Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase Activity Research Articles

Coronavirus disease 2019-related myocarditis genes contribute to ECMO prognosis

BackgroundAcute myocardial injury, cytokine storms, hypoxemia and pathogen-mediated damage were the major causes responsible for mortality induced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related myocarditis. These need ECMO treatment. We investigated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with COVID-19-related myocarditis and ECMO prognosis.MethodsGSE150392 and GSE93101 were analyzed to identify DEGs. A Venn diagram was used to obtain the same transcripts between myocarditis-related and ECMO-related DEGs. Enrichment pathway analysis was performed and hub genes were identified. Pivotal miRNAs, transcription factors, and chemicals with the screened gene interactions were identified. The GSE167028 dataset and single-cell sequencing data were used to validate the screened genes.ResultsUsing a Venn diagram, 229 overlapping DEGs were identified between myocarditis-related and ECMO-related DEGs, which were mainly involved in T cell activation, contractile actin filament bundle, actomyosin, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. 15 hub genes and 15 neighboring DEGs were screened, which were mainly involved in the positive regulation of T cell activation, integrin complex, integrin binding, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the TNF signaling pathway. Data in GSE167028 and single-cell sequencing data were used to validate the screened genes, and this demonstrated that the screened genes CCL2, APOE, ITGB8, LAMC2, COL6A3 and TNC were mainly expressed in fibroblast cells; IL6, ITGA1, PTK2, ITGB5, IL15, LAMA4, CAV1, SNCA, BDNF, ACTA2, CD70, MYL9, DPP4, ENO2 and VEGFC were expressed in cardiomyocytes; IL6, PTK2, ITGB5, IL15, APOE, JUN, SNCA, CD83, DPP4 and ENO2 were expressed in macrophages; and IL6, ITGA1, PTK2, ITGB5, IL15, VCAM1, LAMA4, CAV1, ACTA2, MYL9, CD83, DPP4, ENO2, VEGFC and IL32 were expressed in vascular endothelial cells.ConclusionThe screened hub genes, IL6, ITGA1, PTK2, ITGB3, ITGB5, CCL2, IL15, VCAM1, GZMB, APOE, ITGB8, LAMA4, LAMC2, COL6A3 and TNFRSF9, were validated using GEO dataset and single-cell sequencing data, which may be therapeutic targets patients with myocarditis to prevent MI progression and adverse cardiovascular events.

Deficiency of M-LP/Mpv17L leads to development of β-cell hyperplasia and improved glucose tolerance via activation of the Wnt and TGF-β pathways

M-LP/Mpv17L is a protein that was initially identified during screening of age-dependently expressed genes in mice. We have recently demonstrated that M-LP/Mpv17L-knockout (M-LP/Mpv17L-KO) in human hepatoma cells leads to a reduction of cellular cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, and that in vitro-synthesized M-LP/Mpv17L possesses PDE activity. These findings suggest that M-LP/Mpv17L functions as an atypical PDE, even though it has none of the well-conserved catalytic region or other structural motifs characteristic of the PDE family. In this study, we found that M-LP/Mpv17L-KO mice developed β-cell hyperplasia and improved glucose tolerance. Deficiency of M-LP/Mpv17L in islets from KO mice at early postnatal stages or siRNA-mediated suppression of M-LP/Mpv17L in rat insulinoma cells led to marked upregulation of lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (Lef1) and transcription factor 7 (Tcf7), key nuclear effectors in the Wnt signaling pathway, and some of the factors essential for the development and maintenance of β-cells. Moreover, at the protein level, increases in the levels of phosphorylated β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were observed, indicating activation of the Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylations of β-catenin and GSK-3β, the key mediators of the Wnt and/or TGF-β signaling pathways, are the most upstream events triggering β-cell hyperplasia and improved glucose tolerance caused by M-LP/Mpv17L deficiency.

