Integrative Molecular Phenotyping
INTEGRATIVE MOLECULAR
PHENOTYPING
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY

PubMed

Identification of a multiprotein reductive dehalogenase complex in Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain CBDB1 suggests a protein-dependent respiratory electron transport chain obviating quinone involvement.

Fri, 01/01/2016 - 13:47
Identification of a multiprotein reductive dehalogenase complex in Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain CBDB1 suggests a protein-dependent respiratory electron transport chain obviating quinone involvement. Environ Microbiol. 2015 Dec 31; Authors: Kublik A, Deobald D, Hartwig S, Schiffmann CL, Andrades A, von Bergen M, Sawers RG, Adrian L Abstract Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain CBDB1 is an obligate organohalide-respiring bacterium using only hydrogen as electron donor and halogenated organics as electron acceptor. Here, we studied proteins involved in the respiratory chain under non-denaturing conditions. Using Blue Native gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE), gel filtration and ultrafiltration an active dehalogenating protein complex with a molecular mass of 250-270 kDa was identified. The active subunit of reductive dehalogenase (RdhA) co-localized with a complex iron-sulfur molybdoenzyme (CISM) subunit (CbdbA195) and an iron-sulfur cluster containing subunit (CbdbA131) of the hydrogen uptake hydrogenase (Hup). No co-localization between the catalytically active subunits of hydrogenase and reductive dehalogenase was found. By two-dimensional BN/SDS-PAGE the stability of the complex towards detergents was assessed, demonstrating stepwise disintegration with increasing detergent concentrations. Chemical cross-linking confirmed the presence of a higher molecular mass reductive dehalogenase protein complex composed of RdhA, CISM I and Hup hydrogenase and proved to be a potential tool for stabilizing protein-protein interactions of the dehalogenating complex prior to membrane solubilization. Taken together, the identification of the respiratory dehalogenase protein complex and the absence of indications for quinone participation in the respiration suggest a quinone-independent protein-based respiratory electron transfer chain in D. mccartyi. PMID: 26718631 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Gene expression mapping of histone deacetylases and co-factors, and correlation with survival time and 1H-HRMAS metabolomic profile in human gliomas.

Fri, 01/01/2016 - 13:47
Related Articles Gene expression mapping of histone deacetylases and co-factors, and correlation with survival time and 1H-HRMAS metabolomic profile in human gliomas. Sci Rep. 2015;5:9087 Authors: Dali-Youcef N, Froelich S, Moussallieh FM, Chibbaro S, Noël G, Namer IJ, Heikkinen S, Auwerx J Abstract Primary brain tumors are presently classified based on imaging and histopathological techniques, which remains unsatisfaying. We profiled here by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) the transcripts of eighteen histone deacetylases (HDACs) and a subset of transcriptional co-factors in non-tumoral brain samples from 15 patients operated for epilepsia and in brain tumor samples from 50 patients diagnosed with grade II oligodendrogliomas (ODII, n = 9), grade III oligodendrogliomas (ODIII, n = 22) and glioblastomas (GL, n = 19). Co-factor transcripts were significantly different in tumors as compared to non-tumoral samples and distinguished different molecular subgroups of brain tumors, regardless of tumor grade. Among all patients studied, the expression of HDAC1 and HDAC3 was inversely correlated with survival, whereas the expression of HDAC4, HDAC5, HDAC6, HDAC11 and SIRT1 was significantly and positively correlated with survival time of patients with gliomas. (1)H-HRMAS technology revealed metabolomically distinct groups according to the expression of HDAC1, HDAC4 and SIRT1, suggesting that these genes may play an important role in regulating brain tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Our study hence identified different molecular fingerprints for subgroups of histopathologically similar brain tumors that may enable the prediction of outcome based on the expression level of co-factor genes and could allow customization of treatment. PMID: 25791281 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

An unbiased metabolomic investigation of the Alzheimer's disease brain points to a dysregulation of the mitochondrial aspartate metabolism.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
