Aquaporin-4 Protein Research Articles

Genome-Wide Transcriptome Profiling, Characterization, and Functional Identification of NAC Transcription Factors in Sorghum under Salt Stress.

Salinity stress has become a significant concern to global food security. Revealing the mechanisms that enable plants to survive under salinity has immense significance. Sorghum has increasingly attracted researchers interested in understanding the survival and adaptation strategies to high salinity. However, systematic analysis of the DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and their relative expression has not been reported in sorghum under salt stress. The de novo transcriptomic analysis of sorghum under different salinity levels from 60 to 120 mM NaCl was generated using Illumina HiSeq. Approximately 323.49 million high-quality reads, with an average contig length of 1145 bp, were assembled de novo. On average, 62% of unigenes were functionally annotated to known proteins. These DEGs were mainly involved in several important metabolic processes, such as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cell wall biogenesis, photosynthesis, and hormone signaling. SSG 59-3 alleviated the adverse effects of salinity by suppressing oxidative stress (H2O2) and stimulating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (SOD, APX, CAT, APX, POX, GR, GSH, ASC, proline, and GB), as well as protecting cell membrane integrity (MDA and electrolyte leakage). Significant up-regulation of transcripts encoding the NAC, MYB, and WRYK families, NHX transporters, the aquaporin protein family, photosynthetic genes, antioxidants, and compatible osmolyte proteins were observed. The tolerant line (SSG 59-3) engaged highly efficient machinery in response to elevated salinity, especially during the transport and influx of K+ ions, signal transduction, and osmotic homeostasis. Our data provide insights into the evolution of the NAC TFs gene family and further support the hypothesis that these genes are essential for plant responses to salinity. The findings may provide a molecular foundation for further exploring the potential functions of NAC TFs in developing salt-resistant sorghum lines.

Curcumin Synergistically Enhances the Cytotoxicity of Arsenic Trioxide in U266 Cells by Increasing Arsenic Uptake.

Despite the constant emergence of new methods for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), relapse and drug resistance still exist, especially in MM with p53 mutations. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) can be used in MM treatment, but this single drug has poor effectiveness and also side effects. Curcumin is a safe and effective compound that can enhance the anticancer effects of many drugs. Previous studies have suggested that tumor cell sensitivity to ATO is related to the intracellular arsenic content, and aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is the key factor that determines intracellular arsenic content. This study aimed to explore whether curcumin can increase ATO cytotoxicity in MM and whether the mechanism is related to the regulation of intracellular arsenic content. U266 was treated with ATO, curcumin, and their combination, and cell proliferation, apoptosis, and intracellular arsenic content were detected by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and HPLC-ICP-MS, respectively. AQP9 mRNA and protein levels were detected by qPCR and western blotting. The levels of Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 protein were detected by western blotting. ATO-induced cytotoxicity to U266 occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but the therapeutic efficacy at low drug concentrations was modest. The arsenic content in U266 was lower than that in NB4, and the arsenic uptake by U266 was concentration-dependent. The expression levels of AQP9 mRNA and AQP9 protein in U266 were lower than those in NB4. Curcumin significantly enhanced the lethality of ATO to U266. The arsenic content in U266 in the combined drug group increased significantly compared with ATO treatment alone. After curcumin treatment, the AQP9 mRNA and AQP9 protein expression levels in U266 also increased. Compared with the control group, the expression of antiapoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 decreased, the expression of proapoptotic protein Bax increased, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 increased, and the expression of caspase-3 decreased and cleaved caspase-3 increased in the combined drug groups. Curcumin can enhance the killing effects of ATO on U266 by increasing the intracellular arsenic content, which may be related to the upregulation of AQP9 expression. The combination of these two drugs is expected to be a potential clinical treatment for MM.