Human Mpv17-like protein with a mitigating effect on mtDNA damage is involved in cAMP/PKA signaling in the mitochondrial matrix

Human Mpv17-like protein (M-LPH/Mpv17L) is thought to play a role in minimizing mitochondrial dysfunction caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. We have recently demonstrated that, in addition to an increase of mtDNA damage, M-LPH-knockout (M-LPH-KO) in HepG2 cells causes a significant reduction of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) protein, an essential factor for mtDNA maintenance, along with an increase in its phosphorylation. These intracellular changes suggested an association of M-LPH with the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, as selective degradation of TFAM by mitochondrial protease is driven by protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation. In the present study, we observed that M-LPH-KO in HepG2 cells caused an increase in the level of mitochondrial cAMP and a reduction of total cellular cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. In vitro-synthesized M-LPH showed PDE activity, which was inhibited by IBMX, a non-selective inhibitor of PDE. Furthermore, M-LPH-KO promoted PKA-dependent phosphorylation of some mitochondrial proteins. Taken together, the present findings suggest that M-LPH, which has structural features atypical of PDE family members, might be a novel human PDE involved in cAMP/PKA signaling in the mitochondrial matrix.

Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with sex-specific alterations in the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP relaxing pathway in the human umbilical vein

IntroductionIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, and is linked to an increased risk to develop chronic diseases in adulthood. We previously demonstrated that IUGR is associated, in female neonates, with a decreased nitric oxide (NO)-induced relaxation of the umbilical vein (UV). The present study aimed to investigate the contribution of the smooth muscle components of the NO/cyclic GMP (cGMP) pathway to this alteration. MethodsUVs were collected in growth-restricted or appropriate for gestational age (AGA) human term newborns. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) were studied by Western blot, cGMP production by ELISA and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) activity using a colorimetric assay. Contribution of PDEs was evaluated using the non-specific PDEs inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) in isolated vessel tension studies. ResultsNO-induced relaxation was reduced in IUGR females despite increased sGC protein and activity, and some increase in PKG protein compared to AGA. In males, no significant difference was observed between both groups. In the presence of IBMX, NO-stimulated cGMP production was significantly higher in IUGR than AGA females. Pre-incubation with IBMX significantly improved NO-induced relaxation in all groups and abolished the difference between IUGR and AGA females. ConclusionIUGR is associated with sex-specific alterations in the UV's smooth muscle. The impaired NO-induced relaxation observed in growth-restricted females is linked to an imbalance in the NO/cGMP pathway. The beneficial effects of IBMX suggest that PDEs are implicated in such alteration and they could represent promising targets for therapeutic intervention.

Gene expression profiling analysis to investigate the role of remote ischemic postconditioning in ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

BackgroundBlood flow restoration is a definitive therapy for salvaging the myocardium following ischemic injury. Nevertheless, the sudden restoration of blood flow to the ischemic myocardium can induce ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).ResultsHerein, we investigated the cardioprotective effect of remote ischemic postconditioning (RPostC) through our in vivo rat model of myocardial IRI. The study included three groups: the control group, the IRI group, and the IRI + RPostC group. Ischemia-reperfusion treatment led to an increase in the myocardial infarction area, which was inhibited by RPostC. In contrast to that in the control group, the myocardial apoptosis level was enhanced in the IRI group, whereas RPostC treatment decreased IRI-induced cellular apoptosis. Affymetrix Rat Gene 2.0 ST chip data identified a total of 265 upregulated genes and 267 downregulated genes between the IRI and IRI + RPostC groups. A group of differentially expressed noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as MTA_TC0600002772.mm, MTA_TC1300002394.mm, U7 small nuclear RNA (Rnu7) and RGD7543256_1, were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that the positive regulation of some molecular functions, such as GTPase activity, GTP binding, cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity and cytokine activity, may contribute to the cardioprotective role of RPostC. Moreover, pathway enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) suggested the potential implication of the TNF signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Global signal transduction network analysis, co-expression network analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis further identified several core genes, including Pdgfra, Stat1, Lifr and Stfa3.ConclusionRemote ischemic postconditioning treatment can decrease IRI-mediated myocardial apoptosis by regulating multiple processes and pathways, such as GTPase activity, cytokine activity, and the TNF and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. The potential role of the above ncRNAs and core genes in IRI-induced cardiac damage merits further study as well.