An unbiased metabolomic investigation of the Alzheimer's disease brain points to a dysregulation of the mitochondrial aspartate metabolism. J Proteome Res. 2015 Dec 30; Authors: Paglia G, Stocchero M, Cacciatore S, Lai S, Angel PM, Alam MT, Keller M, Ralser M, Astarita G Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of adult dementia. Yet the complete set of molecular changes accompanying this inexorable, neurodegenerative disease remains elusive. Here we adopted an unbiased lipidomics and metabolomics approach to surveying frozen frontal cortex samples from clinically characterized AD patients (n=21) and age-matched controls (n=19), revealing marked molecular differences between them. Then, by means of metabolomic pathway analysis, we incorporated the novel molecular information into the known biochemical pathways and compared it with the results of a metabolomics meta-analysis of previously published AD research. We found six metabolic pathways of the central metabolism as well as glycerophospholipid metabolism predominantly altered in AD brains. Using targeted metabolomics approaches and MS imaging, we confirmed a marked dysregulation of the mitochondrial aspartate metabolism. The altered metabolic pathways were further integrated with clinical data, showing various degrees of correlation with parameters of dementia and AD pathology. Our study highlights specific, altered biochemical pathways in the brains of individuals with AD compared with those of control subjects, emphasizing a dysregulation of the mitochondrial aspartate metabolism and supporting future venues of investigation. PMID: 26717242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Metabolomic Elucidation of the Effects of Curcumin on Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Metabolomic Elucidation of the Effects of Curcumin on Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0145539 Authors: Ahn JK, Kim S, Hwang J, Kim J, Lee YS, Koh EM, Kim KH, Cha HS Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial inflammation and joint disability. Curcumin is known to be effective in ameliorating joint inflammation in RA. To obtain new insights into the effect of curcumin on primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS, N = 3), which are key effector cells in RA, we employed gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS)-based metabolomics. Metabolomic profiling of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated and curcumin-treated FLS was performed using GC/TOF-MS in conjunction with univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. A total of 119 metabolites were identified. Metabolomic analysis revealed that metabolite profiles were clearly distinct between TNF-α-stimulated vs. the control group (not stimulated by TNF-α or curcumin). Treatment of FLS with curcumin showed that the metabolic perturbation by TNF-α could be reversed to that of the control group to a considerable extent. Curcumin-treated FLS had higher restoration of amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, as indicated by the prominent metabolic restoration of intermediates of amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, compared with that observed in TNF-α-stimulated FLS. In particular, the abundance of glycine, citrulline, arachidonic acid, and saturated fatty acids in TNF-α-stimulated FLS was restored to the control level after treatment with curcumin, suggesting that the effect of curcumin on preventing joint inflammation may be elucidated with the levels of these metabolites. Our results suggest that GC/TOF-MS-based metabolomic investigation using FLS has the potential for discovering the mechanism of action of curcumin and new targets for therapeutic drugs in RA. PMID: 26716989 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Metformin Improves Diabetic Bone Health by Re-Balancing Catabolism and Nitrogen Disposal.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Metformin Improves Diabetic Bone Health by Re-Balancing Catabolism and Nitrogen Disposal. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0146152 Authors: Li X, Guo Y, Yan W, Snyder MP, Li X Abstract OBJECTIVE: Metformin, a leading drug used to treat diabetic patients, is reported to benefit bone homeostasis under hyperglycemia in animal models. However, both the molecular targets and the biological pathways affected by metformin in bone are not well identified or characterized. The objective of this study is to investigate the bioengergeric pathways affected by metformin in bone marrow cells of mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Metabolite levels were examined in bone marrow samples extracted from metformin or PBS -treated healthy (Wild type) and hyperglycemic (diabetic) mice using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics. We applied an untargeted high performance LC-MS approach which combined multimode chromatography (ion exchange, reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC)) and Orbitrap-based ultra-high accuracy mass spectrometry to achieve a wide coverage. A multivariate clustering was applied to reveal the global trends and major metabolite players. RESULTS: A total of 346 unique metabolites were identified, and they are grouped into distinctive clusters that reflected general and diabetes-specific responses to metformin. As evidenced by changes in the TCA and urea cycles, increased catabolism and nitrogen waste that are commonly associated with diabetes were rebalanced upon treatment with metformin. In particular, we found glutamate and succinate whose levels were drastically elevated in diabetic animals were brought back to normal levels by metformin. These two metabolites were further validated as the major targets of metformin in bone marrow stromal cells. CONCLUSION: Overall using limited sample size, our study revealed the metabolic pathways modulated by metformin in bones which have broad implication in our understanding of bone remodeling under hyperglycemia and in finding therapeutic interventions in mammals. PMID: 26716870 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Longitudinal Metabolomic Profiling of Amino Acids and Lipids across Healthy Pregnancy.