Evaluation of aquaporins in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Brain aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and AQP4 are involved in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis and might participate in the origin of hydrocephalus. Studies have shown alterations of perivascular AQP4 expression in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Due to the overlapping of clinical signs between iNPH and certain neurological conditions, mainly AD, specific biomarkers might improve the diagnostic accuracy for iNPH. The goal of the present study was to analyze and quantify the presence of AQP1 and AQP4 in the CSF of patients with iNPH and AD to determine whether these proteins can be used as biomarkers of iNPH. We examined AQP1 and AQP4 protein levels in the CSF of 179 participants (88 women) classified into 5 groups: possible iNPH (81 participants), hydrocephalus associated with other neurological disorders (13 participants), AD (41 participants), non-AD dementia (32 participants) and healthy controls (12 participants). We recorded each participant’s demographic and clinical variables and indicated, when available in the clinical history, the record of cardiovascular and respiratory complications. An ELISA showed virtually no AQP content in the CSF. Information on the vascular risk factors (available for 61 patients) confirmed some type of vascular risk factor in 86% of the patients with possible iNPH and 58% of the patients with AD. In conclusion, the ELISA analysis showed insufficient sensitivity to detect the presence of AQP1 and AQP4 in CSF, ruling out the possible use of these proteins as biomarkers for diagnosing iNPH.

271 Critical role of Aquaporin-1 and telocytes in infantile hemangioma response to propranolol beta blockade

Propranolol is currently the first-line treatment for severe infantile hemangioma (IH), the most frequent tumor in childhood. Neither the molecular mechanism of action nor the cellular target of the drug has been identified with a strong proof of concept. We showed that propranolol antitumor activity was associated with alteration of Aquaporin 1 (AQP1), a water and ion channel involved in tumor cell migration and angiogenesis. In pathological context, elevated AQP1 is involved in the development and progression of tumors and associated with poor prognosis. We developed an IH in vitro model using lesional patient-derived endothelial cells (EC), pericytes (PER) and CD34+/ PDGFR-α+ stromal cells named telocytes (TC) that we first described in IH. Thus, we investigated the role of these perivascular cells in the antiangiogenic effect of propranolol in IH and tested AQP1 as a marker and target of the beta-blockade response in IH. Immunuhistofluorescence staining revealed a unique AQP1 expression in IH-TC compared to normal dermis. IH-TC maintain high in vitro AQP1 protein levels compared to foreskin control-TC. We performed a Matrigel based tube formation assay including IH-EC, IH-PER and IH-TC, which highlights migration and cell-cell interaction alterations. This 3D model has a unique response to low doses of propranolol. Indeed 3 μM of propranolol highly decreased IH angiogenesis in our in vitro model and this effect is abolished when control foreskin-TC are used instead of IH-TC. Interestingly, the knockdown of AQP1 in IH-TC shows the same anti-angiogenic effect as propranolol and the combination is not additive. Moreover, we show that this beta-blockade downregulates AQP1 in patient derived telocytes. All together, these data suggest that IH sensitivity to propranolol rely at least in part to a cross talk between lesional vascular cells and stromal telocytes and reveal a critical role of AQP1 in this antitumor response.

Atom based Profiling and Functional Enrichment analysis of Aquaporins

Sequence analysis is a computational biology method to study protein sequences by comparing amino acids of one protein sequence with the other (residual level comparison). This study reveals a new concept of comparing protein sequences at their basic atomic level. Aquaporins from various origin were compared at their atomic level and the study revealed that all the aquaporin proteins have a closed range of 31.0% to 34.2% of carbon atoms irrespective of their origin and amino acid sequence. Further the protein interaction and functional enrichment analysis of AQP7 showed significant interaction with glycerol kinase and ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium channel protein. Our insilico analysis on aquaporin proteins exposed that nature tends to maintain the overall carbon atom composition in the proteins regardless of their amino acid sequence composition which could be further used for their classification. Also, the most highly interacting partners for AQPs are the potassium buffering channel proteins.