English

Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC) Guill. et Perr. belongs to the Combretaceae family and was previously named A. leiocarpa (DC) Guill. Et Perr. It has been widely used in Burkina Faso by traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension. Previous study showed that the dichloromethanolic fraction from the barks of trunk of A. leiocarpa (ALF) has induced an endothelium-independent and endothelium-dependent vasodilation effect and had the capacity to inhibit in vitro, purified cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) activity. The aims of this study were to better underline ALF-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in an organ model. The results showed that ALF significantly reduce the contractile response to U46619 in porcine coronary artery rings without endothelium that were in concentration-dependent manner. In denuded rings, pretreatment by ALF (10, 30 and 100 µg/mL) did not affect relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), suggesting that relaxation to ALF was not due to its ability to be a nitric oxide donor. Moreover, SNP-induced relaxation had not been affected in the presence of Nimodipine (PDE1 inhibitor), EHNA (PDE2 inhibitor) or DMPPO (PDE5 inhibitor). In addition, the results showed a relaxation effect to isoproterenol in endothelium-denuded artery rings pretreated with ALF (3, 10, and 30 µg/mL) which were significantly affected suggesting a possible membrane hyperpolarization leading to the vasodilation. In the presence of the PDE3 specific inhibitor Cilostamide and ALF (30 and 100 µg/mL), the vasodilation effects of isoproterenol was enhanced and comparable. Moreover, various potassium channels were not involved in ALF-induced relaxation since tetraethylammonium chloride (non-selective K+ channels inhibitor), iberiotoxin (voltage-sensitive potassium channels inhibitor) and Glibenclamide (KATP channels inhibitor) did not notably affect the relaxation effect to ALF in rings without endothelium. Taken together, ALF-induced endothelium-independent relaxation mainly involves a sustained decrease in [Ca2+]i and may be due to PDE1, 3 and 5 inhibitions localized in the vascular smooth muscle cells. While, the involvement of the ions channels have not been clearly revealed in this experiment. Key words: Anogeissus leiocarpa, U46619, phosphodiesterases (PDEs), calcium, porcine coronary artery, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), isoproterenol.

Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Human Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Cell Lines in 2D and 3D Cultures.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common subtype of breast cancer following invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and characterized by the loss of E-cadherin-mediated adherens junctions. Despite displaying unique histologic and clinical features, ILC still remains a chronically understudied disease, with limited knowledge gleaned from available laboratory research models. Here we report a comprehensive 2D and 3D phenotypic characterization of four estrogen receptor-positive human ILC cell lines: MDA-MB-134, SUM44, MDA-MB-330, and BCK4. Compared with the IDC cell lines MCF7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231, ultra-low attachment culture conditions revealed remarkable anchorage independence unique to ILC cells, a feature not evident in soft-agar gels. Three-dimensional Collagen I and Matrigel culture indicated a generally loose morphology for ILC cell lines, which exhibited differing preferences for adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins in 2D. Furthermore, ILC cells were limited in their ability to migrate and invade in wound-scratch and transwell assays, with the exception of haptotaxis to Collagen I. Transcriptional comparison of these cell lines confirmed the decreased cell proliferation and E-cadherin-mediated intercellular junctions in ILC while uncovering the induction of novel pathways related to cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity, ion channels, drug metabolism, and alternative cell adhesion molecules such as N-cadherin, some of which were differentially regulated in ILC versus IDC tumors. Altogether, these studies provide an invaluable resource for the breast cancer research community and facilitate further functional discoveries toward understanding ILC, identifying novel drug targets, and ultimately improving the outcome of patients with ILC.Significance: These findings provide the breast cancer research community with a comprehensive assessment of human invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) cell line signaling and behavior in various culture conditions, aiding future endeavors to develop therapies and to ultimately improve survival in patients with ILC. Cancer Res; 78(21); 6209-22. ©2018 AACR.

Upregulated miR‑203a‑3p and its potential molecular mechanism in breast cancer: A study based on bioinformatics analyses and a comprehensive meta‑analysis.