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Longitudinal Metabolomic Profiling of Amino Acids and Lipids across Healthy Pregnancy. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0145794 Authors: Lindsay KL, Hellmuth C, Uhl O, Buss C, Wadhwa PD, Koletzko B, Entringer S Abstract Pregnancy is characterized by a complexity of metabolic processes that may impact fetal development and ultimately, infant health outcomes. However, our understanding of whole body maternal and fetal metabolism during this critical life stage remains incomplete. The objective of this study is to utilize metabolomics to profile longitudinal patterns of fasting maternal metabolites among a cohort of non-diabetic, healthy pregnant women in order to advance our understanding of changes in protein and lipid concentrations across gestation, the biochemical pathways by which they are metabolized and to describe variation in maternal metabolites between ethnic groups. Among 160 pregnant women, amino acids, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, keto-bodies and non-esterified fatty acids were detected by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, while polar lipids were detected through flow-injected mass spectrometry. The maternal plasma concentration of several essential and non-essential amino acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, free carnitine, acetylcarnitine, phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins significantly decreased across pregnancy. Concentrations of several TCA intermediates increase as pregnancy progresses, as well as the keto-body β-hydroxybutyrate. Ratios of specific acylcarnitines used as indicators of metabolic pathways suggest a decreased beta-oxidation rate and increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 enzyme activity with advancing gestation. Decreasing amino acid concentrations likely reflects placental uptake and tissue biosynthesis. The absence of any increase in plasma non-esterified fatty acids is unexpected in the catabolic phase of later pregnancy and may reflect enhanced placental fatty acid uptake and utilization for fetal tissue growth. While it appears that energy production through the TCA cycle increases as pregnancy progresses, decreasing patterns of free carnitine and acetylcarnitine as well as increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 rate and β-hydroxybutyrate levels suggest a concomitant upregulation of ketogenesis to ensure sufficient energy supply in the fasting state. Several differences in metabolomic profiles between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women demonstrate phenotypic variations in prenatal metabolism which should be considered in future studies. PMID: 26716698 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) modulates docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-induced recovery in rats undergoing spinal cord injury.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) modulates docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-induced recovery in rats undergoing spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma. 2015 Dec 30; Authors: Figueroa JD, Illan MS, Licero J, Cordero K, Miranda JD, De Leon M Abstract Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) promote functional recovery in rats undergoing spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the precise molecular mechanism coupling n-3 PUFAs to neurorestorative responses is not well understood. The objective of the present study was to determine the spatiotemporal expression of the fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) following contusive SCI and to investigate whether this protein plays a role in n-3 PUFAs-mediated functional recovery after SCI. We found that SCI resulted in a robust spinal cord upregulation in the FABP5 mRNA levels (556 ± 187 %) and protein expression (518 ± 195 %) when compared to sham-operated rats at 7 days post-injury (dpi). This upregulation coincided with significant alterations in the metabolism of fatty acids in the injured spinal cord, as revealed by metabolomics-based lipid analyses. In particular, we found increased levels of the n-3 series PUFAs, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) at 7 dpi. Animals consuming a diet rich in DHA and EPA exhibited a significant upregulation in FABP5 mRNA levels at 7 dpi. Immunofluorescence showed low basal FABP5 immunoreactivity (IR) in the spinal cord ventral gray matter NeuN+ neurons of sham-operated rats. SCI resulted in a robust induction of FABP5 in glial (GFAP+, APC+, and NG2+) and precursor cells (DCX+, nestin+). We found that continuous intrathecal administration of FABP5 silencing with small interfering RNA (2 μg) impaired spontaneous open-field locomotion after SCI. Further, FABP5 siRNA administration hindered the beneficial effects of DHA to ameliorate functional recovery at 7 dpi. Altogether, our findings suggest that FABP5 may be an important player in the promotion of cellular uptake, transport, and/or metabolism of DHA following SCI. Given the beneficial roles of n-3 PUFAs in ameliorating functional recovery, we propose that FABP5 in an important contributor to basic repair mechanisms in the injured spinal cord. PMID: 26715431 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