Protective effect of oligosaccharides isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer against UVB-induced skin barrier damage in BALB/c hairless mice and human keratinocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSkin barrier dysfunction can lead to water and electrolyte loss, triggering homeostatic imbalances that can trigger atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with known therapeutic benefits for the treatment of skin diseases, including photodamage repair effects and reduction of pigmentation. However, few reports exist that describe effectiveness of ginseng active components for repair of skin barrier damage. Materials and methodsGinseng oligosaccharide extract (GSO) was prepared from P. ginseng via water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation and resin and gel purification. GSO composition and structural characteristics were determined using LC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR, and NMR. To evaluate GSO as a skin barrier repair-promoting treatment, skin of UVB-irradiated BALB/c hairless mice was treated with or without GSO then skin samples were evaluated for epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum water content. In addition, UVB-exposed skin samples and HaCaT cells were analyzed to assess GSO treatment effects on levels of epidermal cornified envelope (CE) protein and other skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL), and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). Meanwhile, GSO treatment was also evaluated for effects on UVB-irradiated hairless mouse skin and HaCaT cells based on levels of serine protease inhibitor Kazal type-5 (SPINK5), trypsin-like kallikrein-related peptidase 5 (KLK5), chymotrypsin-like KLK7, and desmoglein 1 (DSG1). These proteins are associated with UVB-induced skin barrier damage manifesting as dryness and desquamation. ResultsGSO was shown to consist of oligosaccharides comprised of seven distinct types of monosaccharides with molecular weights of approximately 1 kDa that were covalently linked together via β-glycosidic bonds. In vivo, GSO applied to dorsal skin of BALB/c hairless mice attenuated UVB-induced epidermal thickening and moisture loss. Furthermore, GSO ameliorated UVB-induced reductions of levels of FLG, IVL, and AQP3 proteins. Additionally, GSO treatment led to increased DSG1 protein levels due to decreased expression of KLK7. In vitro, GSO treatment of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells led to increases of FLG, IVL, and AQP3 mRNA levels and corresponding proteins, while mRNA levels of desquamation-related proteins SPINK5, KLK5, KLK7, and DSG1 and associated protein levels were restored to normal levels. ConclusionA P. ginseng oligosaccharide preparation repaired UVB-induced skin barrier damage by alleviating skin dryness and desquamation symptoms, highlighting its potential as a natural cosmetic additive that can promote skin barrier repair after UVB exposure.

A comprehensive review of the influence of Epigallocatechin gallate on Sjögren's syndrome associated molecular regulators of exocytosis (Review)

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the salivary glands, leading to reduced secretory functions and oral and ocular dryness. The salivary glands are composed of acinar cells that are responsible for the secretion and production of secretory granules, which contain salivary components, such as amylase, mucins and immunoglobulins. This secretion process involves secretory vesicle trafficking, docking, priming and membrane fusion. A failure during any of the steps in exocytosis in the salivary glands results in the altered secretion of saliva. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptors, actin, tight junctions and aquaporin 5 all serve an important role in the trafficking regulation of secretory vesicles in the secretion of saliva via exocytosis. Alterations in the expression and distribution of these selected proteins leads to salivary gland dysfunction, including SS. Several studies have demonstrated that green tea polyphenols, most notably Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), possess both anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in normal human cells. Molecular, cellular and animal studies have indicated that EGCG can provide protective effects against autoimmune and inflammatory reactions in salivary glands in diseases such as SS. The aim of the present article is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review on the possible therapeutic interactions between EGCG and the selected molecular mechanisms associated with SS.