Breast cancer (BC) has been identified as the leading malignancy in women worldwide. However, the potential molecular mechanism of microRNA (miR)-203a-3p in BC remains to be elucidated. The present study evaluated the expression of miR-203a-3p in BC and adjacent normal tissue in several publically available datasets. The distinguishability of precursor miR-203a and miR-203a-3p in BC tissue and adjacent breast tissue was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and summarized ROC (sROC) approaches. In addition, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis were performed to determine the potential molecular mechanism of miR-203a-3p in BC. It was identified that the expression of precursor miR-203a was markedly upregulated in 1,077 BC tissue samples compared to 104 adjacent breast tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Additionally, an increasing trend in miR-203a-3p expression was observed in 756 BC tissue samples compared with 76 adjacent breast tissue samples from the University of California Santa Cruz Xena project. In addition, a comprehensive meta-analysis suggested that the expression of miR-203a-3p was markedly increased in 2,444 BC tissue samples compared with 559 adjacent breast tissue samples. The area under the curve of the ROC and sROC revealed that miR-203a-3p expression was able to distinguish between BC tissue and adjacent breast tissue. However, miR-203a-3p exhibited no prognostic value in BC. The results of GO enrichment demonstrated that the miR-203a target genes were associated with ‘plasma membrane integrity’, ‘cell surface receptor linked signal and transduction’ and ‘3′,5′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity’. ‘Purine metabolism’ was identified as the pathway with the most enrichment of miR-203a-3p target genes in BC. The present study also identified insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1) as a hub gene associated with miR-203a in BC. In summary, miR-203a-3p may enhance the development and oncogenesis of BC, and IGF1 was defined as a hub gene of miR-203a-3p in BC.

Hydrogen sulphide donors selectively potentiate a green tea polyphenol EGCG-induced apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a colourless gas with the odour of rotten eggs and has recently been recognized as a signal mediator in physiological activities related with the regulation of homeostasis, the vascular system and the inflammatory system. Here we show that H2S donors, including sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS), GYY 4137 and diallyltrisulfide (DATS), synergistically enhanced the anti-cancer effect of a green tea polyphenol (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) against multiple myeloma cells without affecting normal cells. NaHS significantly potentiated the anti-cancer effect of EGCG and prolonged survival in a mouse xenograft model. In this mechanism, H2S enhanced apoptotic cell death through cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/acid sphingomyelinase pathway induced by EGCG. Moreover, NaHS reduced the enzyme activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase that is known as cGMP negative regulator. In conclusion, we identified H2S as a gasotransmitter that potentiates EGCG-induced cancer cell death.

A unique choanoflagellate enzyme rhodopsin exhibits light-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity

Photoactivated adenylyl cyclase (PAC) and guanylyl cyclase rhodopsin increase the concentrations of intracellular cyclic nucleotides upon illumination, serving as promising second-generation tools in optogenetics. To broaden the arsenal of such tools, it is desirable to have light-activatable enzymes that can decrease cyclic nucleotide concentrations in cells. Here, we report on an unusual microbial rhodopsin that may be able to meet the demand. It is found in the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta and contains a C-terminal cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) domain. We examined the enzymatic activity of the protein (named Rh-PDE) both in HEK293 membranes and whole cells. Although Rh-PDE was constitutively active in the dark, illumination increased its hydrolytic activity 1.4-fold toward cGMP and 1.6-fold toward cAMP, as measured in isolated crude membranes. Purified full-length Rh-PDE displayed maximal light absorption at 492 nm and formed the M intermediate with the deprotonated Schiff base upon illumination. The M state decayed to the parent spectral state in 7 s, producing long-lasting activation of the enzyme domain with increased activity. We discuss a possible mechanism of the Rh-PDE activation by light. Furthermore, Rh-PDE decreased cAMP concentration in HEK293 cells in a light-dependent manner and could do so repeatedly without losing activity. Thus, Rh-PDE may hold promise as a potential optogenetic tool for light control of intracellular cyclic nucleotides (e.g. to study cyclic nucleotide-associated signal transduction cascades).

Identification and Localization of the Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase 10A in Bovine Testis and Mature Spermatozoa.