An in vitro metabolomics approach to identify hepatotoxicity biomarkers in human L02 liver cells treated with pekinenal, a natural compound.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
An in vitro metabolomics approach to identify hepatotoxicity biomarkers in human L02 liver cells treated with pekinenal, a natural compound. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2015 Dec 29; Authors: Shi J, Zhou J, Ma H, Guo H, Ni Z, Duan J, Tao W, Qian D Abstract An in vitro cell metabolomics study was performed on human L02 liver cells to investigate the toxic biomarkers of pekinenal from the herb Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr. Pekinenal significantly induced L02 cell damage, which was characterised by necrosis and apoptosis. Metabolomics combined with data pattern recognition showed that pekinenal significantly altered the profiles of more than 1299 endogenous metabolites with variable importance in the projection (VIP) > 1. Further, screening correlation coefficients between the intensities of all metabolites and the extent of L02 cell damage (MTT) identified 12 biomarker hits: ten were downregulated and two were upregulated. Among these hits, LysoPC(18:1(9Z)/(11Z)), PC(22:0/15:0) and PC(20:1(11Z)/14:1(9Z)) were disordered, implying the initiation of inflammation and cell damage. Several fatty acids (FAs) (3-hydroxytetradecanedioic acid, pivaloylcarnitine and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide) decreased due to fatty acid oxidation. Dihydroceramide and Cer(d18:0/14:0) were also altered and are associated with apoptosis. Additional examination of the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and two eicosanoids (PGE2, PGF2α) in the cell supernatant confirmed the fatty acid oxidation and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways, respectively. In summary, cell metabolomics is a highly efficient approach for identifying toxic biomarkers and helping understand toxicity mechanisms and predict herb-induced liver injury. Graphical Abstract ᅟ. PMID: 26715247 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Advances in the microbial etiology and pathogenesis of early childhood caries.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Advances in the microbial etiology and pathogenesis of early childhood caries. Mol Oral Microbiol. 2015 Dec 30; Authors: Hajishengallis E, Parsaei Y, Klein MI, Koo H Abstract Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases affecting children worldwide. ECC is an aggressive form of dental caries, which left untreated, can result in rapid and extensive cavitation in teeth (rampant caries) that is painful and costly to treat. Furthermore, it affects mostly children from impoverished background, and thus constitutes a major challenge in public health. The disease is a prime example of the consequences arising from complex, dynamic interactions between microorganisms, host and diet, leading to the establishment of highly pathogenic (cariogenic) biofilms. To date, there are no effective methods to identify those at risk of developing ECC or control the disease in affected children. Recent advances in deep-sequencing technologies, novel imaging methods and (meta)proteomics-metabolomics approaches provide an unparalleled potential to reveal new insights to illuminate our current understanding about the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease. In this concise review, we provide a broader perspective about the etiology and pathogenesis of ECC based on previous and current knowledge on biofilm matrix, microbial diversity and host-microbe interactions which could have direct implications for developing new approaches for improved risk assessment and prevention of this devastating and costly childhood health condition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 26714612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Cadmium chloride inhibits lactate gluconeogenesis in mouse renal proximal tubules: An in vitro metabolomic approach with (13)C NMR.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Related Articles Cadmium chloride inhibits lactate gluconeogenesis in mouse renal proximal tubules: An in vitro metabolomic approach with (13)C NMR. Toxicol Lett. 2015 Nov 4;238(3):45-52 Authors: Faiz H, Boghossian M, Martin G, Baverel G, Ferrier B, Conjard-Duplany A Abstract Using isolated mouse renal proximal tubules incubated with lactate as substrate, we have found that the addition of 1-50 μM cadmium chloride (CdCl2) caused a concentration-dependent decrease in lactate utilization, in glucose production and in the cellular level of ATP, coenzyme A, acetyl-coenzyme A and glutathione (reduced and oxidized forms). Combining enzymatic and (13)C NMR measurements in a cellular metabolomic approach, we have shown that, in the presence of 10 μM CdCl2, fluxes through