Gene Frequency Shift in Relict Abies pinsapo Forests Associated with Drought-Induced Mortality: Preliminary Evidence of Local-Scale Divergent Selection

Current climate change constitutes a challenge for the survival of several drought-sensitive forests. The study of the genetic basis of adaptation offers a suitable way to understand how tree species may respond to future climatic conditions, as well as to design suitable conservation and management strategies. Here, we focus on selected genetic signatures of the drought-sensitive relict fir, Abies pinsapo Boiss. Field sampling of 156 individuals was performed in two elevation ecotones, characterized by widespread A. pinsapo decline and mortality. The DNA from dead trees was investigated and compared to living individuals, accounting for different ages and elevations. We studied the genes gated outwardly-rectifying K+ (GORK) channel and Plasma membrane Intrinsic Protein (PIP1) aquaporin, previously related to drought response in plant model species, to test whether drought was the main abiotic factor driving the decline of A. pinsapo forests. A combination of linear regression and factor models were used to test these selection signatures, as well as a fixation index (Fst), used here to analyze the genetic structure. The results were consistent among these approaches, supporting a statistically significant association of the GORK gene with survival in one of the A. pinsapo populations. These results provide preliminary evidence for the potential role of the GORK gene in the resilience to drought of A. pinsapo.

Abstract MP34: Collecting Duct Cells-derived Human Sprr Impairs The Antihypertensive Effects Of Losartan And Upregulates Erk1/2 And Aqp2 Expression

Recent studies showed that soluble prorenin receptor (sPRR) plays an important role in blood pressure regulation and in water balance. In rodent models, sPRR contributes to AngII production by increasing renin activity, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and aquaporin2 (AQP2)-dependent antidiuretic action. However, there is a gap of knowledge concerning the functional role of locally produced sPRR from the kidney. Therefore, we evaluated the kidney-derived human sPRR role in SBP control and fluid homeostasis. Human sPRR-Myc-tag transgenic mice were bred with mice expressing Hoxb7/Cre to selectively express human sPRR in the collecting duct (RHsPRR). RHsPRR and control (CTL) male mice were fed a standard diet for 10 months (n=8-11/group). Body weight and urine volume were examined and SBP measured by radiotelemetry. Western blot analysis depicted the presence of human sPRR-Myc-tag (28 KDa) in the cortex and medulla of RHsPRR male mice validating the humanized mouse model. Body weight did not change and 24hr-SBP was similar between CLT and RHsPRR mice (128±2 and 122±5 mmHg, respectively). However, the chronic response to losartan treatment was reduced in RHsPRR compared to CTL (ΔSBP: CTL: -9±3; RHsPRR: -5±1 mmHg, P<0.05). Kidney-derived human sPRR did not change GFR (838±75 vs 1088±163 μl/min/100g BW) and urinary vasopressin (0.62±0.21; 0.72±0.20 ng/mg creatinine), while modestly decreasing urine excretion rate by ~40% (CTL: 1.04±0.20; RHsPRR: 0.57±0.25 ml/day). Furthermore, RHsPRR mice had higher AQP2 protein expression in renal cortex (CTL: 0.24±0.07; RHsPRR: 4.11±0.70 AU, P<0.05) and medulla (CTL: 0.11±0.04; RHsPRR: 4.03±1.74 AU, P<0.05) than CTL mice. Kidney-derived human sPRR significantly increased phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in the cortex compared to CTL (CTL: 5.4±1.0; RHsPRR: 9.2±1.4 AU, P<0.05), an MAPK involved in the regulation of water balance. In addition, RHsPRR mice showed increased plasma osmolality compared to CTL mice (CTL: 349±2; RHsPRR: 357±2 mOsm/kg, P<0.05). Overall, our data suggest that renal human sPRR could contribute to the increase in plasma tonicity by promoting the activation of ERK1/2-AQP2 pathway. Whether this signaling is associated with impaired antihypertensive effects of AT1R blockage remains under investigation.

Overexpression of an aquaporin protein from Aspergillus glaucus confers salt tolerance in transgenic soybean.