In mammals, adenosine 3’, 5’-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is known to play highly important roles in sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis. It is known to act through protein phosphorylation via PRKA and through the activation of guanine nucleotide exchange factors like EPAC. Sperm intracellular cAMP levels depend on the activity of adenylyl cyclases, mostly SACY, though transmembrane-containing adenylyl cyclases are also present, and on the activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) whose role is to degrade cAMP into 5’-AMP. The PDE superfamily is subdivided into 11 families (PDE1 to 11), which act on either cAMP or cGMP, or on both cAMP and cGMP although with different enzymatic properties. PDE10, which is more effective on cAMP than cGMP, has been known for almost 15 years and is mostly studied in the brain where it is associated with neurological disorders. Although a high level of PDE10A gene expression is observed in the testis, information on the identity of the isoforms or on the cell type that express the PDE10 protein is lacking. The objective of this study was to identify the PDE10A isoforms expressed in the testis and germ cells, and to determine the presence and localization of PDE10A in mature spermatozoa. As a sub-objective, since PDE10A transcript variants were reported strictly through analyses of bovine genomic sequence, we also wanted to determine the nucleotide and amino acid sequences by experimental evidence. Using RT-PCR, 5’- and 3’-RACE approaches we clearly show that PDE10A transcript variants X3 and X5 are expressed in bovine testis as well as in primary spermatocytes and spermatids. We also reveal using a combination of immunological techniques and proteomics analytical tools that the PDE10A isoform X4 is present in the area of the developing acrosome of spermatids and of the acrosome of mature spermatozoa.

Effect of hydrogen sulfide on vasorelaxation and content of guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic phosphate in vascular tissue of rats

Objective To observe the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on vasorelaxation and expression of guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic phosphate (cGMP) and activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) in vascular tissue. Methods H2S donor was provided by sodium bisulfide sodium hydrosulfide.The isolated perfused rat thoracic aorta rings were used to test the relaxation responses to H2S, which recorded by Power Lab system, and the enzyme-linked immuno assay was used to detect intracellular cGMP.The activity of PDE was evaluated by using cyclic nucleotide PDE assay kit. Results (1)H2S relaxed the thoracic aorta rings, and the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) for the H2S relaxation curve, represented by the corresponding concentration of H2S that achieved 50% of the maximum relaxation effect, was (1.79±0.31)×10-5 mol/L.(2)The cGMP content in vascular tissue increased from(22.29±1.59) pmol/L to(41.45±7.49) pmol/L and (31.35±2.56) pmol/L after incubation with 50 μmol/L and 300 μmol/L H2S, respectively (t= -3.09, t=-2.88; all P<0.05, n=7-8). (3)cGMP could be lysed into 5'-guanylicacid(5'-GMP) by PDE, which was an important pathway for cGMP degradation.This study showed that PDE activity was decreased in vascular tissue, the 5'-GMP decreased from (0.52±0.06) mol/L to (0.25±0.06) mol/L and (0.27±0.07) mol/L after incubation with 50 μmol/L and 300 μmol/L H2S, respectively (t=3.21, t=2.58; all P<0.05, n=7-8). Conclusion The vasorelaxant effects of H2S might be related to the inhibited activity of PDE and elevated content of cGMP. Key words: Hydrogen sulfide; Guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic phosphate; Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase; Vasorelaxation

Genome-wide analysis identifies a role for common copy number variants in specific language impairment

An exploratory genome-wide copy number variant (CNV) study was performed in 127 independent cases with specific language impairment (SLI), their first-degree relatives (385 individuals) and 269 population controls. Language-impaired cases showed an increased CNV burden in terms of the average number of events (11.28 vs 10.01, empirical P=0.003), the total length of CNVs (717 vs 513 Kb, empirical P=0.0001), the average CNV size (63.75 vs 51.6 Kb, empirical P=0.0005) and the number of genes spanned (14.29 vs 10.34, empirical P=0.0007) when compared with population controls, suggesting that CNVs may contribute to SLI risk. A similar trend was observed in first-degree relatives regardless of affection status. The increased burden found in our study was not driven by large or de novo events, which have been described as causative in other neurodevelopmental disorders. Nevertheless, de novo CNVs might be important on a case-by-case basis, as indicated by identification of events affecting relevant genes, such as ACTR2 and CSNK1A1, and small events within known micro-deletion/-duplication syndrome regions, such as chr8p23.1. Pathway analysis of the genes present within the CNVs of the independent cases identified significant overrepresentation of acetylcholine binding, cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity and MHC proteins as compared with controls. Taken together, our data suggest that the majority of the risk conferred by CNVs in SLI is via common, inherited events within a ‘common disorder–common variant' model. Therefore the risk conferred by CNVs will depend upon the combination of events inherited (both CNVs and SNPs), the genetic background of the individual and the environmental factors.