the key-enzymes of gluconeogenesis, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase were greatly depressed by cadmium. This was accompanied by a reduction in fluxes through the enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Comparing the mouse and human renal metabolic responses to cadmium, it is interesting to observe that the mouse renal proximal tubule was much more sensitive than the human renal proximal tubule to the adverse effects of CdCl2. As far as renal gluconeogenesis is concerned, the mouse seems to be an appropriate and convenient animal model to study the mechanism of cadmium nephrotoxicity. However, the data obtained in the mouse should be extrapolated to humans with caution because the inhibition of fluxes through the enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in mouse tubules were not observed in human tubules. PMID: 26235813 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

UPLC-MSE profiling of Phytoplankton metabolites: application to the identification of pigments and structural analysis of metabolites in Porphyridium purpureum.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Related Articles UPLC-MSE profiling of Phytoplankton metabolites: application to the identification of pigments and structural analysis of metabolites in Porphyridium purpureum. Mar Drugs. 2015 Apr;13(4):2541-58 Authors: Juin C, Bonnet A, Nicolau E, Bérard JB, Devillers R, Thiéry V, Cadoret JP, Picot L Abstract A fast and high-resolution UPLC-MSE analysis was used to identify phytoplankton pigments in an ethanol extract of Porphyridium purpureum (Pp) devoid of phycobiliproteins. In a first step, 22 standard pigments were analyzed by UPLC-MSE to build a database including retention time and accurate masses of parent and fragment ions. Using this database, seven pigments or derivatives previously reported in Pp were unequivocally identified: β,β-carotene, chlorophyll a, zeaxanthin, chlorophyllide a, pheophorbide a, pheophytin a, and cryptoxanthin. Minor amounts of Divinyl chlorophyll a, a chemotaxonomic pigment marker for prochlorophytes, were also unequivocally identified using the database. Additional analysis of ionization and fragmentation patterns indicated the presence of ions that could correspond to hydroxylated derivatives of chlorophyll a and pheophytin a, produced during the ethanolic extraction, as well as previously described galactosyldiacylglycerols, the thylakoid coenzyme plastoquinone, and gracilamide B, a molecule previously reported in the red seaweed Gracillaria asiatica. These data point to UPLC-MSE as an efficient technique to identify phytoplankton pigments for which standards are available, and demonstrate its major interest as a complementary method for the structural elucidation of ionizable marine molecules. PMID: 25913708 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Impacts of CD44 knockdown in cancer cells on tumor and host metabolic systems revealed by quantitative imaging mass spectrometry.

Thu, 31/12/2015 - 12:59
Related Articles Impacts of CD44 knockdown in cancer cells on tumor and host metabolic systems revealed by quantitative imaging mass spectrometry. Nitric Oxide. 2015 Apr 30;46:102-13 Authors: Ohmura M, Hishiki T, Yamamoto T, Nakanishi T, Kubo A, Tsuchihashi K, Tamada M, Toue S, Kabe Y, Saya H, Suematsu M Abstract CD44 expressed in cancer cells was shown to stabilize cystine transporter (xCT) that uptakes cystine and excretes glutamate to supply cysteine as a substrate for reduced glutathione (GSH) for survival. While targeting CD44 serves as a potentially therapeutic stratagem to attack cancer growth and chemoresistance, the impact of CD44 targeting in cancer cells on metabolic systems of tumors and host tissues in vivo remains to be fully determined. This study aimed to reveal effects of CD44 silencing on alterations in energy metabolism and sulfur-containing metabolites in vitro and in vivo using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry and quantitative imaging mass spectrometry (Q-IMS), respectively. In an experimental model of xenograft transplantation of human colon cancer HCT116 cells in superimmunodeficient NOG mice, snap-frozen liver tissues containing metastatic tumors were examined by Q-IMS. As reported previously, short hairpin CD44 RNA interference (shCD44) in cancer cells caused significant regression of tumor growth in the host liver. Under these circumstances, the CD44 knockdown suppressed polyamines, GSH and energy charges not only in metastatic tumors but also in the host liver. In culture, HCT116 cells treated with shCD44 decreased total amounts of methionine-pool metabolites including spermidine and spermine, and reactive cysteine persulfides, suggesting roles of these metabolites for cancer growth. Collectively, these results suggest that CD44 expressed in cancer accounts for a key regulator of metabolic interplay between tumor and the host tissue. PMID: 25461272 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Oxidative-stress detoxification and signaling in cyanobacteria: The crucial glutathione synthesis pathway supports the production of ergothioneine and ophthalmate.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