Salt stress is an important abiotic factor that causes severe losses in soybean yield and quality. Therefore, breeding salt-tolerant soybean germplasm resources via genetic engineering has gained importance. Aspergillus glaucus, a halophilic fungus that exhibits significant tolerance to salt, carries the gene AgGlpF. In this study, we used the soybean cotyledonary node transformation method to transfer the AgGlpF gene into the genome of the soybean variety Williams 82 to generate salt-tolerant transgenic soybean varieties. The results of PCR, Southern blot, ddPCR, and RT-PCR indicated that AgGlpF was successfully integrated into the soybean genome and stably expressed. When subjected to salt stress conditions via treatment with 250mM NaCl for 3 d, the transgenic soybean plants showed significant tolerance compared with wild-type plants, which exhibited withering symptoms and leaf abscission after 9 d. The results of this study indicated that the transfer of AgGlpF into the genome of soybean plants produced transgenic soybean with significantly improved salt stress tolerance.

Effects of high level of fermented soybean meal substitution for fish meal on the growth, enzyme activity, intestinal structure protein and immune‐related gene expression and intestinal flora in juvenile pearl gentian grouper

The present study preliminarily investigated the effects of high level of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) protein substituted for fish meal (FM) protein on the growth and intestinal homeostasis of pearl gentian grouper. Seven hundred and twenty juvenile groupers were randomly divided into three groups, including the FM control group, 20% FSBM protein substituted for FM protein group (FSBM20) and FSBM40 group (n = 4). Three iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were prepared and fed to fish for 10 weeks. Each barrel of cultural water is 1 m3, using natural light and temperature. Results showed that weight gain, specific growth rate, intestine plica length/width and microvilli length in FSBM groups decreased significantly (p < .05), and the lamina propria width in FSBM groups increased significantly (p < .05). The enzyme activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase in distal intestinal tissues and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase in liver tissues increased significantly with dietary FSBM addition (p < .05). The pro-inflammatory and immune-related gene expressions of IL1β, IL12, IL32 and TNF-α increased significantly in FSBM40 group (p < .05), while the anti-inflammatory and immune-related gene expressions of IL5, IL10, IgM, CD4 and lysozyme decreased significantly in FSBM40 group (p < .05). The aquaporin protein gene expressions of aqu1, aqu4 and aqu12, and the tight junction protein gene expressions of jam, claudin3, claudin12, claudin15 and ZO-3 decreased significantly (p < .05), while the gene expressions of aqu8, aqu9, aqu10 and ZO-1 increased significantly (p < .05), and the ion transport carrier gene expressions of nkcc and clc decreased significantly (p < .05). 16S high-throughput sequencing showed that at the phylum level, the abundance of Proteobacteria decreased significantly in FSBM40 group (p < .05), while that of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria increased significantly in FSBM40 group (p < .05). At the genus level, the top 10 species were Photobacterium, Stenotrophlomonas, Vibrio, Phyllobacterium, Chromohalobacter, etc. The abundance of Photobacterium in FSBM40 group decreased significantly (p < .05), while that of other species increased significantly (p < .05). High level of FSBM substituted for FM resulted in a significant decrease in the functional abundance of aerobic_chemoheterotrophy and chemoheterotrophy in FSBM40 group (p < .05), while animal_parasites_or_symbiont abundance increased significantly in FSBM40 group (p < .05). Present study showed that experimental level of FSBM had a significantly negative effect on the growth performance, intestinal mucosa structure and intestinal flora composition in pearl gentian grouper.

Are Zika virus cross-reactive antibodies against aquaporin-4 associated to Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder?

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been associated with the development of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). ZIKV-induced antibodies that putatively cross-react to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) protein are suggested to cause inflammation of the optic nerve. A region of similarity between AQP4 and the ZIKV NS2B protein was identified. Our data showed that ZIKV-associated NMOSD patients develop anti-AQP4 antibodies, but not anti-ZIKV NS2B antibodies, revealing that cross-reacting antibodies are not the underlying cause of this phenotype. ZIKV infection in mice showed persistent viral replication in the eye tissue, suggesting that NMOSD symptoms are consequence of viral infection of the optic nerve cells.

Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorder that can lead to serious disability and mortality. Females are predominantly affected, including those within the reproductive age. Most patients develop relapsing attacks of optic neuritis; longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis; and encephalitis, especially brainstem encephalitis. The majority of NMOSD patients are seropositive for IgG autoantibodies against the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG), reflecting underlying aquaporin-4 autoimmunity. Histological findings of the affected CNS tissues of patients from in-vitro and in-vivo studies support that AQP4-IgG is directly pathogenic in NMOSD. It is believed that the binding of AQP4-IgG to CNS aquaporin-4 (abundantly expressed at the endfoot processes of astrocytes) triggers astrocytopathy and neuroinflammation, resulting in acute attacks. These attacks of neuroinflammation can lead to pathologies, including aquaporin-4 loss, astrocytic activation, injury and loss, glutamate excitotoxicity, microglial activation, neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neuronal injury, via both complement-dependent and complement-independent pathophysiological mechanisms. With the increased understanding of these mechanisms underlying this serious autoimmune astrocytopathy, effective treatments for both active attacks and long-term immunosuppression to prevent relapses in NMOSD are increasingly available based on the evidence from retrospective observational data and prospective clinical trials. Knowledge on the indications and potential side effects of these medications are essential for a clear evaluation of the potential benefits and risks to NMOSD patients in a personalized manner. Special issues such as pregnancy and the coexistence of other autoimmune diseases require additional concern and meticulous care. Future directions include the identification of clinically useful biomarkers for the prediction of relapse and monitoring of the therapeutic response, as well as the development of effective medications with minimal side effects, especially opportunistic infections complicated by long-term immunosuppression.

Saussurea involucrata PIP2;7 improves photosynthesis and drought resistance by decreasing the stomatal density and increasing intracellular osmotic pressure

Aquaporin proteins are very important for water transport across the plasma membrane. In this study, the plasma membrane intrinsic protein PIP2;7 cloned from Saussurea involucrata was overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic lines showed rapid growth, with increased leaf numbers and leaf sizes, due to high rates of photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Moreover, SiPIP2;7 conferred drought resistance in Arabidopsis by improving water use efficiency and intracellular osmotic pressure via a decrease in the stomatal density and increases in intracellular Cl−. These phenotypes were attributed to the effects of SiPIP2;7 on the relative expression levels of target genes related to the stomatal development and ion transport. Moreover, SiPIP2;7 gene improve drought resistance and fruit yield of tomato. These results indicated that the SiPIP2;7 gene is effective for breeding new varieties with high drought resistance and yield.

The importance of aquaporin-8 for cytokine-mediated toxicity in rat insulin-producing cells

Aquaporin-8 (AQP8) is a peroxiporin, a transmembrane water and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) transport protein expressed in the mitochondrial and plasma membranes of pancreatic β-cells. AQP8 protein expression is low under physiological conditions, but it increases after cytokine exposure both, in vitro and in vivo, possibly related to a NF-κB consensus sequence in the promoter. AQP8 knockdown (KD) insulin-producing RINm5F cells are particularly susceptible to cytokine-mediated oxidative stress. Cytokine (a mixture of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) treated AQP8 KD cells exhibited pronounced sensitivity to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), resulting in a significant loss of β-cell viability due to enhanced toxicity of the increased concentrations of H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals (●OH) in mitochondria of AQP8 KD cells. This viability loss went along with increased caspase activities, reduced nitrite concentration (representative of nitric oxide (NO●) accumulation) and increased lipid peroxidation. The explanation for the increased toxicity of the proinflammatory cytokines in AQP8 KD cells resides in the fact that efflux of the H2O2 generated during oxidative stress in the β-cell mitochondria is hampered through the loss of the peroxiporin channels in the mitochondrial membranes of the AQP8 KD cells. The increased proinflammatory cytokine toxicity due to loss of AQP8 expression in the KD β-cell mitochondria is thus the result of increased rates of apoptosis. This decreased cell viability is caused by increased levels of oxidative stress along with a ferroptosis-mediated cell death component due to decreased NO● generation.

Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown and Astrocyte Reactivity Evident in the Absence of Behavioral Changes after Repeated Traumatic Brain Injury.

Repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) cause debilitating effects. Without understanding the acute effects of repeated TBIs, treatment options to halt further degeneration and damage cannot be developed. This study sought to examine the acute effects of blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, edema, inflammation and behavioral changes after either a single or double TBI using a C57BL/6 mouse model. We examined the effects of one or two TBIs, of either a mild or moderate severity. Double injuries were spaced 7 days apart, and all analysis was performed 24 h post-injury. To examine edema and inflammation, protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100 calcium-binding protein B, interleukin-6, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were analyzed. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were analyzed to observe BBB dysfunction. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) was analyzed to observe microglial activation. Rotarod, beam walking, and grip strength tests were used to measure changes in physical behavior post-injury. A sample size of ≥5 was used for all analysis. Double injuries led to an increase in BBB breakdown, as indicated by altered MMP-9, AQP4, and ZO-1 protein expression. Single injuries showed an increase in microglial activation, astrocyte activation, and BBB breakdown. Behavioral tasks showed no significant differences between injured and control groups. Based on our findings, we suggest that behavioral studies should not be used as the sole clinical indicator on brain tissue recovery. Analysis of markers such as IBA1, GFAP, MMP-9, AQP4, and ZO-1 provide valuable insight on pathophysiological response to injury.

Activation of Aquaporin 5 by carcinogenic Helicobacter pylori infection promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the MEK/ERK pathway.

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a major risk factor for gastric cancer. The water channel protein Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) is involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of AQP5 in H.pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis. We collected 160 samples which inculded CNAG, IM, Dys and gastric cancer from patients who underwent endoscopy and detected the expression of AQP5. In vivo and vitro H.pylori infection models, we explored the relationship between AQP5 and H.pylori. Plasmid, siRNA and inhibitors were used to investigated the relationship between AQP5 and EMT and the role of AQP5 in H.pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis. AQP5 expression was gradually increased in human gastric tissues with the progression of chronic nonatrophic gastritis to gastric cancer and associated with the H.pylori infection status. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that H.pylori infection induced AQP5 expression in gastric epithelial cells in a CagA-dependent manner. Knockdown of AQP5 reversed H.pylori-induced cell proliferation and invasion, and -suppressed cell apoptosis. Additionally, knockdown of AQP5 suppressed H.pylori-induced Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes by regulating transcriptional factors, mesenchymal markers, and epithelial markers. We explored the underlying mechanism and our results indicated that knockdown of AQP5 significantly suppressed H.pylori infection-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, MEK and the expression levels of downstream genes. Treatment with an ERK inhibitor suppressed the EMT induced by H.pylori infection. Taken together, this study suggest that pathogenic H.pylori infection promotes AQP5 expression to induce the EMT via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

An Experimental Model of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder-Optic Neuritis: Insights Into Disease Mechanisms.

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) is a common inflammatory optic neuropathy, which often occurs in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD). An experimental model of NMOSD-ON may provide insight into disease mechanisms.Objective: To examine the pathogenicity of autoantibodies targeting the astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 [aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)] in the optic nerve.Materials and Methods: Purified IgG from an AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD-ON patient was together with human complement (C) given to wild-type (WT) and type I interferon (IFN) receptor-deficient mice (IFNAR1-KO) as two consecutive intrathecal injections into cerebrospinal fluid via cisterna magna. The optic nerves were isolated, embedded in paraffin, cut for histological examination, and scored semi-quantitatively in a blinded fashion. In addition, optic nerves were processed to determine selected gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR.Results: Intrathecal injection of AQP4-IgG+C induced astrocyte pathology in the optic nerve with loss of staining for AQP4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), deposition of C, and demyelination, as well as upregulation of gene expression for interferon regulatory factor-7 (IRF7) and CXCL10. Such pathology was not seen in IFNAR1-KO mice nor in control mice.Conclusion: We describe induction of ON in an animal model for NMOSD and show a requirement for type I IFN signaling in the disease process.