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Nitroxide-Labeled Calmodulin

Calmodulin (CaM) is a highly conserved calcium-binding protein consisting of two homologous domains, each of which contains two EF-hands, that is known to bind well over 300 proteins and peptides. In most cases the (Ca(2+))(4-)form of CaM leads to the activation of a key regulatory enzyme or protein in a myriad of biological processes. Using the nitroxide spin-labeling reagent, 3-(2-iodoacetamido)-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl oxyl, bovine brain CaM was modified at 2-3 methionines with retention of activity as judged by the activation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to measure the spectral changes upon addition of Ca(2+) to the apo-form of spin-labeled protein. A significant loss of spectral intensity, arising primarily from reductions in the heights of the low, intermediate, and high field peaks, accompanied Ca(2+) binding. The midpoint of the Ca(2+)-mediated transition determined by EPR occurred at a higher Ca(2+) concentration than that measured with circular dichroic spectroscopy and enzyme activation. Recent data have indicated that the transition from the apo-state of CaM to the fully saturated form, [(Ca(2+))(4-)CaM], contains a compact intermediate corresponding to [(Ca(2+))(2-)CaM], and the present results suggest that the spin probes are reporting on Ca(2+) binding to the last two sites in the N-terminal domain, i.e. for the [(Ca(2+))(2)-CaM] → [(Ca(2+))(4-)CaM] transition in which the compact structure becomes more extended. EPR of CaM, spin-labeled at methionines, offers a different approach for studying Ca(2+)-mediated conformational changes and may emerge as a useful technique for monitoring interactions with target proteins.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in stem cells of human periodontal ligament (PDL-MSCs) before and after osteogenic induction

The aim of this work was to evaluate both the level of endogenous cyclic nucleotides cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cAMP) and phosphodiesterase activity in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) before and during the osteogenic induction. Samples were organized into control (nondifferentiated) and test groups which were analyzed at 3 different time points: 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Periodontal ligament MSCs were isolated and then expanded in an MSCM medium while cyclic nucleotide levels and phosphodiesterase activity were assessed. cAMP and cGMP levels were markedly higher in the first week than in the following stages. Similarly, PDE activity increased during the first week and reached the peak in the second week. This work validates that cAMP, cGMP, and PDE activities are important factors in the first phase of the osteogenic induction of a human stem cell.

Rolipram promotes remyelination possibly via MEK-ERK signal pathway in cuprizone-induced demyelination mouse

ObjectiveRolipram, a 3′–5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has long been studied for its immune modulating effects in the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In the current study, we investigated the effects of rolipram on remyelination after cuprizone- or lysolecithin-induced demyelination and the signal transduction pathways potentially modulating this response. Materials and methodsCuprizone-induced demyelination in mice and lysolecithin (LPC)-induced demyelination in rat cerebellum slice culture were treated with rolipram. Demyelination was evaluated by Luxol fast blue (LFB) or myelin basic protein (MBP) staining and western blot. Oligodendroglial cells were cultured with different concentrations of rolipram, and 2′, 3′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CNPase) activity, MBP expression, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation were measured. ResultsRolipram antagonized lysolecithin (LPC)-induced demyelination in rat cerebellar slice cultures and cuprizone-fed mice. In vitro, rolipram treatment promoted oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) maturation, an effect that was partially blocked by the inhibitors of the mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK). ConclusionRolipram promotes the maturation of OPCs, facilitates remyelination, and increases ERK phosphorylation. All of these actions are involved in an action against cuprizone-induced demyelination that may occur partly via the MEK-ERK pathway. Importantly, this may have therapeutic implications for MS.