Oxidative-stress detoxification and signaling in cyanobacteria: The crucial glutathione synthesis pathway supports the production of ergothioneine and ophthalmate. Mol Microbiol. 2015 Dec 29; Authors: Narainsamy K, Farci S, Braun E, Junot C, Cassier-Chauvat C, Chauvat F Abstract Using genetics and metabolomics we investigated the synthesis (gshA and gshB genes) and catabolism (ggt) of the conserved antioxidant glutathione in the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803. These three genes are crucial to Synechocystis, in agreement with the proposed invention of glutathione by ancient cyanobacteria to protect themselves against the toxicity of oxygen they produced through photosynthesis. Consistent with their indispensability, gshA and gshB also operate in the production of another antioxidant, ergothioneine, as well as of the glutathione analogues ophthalmate and norophthalmate. Furthermore, we show that glutathione, ophthalmate and norophthalmate are accumulated in cells stressed by glucose, and that the two glutathione-dependent glyoxalase enzymes operate in the protection against glucose and its catabolite methylglyoxal. These findings are interesting because ophthalmate and norophthalmate were observed only in mammals so far, where ophthalmate is regarded as a biomarker of glutathione depletion. Instead, our data suggest that ophthalmate and norophthalmate are stress-induced markers of cysteine depletion triggered by its accelerated incorporation into glutathione, to face its increased demand for detoxification purposes. Hence, Synechocystis is an attractive model for the analysis of the role of glutathione, ergothioneine, ophthalmate and norophthalmate, in signalling and detoxification of oxidants and metabolic by-products. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 26713511 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Personalizing Protein Nourishment.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
Personalizing Protein Nourishment. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015 Dec 29;:0 Authors: Dallas DC, Sanctuary MR, Qu Y, Khajavi SH, Van Zandt AE, Dyandra M, Frese SA, Barile D, German JB Abstract Proteins are not equally digestible-their proteolytic susceptibility varies by their source and processing method. Incomplete digestion increases colonic microbial protein fermentation (putrefaction), which produces toxic metabolites that can induce inflammation in vitro and have been associated with inflammation in vivo. Individual humans differ in protein digestive capacity based on phenotypes, particularly disease states. To avoid putrefaction-induced intestinal inflammation, protein sources and processing methods must be tailored to the consumer's digestive capacity. This review explores how food processing techniques alter protein digestibility and examines how physiological conditions alter digestive capacity. Possible solutions to improving digestive function or matching low digestive capacity with more digestible protein sources are explored. Beyond the ileal digestibility measurements of protein digestibility, less invasive, quicker and cheaper techniques for monitoring the extent of protein digestion and fermentation are needed to personalize protein nourishment. Biomarkers of protein digestive capacity and efficiency can be identified with the toolsets of peptidomics, metabolomics, microbial sequencing and multiplexed protein analysis of fecal and urine samples. By monitoring individual protein digestive function, the protein component of diets can be tailored via protein source and processing selection to match individual needs to minimize colonic putrefaction and, thus, optimize gut health. PMID: 26713355 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Chemical Characterization and in Vitro Cytotoxicity on Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells of Carica Papaya Leaf Extracts.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
Chemical Characterization and in Vitro Cytotoxicity on Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells of Carica Papaya Leaf Extracts. Toxins (Basel). 2015;8(1) Authors: Nguyen TT, Parat MO, Hodson MP, Pan J, Shaw PN, Hewavitharana AK Abstract In traditional medicine, Carica papaya leaf has been used for a wide range of therapeutic applications including skin diseases and cancer. In this study, we investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Carica papaya leaves on the human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC25 cell line in parallel with non-cancerous human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Two out of four extracts showed a significantly selective effect towards the cancer cells and were found to contain high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The chromatographic and mass spectrometric profiles of the extracts obtained with Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry were used to tentatively identify the bioactive compounds using comparative analysis. The principal compounds identified were flavonoids or flavonoid glycosides, particularly compounds from the kaempferol and quercetin families, of which several have previously been reported to possess anticancer activities. These results confirm that papaya leaf is a potential source of anticancer compounds and warrant further scientific investigation to validate the traditional use of papaya leaf to treat cancer. PMID: 26712788 [PubMed - in process]