Systematic review of cases of acute myelitis in individuals with COVID-19.

Background and purposeAn incremental number of cases of acute transverse myelitis (ATM) in individuals with ongoing or recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been reported.MethodsA systematic review was performed of cases of ATM described in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection by screening both articles published and in preprint.ResultsTwenty cases were identified. There was a slight male predominance (60.0%) and the median age was 56 years. Neurological symptoms first manifested after a mean of 10.3 days from the first onset of classical, mostly respiratory symptoms of COVID‐19. Overall, COVID‐19 severity was relatively mild. Polymerase chain reaction of cerebrospinal fluid for SARS‐CoV‐2 was negative in all 14 cases examined. Cerebrospinal fluid findings reflected an inflammatory process in most instances (77.8%). Aquaporin‐4 and myelin oligodendrocyte protein antibodies in serum (tested in 10 and nine cases, respectively) were negative. On magnetic resonance imaging, the spinal cord lesions spanned a mean of 9.8 vertebral segments, necrotic‐hemorrhagic transformation was present in three cases and two individuals had additional acute motor axonal neuropathy. More than half of the patients received a second immunotherapy regimen. Over a limited follow‐up period of several weeks, 90% of individuals recovered either partially or near fully.ConclusionAlthough causality cannot readily be inferred, it is possible that cases of ATM occur para‐ or post‐infectiously in COVID‐19. All identified reports are anecdotal and case descriptions are heterogeneous. Whether the condition and the observed radiological characteristics are specific to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection needs to be clarified.

Deletion of beaded filament proteins or the C-terminal end of Aquaporin 0 causes analogous abnormal distortion aberrations in mouse lens

Lens-specific beaded filament (BF) proteins CP49 and filensin interact with the C-terminus of the water channel protein Aquaporin 0 (AQP0). Previously we have reported that a C-terminally end-deleted AQP0-expressing transgenic mouse model AQP0ΔC/ΔC developed abnormal optical aberrations in the lens. This investigation was undertaken to find out whether the total loss of the BF structural proteins alter the optical properties of the lens and cause optical aberrations similar to those in AQP0ΔC/ΔC lenses; also, to map the changes in the optical quality as a function of age in the single or double BF protein knockouts as well as to assess whether there is any significant change in the water channel function of AQP0 in these knockouts. A double knockout mouse (2xKO) model for CP49 and filensin was developed by crossing CP49-KO and filensin-KO mice. Wild type, CP49-KO, filensin-KO, and 2xKO lenses at different ages, and AQP0ΔC/ΔC lenses at postnatal day-17 were imaged through the optical axis and compared for optical quality and focusing property. All three knockout models showed loss of transparency, and development of abnormal optical distortion aberration similar to that in AQP0ΔC/ΔC. Copper grid focusing by the lenses at 6, 9 and 12 months of age showed an increase in aberrations as age advanced. With progression in age, the grid images produced by the lenses of all KO models showed a transition from a positive barrel distortion aberration to a pincushion distortion aberration with the formation of three distinct aberration zones similar to those produced by AQP0ΔC/ΔC lenses. Water permeability of fiber cell membrane vesicles prepared from CP49-KO, filensin-KO and 2xKO models, measured using the osmotic shrinking method, remained similar to that of the wild type without any statistically significant alteration (P > 0.05). Western blotting and quantification revealed the expression of comparable quantities of AQP0 in all three BF protein KOs. Our study reveals that loss of single or both beaded filament proteins significantly affect lens refractive index gradient, transparency and focusing ability in an age-dependent manner and the interaction of BF proteins with AQP0 is critical for the proper functioning of the lens. The presence of BF proteins is necessary to prevent abnormal optical aberrations and maintain homeostasis in the aging lens.