculogenesis.

Animals↗

The transcription factor Gcr1 stimulates cell growth by participating in nutrient-responsive gene expression on a global level.

Transcriptomic reprogramming is critical to the coordination between growth and cell cycle progression in response to changing extracellular conditions. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription factor Gcr1 contributes to this coordination by supporting maximum expression of G1 cyclins in addition to regulating both glucose-induced and glucose-repressed genes. We report here the comprehensive genome-wide expression profiling of gcr1Delta cells. Our data show that reduced expression of ribosomal protein genes in gcr1Delta cells is detectable both 20 min after glucose addition and in steady-state cultures of raffinose-grown cells, showing that this defect is not the result of slow growth or growth on a repressing sugar. However, the large cell phenotype of the gcr1Delta mutant occurs only in the presence of repressing sugars. GCR1 deletion also results in aberrant derepression of numerous glucose repressed loci; glucose-grown gcr1Delta cells actively respire, demonstrating that this global alteration in transcription corresponds to significant changes at the physiological level. These data offer an insight into the coordination of growth and cell division by providing an integrated view of the transcriptomic, phenotypic, and metabolic consequences of GCR1 deletion.

Carbon↗

Mechanism of resistance to tiazofurin in hepatoma 3924A.

Tiazofurin (2-beta-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxamide, NSC-286193) has shown potent cytotoxic and antitumor activity against hepatoma 3924A carried in the rat [Lui et al. J. biol. Chem. 259, 5078 (1984)]. However, eventually the tumor emerged, proliferated and killed the host. To throw light on the factors that play a role in the resistance to this drug, a tiazofurin-induced resistant hepatoma 3924A line in culture was produced, and its biochemical and pharmacological pattern was examined. Resistance in hepatoma cells was expressed by a reprogramming of gene expression that entailed the display of a program of multiple biochemical alterations. In the resistant cells the activity of IMP dehydrogenase, the target enzyme of tiazofurin, was increased 2- to 3-fold. The steady-state guanylate pools were elevated 3-fold, and there was a decrease in the de novo synthesis of guanylate. There was an expansion of guanylate salvage, which could circumvent inhibition of de novo guanylate synthesis by tiazofurin. For the first time in studies on the resistance of different cell lines to tiazofurin, reduced tiazofurin transport (to 50%) in resistant hepatoma cells was identified which might account for the decreased concentration (50%) of the active metabolite, thiazole-4-carboxamide adenine dinucleotide (TAD), in these cells. NAD pyrophosphorylase activity also decreased to 53% of that of the sensitive line, which was responsible, in part at least, for the decreased TAD concentration of the resistant cells. When resistant cells were cultured in the absence of tiazofurin, resistance to the drug gradually decreased, and by 50 passages sensitivity returned. Resistance to tiazofurin in hepatoma cells appears to be a drug-induced metabolic adaptation which involves alterations in the activity of the target enzyme, in the transport and concentration of the drug and the active metabolite, and an increase of guanylate concentration and guanine salvage capacity.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