p300 is not required for metabolic adaptation to endurance exercise training.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
p300 is not required for metabolic adaptation to endurance exercise training. FASEB J. 2015 Dec 28; Authors: LaBarge SA, Migdal CW, Buckner EH, Okuno H, Gertsman I, Stocks B, Barshop BA, Nalbandian SR, Philp A, McCurdy CE, Schenk S Abstract The acetyltransferase, E1a-binding protein (p300), is proposed to regulate various aspects of skeletal muscle development, metabolism, and mitochondrial function, via its interaction with numerous transcriptional regulators and other proteins. Remarkably, however, the contribution of p300 to skeletal muscle function and metabolism, in vivo, is poorly understood. To address this, we used Cre-LoxP methodology to generate mice with skeletal muscle-specific knockout of E1a-binding protein (mKO). mKO mice were indistinguishable from their wild-type/floxed littermates, with no differences in lean mass, skeletal muscle structure, fiber type, respirometry flux, or metabolites of fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Ex vivo muscle function in extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles, including peak stress and time to fatigue, as well as in vivo running capacity were also comparable. Moreover, expected adaptations to a 20 d voluntary wheel running regime were not compromised in mKO mice. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that p300 is not required for the normal development or functioning of adult skeletal muscle, nor is it required for endurance exercise-mediated mitochondrial adaptations.-LaBarge, S. A., Migdal, C. W., Buckner, E. H., Okuno, H., Gertsman, I., Stocks, B., Barshop, B. A., Nalbandian, S. R., Philp, A., McCurdy, C. E., Schenk, S. p300 is not required for metabolic adaptation to endurance exercise training. PMID: 26712218 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

New findings on the in vivo antioxidant activity of Curcuma longa extract by an integrated (1)H-NMR and HPLC-MS metabolomic approach.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
New findings on the in vivo antioxidant activity of Curcuma longa extract by an integrated (1)H-NMR and HPLC-MS metabolomic approach. Fitoterapia. 2015 Dec 19; Authors: Dall'Acqua S, Stocchero M, Boschiero I, Schiavon M, Golob S, Uddin J, Voinovich D, Mammi S, Schievano E Abstract Curcuminoids possess powerful antioxidant activity as demonstrated in many chemical in vitro tests and in several in vivo trials. Nevertheless, the mechanism of this activity is not completely elucidated and studies on the in vivo antioxidant effects are still needed. Metabolomics may be used as an attractive approach for such studies and in this paper, we describe the effects of oral administration of a Curcuma longa L. extract (150mg/kg of total curcuminoids) to 12 healthy rats with particular attention to urinary markers of oxidative stress. The experiment was carried out over 33days and changes in the 24-h urine samples metabolome were evaluated by (1)H-NMR and HPLC-MS. Both techniques produced similar representations for the collected samples confirming our previous study. Modifications of the urinary metabolome lead to the observation of different variables proving the complementarity of (1)H-NMR and HPLC-MS for metabolomic purposes. The urinary levels of allantoin, m-tyrosine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and nitrotyrosine were decreased in the treated group thus supporting an in vivo antioxidant effect of the oral administration of Curcuma extract to healthy rats. On the other hand, urinary TMAO levels were higher in the treated compared to the control group suggesting a role of curcumin supplementation on microbiota or on TMAO urinary excretion. Furthermore, the urinary levels of the sulfur containing compounds taurine and cystine were also changed suggesting a role for such constituents in the biochemical pathways involved in Curcuma extract bioactivity and indicating the need for further investigation on the complex role of antioxidant curcumin effects. PMID: 26712080 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic signatures of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-induced acute otitis media reveal bacterial aerobic respiration in an immunosuppressed environment.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
Comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic signatures of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-induced acute otitis media reveal bacterial aerobic respiration in an immunosuppressed environment. Mol Cell Proteomics. 2015 Dec 28; Authors: Harrison A, Dubois LG, St John-Williams L, Moseley MA, Hardison RL, Heimlich DR, Stoddard A, Kerschner JE, Justice SS, Thompson JW, Mason KM Abstract A thorough understanding of the molecular details of the interactions between bacteria and host are critical to ultimately prevent disease. Recent technological advances allow simultaneous analysis of host and bacterial protein and metabolic profiles from a single small tissue sample to provide insight into pathogenesis. We used the chinchilla model of human otitis media (OM) to determine, for the first time, the most expansive delineation of global changes in protein and metabolite profiles during an experimentally induced disease. After 48 hours of infection with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI), middle ear tissue lysates were analyzed by high-resolution quantitative two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Dynamic changes in 105 chinchilla proteins and 66 metabolites define the early proteomic and metabolomic signature of OM. Our studies indicate that establishment of disease coincides with actin morphogenesis, suppression of inflammatory mediators and bacterial aerobic respiration. We validated the observed increase in the actin-remodeling complex, Arp2/3 and experimentally demonstrated a role for Arp2/3 in NTHI invasion. Direct inhibition of actin branch morphology altered bacterial invasion into host epithelial cells, and is supportive of our efforts to utilize the information gathered to modify outcomes of disease. The twenty-eight NTHI proteins identified participate in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, redox homeostasis and include cell wall-associated metabolic proteins. Quantitative characterization of the molecular signatures of infection will redefine our understanding of host response driven developmental changes during pathogenesis. These data represent the first comprehensive study of host protein and metabolite profiles in vivo in response to infection and show the feasibility of extensive characterization of host protein profiles during disease. Identification of novel protein targets and metabolic biomarkers will advance development of therapeutic and diagnostic options for treatment of disease. PMID: 26711468 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Synergistic Actions of Ogg1 and Mutyh DNA Glycosylases Modulate Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
Synergistic Actions of Ogg1 and Mutyh DNA Glycosylases Modulate Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice. Cell Rep. 2015 Dec 16; Authors: Bjørge MD, Hildrestrand GA, Scheffler K, Suganthan R, Rolseth V, Kuśnierczyk A, Rowe AD, Vågbø CB, Vetlesen S, Eide L, Slupphaug G, Nakabeppu Y, Bredy TW, Klungland A, Bjørås M Abstract Ogg1 and Mutyh DNA glycosylases cooperate to prevent mutations caused by 8-oxoG, a major premutagenic DNA lesion associated with cognitive decline. We have examined behavior and cognitive function in mice deficient of these glycosylases. Ogg1(-/-)Mutyh(-/-) mice were more active and less anxious, with impaired learning ability. In contrast, Mutyh(-/-) mice showed moderately improved memory. We observed no apparent change in genomic 8-oxoG levels, suggesting that Ogg1 and Mutyh play minor roles in global repair in adult brain. Notably, transcriptome analysis of hippocampus revealed that differentially expressed genes in the mutants belong to pathways known to be involved in anxiety and cognition. Esr1 targets were upregulated, suggesting a role of Ogg1 and Mutyh in repression of Esr1 signaling. Thus, beyond their involvement in DNA repair, Ogg1 and Mutyh regulate hippocampal gene expression related to cognition and behavior, suggesting a role for the glycosylases in regulating adaptive behavior. PMID: 26711335 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Urinary prostaglandin E2 metabolite and pancreatic cancer risk: case-control study in urban Shanghai.

Wed, 30/12/2015 - 12:23
Related Articles Urinary prostaglandin E2 metabolite and pancreatic cancer risk: case-control study in urban Shanghai. PLoS One. 2015;10(2):e0118004 Authors: Zhao J, Wang J, Du J, Xu H, Zhang W, Ni QX, Yu H, Risch HA, Gao YT, Gao Y Abstract Pancreatic cancer has been increasing in importance in Shanghai over the last four decades. The etiology of the disease is still unclear. Evidence suggests that the COX-2 pathway, an important component of inflammation, may be involved in the disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between urinary prostaglandin E2 metabolite (PGE-M) level and risk of pancreatic cancer. From a recent population-based case-control study in Shanghai, 200 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases and 200 gender- and age- frequency matched controls were selected for the present analysis. Urinary PGE-M was measured with a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric assay. Adjusted unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A positive association was observed between PGE-M leve and pancreatic cancer risk: OR = 1.63 (95% CI 1.01-2.63) for the third tertile compared to the first. Though the interactions were not statistically significant, the associations tended to be stronger among subjects with diabetes history (OR = 3.32; 95% CI 1.20-9.19) and higher meat intake (OR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.10-4.06). The result suggests that higher urinary PGE-M level may be associated with increased risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PMID: 25679523 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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