Protein Implicated in Nonsyndromic Mental Retardation Regulates Protein Kinase A (PKA) Activity

Mutation of the coiled-coil and C2 domain-containing 1A (CC2D1A) gene, which encodes a C2 domain and DM14 domain-containing protein, has been linked to severe autosomal recessive nonsyndromic mental retardation. Using a mouse model that produces a truncated form of CC2D1A that lacks the C2 domain and three of the four DM14 domains, we show that CC2D1A is important for neuronal differentiation and brain development. CC2D1A mutant neurons are hypersensitive to stress and have a reduced capacity to form dendrites and synapses in culture. At the biochemical level, CC2D1A transduces signals to the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway during neuronal cell differentiation. PKA activity is compromised, and the translocation of its catalytic subunit to the nucleus is also defective in CC2D1A mutant cells. Consistently, phosphorylation of the PKA target cAMP-responsive element-binding protein, at serine 133, is nearly abolished in CC2D1A mutant cells. The defects in cAMP/PKA signaling were observed in fibroblast, macrophage, and neuronal primary cells derived from the CC2D1A KO mice. CC2D1A associates with the cAMP-PKA complex following forskolin treatment and accumulates in vesicles or on the plasma membrane in wild-type cells, suggesting that CC2D1A may recruit the PKA complex to the membrane to facilitate signal transduction. Together, our data show that CC2D1A is an important regulator of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, which may be the underlying cause for impaired mental function in nonsyndromic mental retardation patients with CC2D1A mutation.

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Alterations in cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues in human obesity

Objective: To elucidate the activity and expression of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) families in omental (OM) and subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue and adipocytes, and to study alterations in their activity in human obesity.Design: Cross-sectional, translational research study.Patients: In total, 25 obese and 9 non-obese subjects undergoing gastrointestinal surgery participated in the study.Results: Inverse correlations between PDE activities and body mass index (BMI) were seen in both SC and OM adipose tissue. Inverse correlations between total PDE and PDE3 activity and BMI were seen in OM adipocytes but not in SC adipocytes. In both SC and OM adipose tissue of obese patients, total PDE and PDE3 activities were decreased compared with the controls. In SC adipose tissue of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, the PDE activity not inhibitable by PDE3 or PDE4 inhibitors (PDEn) was increased compared with obese non-diabetic patients. In addition to PDE3 and 4 isoforms, PDE7B, PDE9A and PDE10A proteins were also detected in adipose tissue or adipocytes.Conclusions: Multiple PDE families are present in human adipose tissue and their activities are differentially affected by obesity and T2D.

The exopolyphosphatase TbrPPX1 of Trypanosoma brucei

BackgroundExopolyphosphatases and pyrophosphatases play important but still incompletely understood roles in energy metabolism, and also in other aspects of cell biology such as osmoregulation or signal transduction. Earlier work has suggested that a human exopolyphosphatase, Prune, might exhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity.ResultsThe kinetoplastida, a large order of unicellular eukaryotes that contains many important pathogens such as Trypanosoma brucei (human sleeping sickness), Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease) or Leishmania ssp (several clinically dinstinct leishmaniases) all contain several exo- and pyrophosphatases. The current study provides a systematic classification of these enzymes, which now allows to situate the information that is already available on some of these enzymes. It then analyses the exopolyphosphatase TbrPPX1 of T. brucei in detail, using RNA interference and genetic knockouts in an attempt to define its function, and immunofluorescence microscopy to study its subcellular localization.TbrPPX1 is an exopolyphosphatase that does hydrolyze pentasodium triphosphate, but not organic triphosphates such as ATP, pyrophosphate or long-chain polyphosphates. Finally, the study investigates the potential cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity of TbrPPX1.ConclusionsAll kinetoplastid genomes that are currently available contain genes for an exopolyphosphatase and two classes of pyrophosphatases, one associated with the acidocalcisomes and one cytoplasmic. TbrPPX1 represents the T. brucei exopolyphosphatase. It is located throughout the cytoplasm, and its genetic ablation does not produce a dramatic phenotype. Importantly, TbrPPX1 does not exhibit any cyclic nucleotide specific phosphodiesterase activity, which definitively eliminates it as an additional player in cAMP signalling of the kinetoplastida.