Dihydropyrimidinase-related Protein Research Articles

Impact of dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 in memory formation on rats and its possible role in neuronal back remodeling

The article concerns the problem of molecular mechanisms of memory formation. In this study the effects of polyclonal antibodies to serotonin-modulating anticonsolidation protein (SMAP) complex and its component dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP2) have been analyzed. Intra-cerebral administration of polyclonal anti-SMAP antibody significantly enhanced elaboration and strengthened memory formation in two complex behavioral conditioned models. At the same time, intra-cerebral administration of anti-SMAP antibody resulted in an increase of the content of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the water-soluble fraction of the hippocampus while intra-cerebral administration of anti-DRP2 antibody caused a decrease in the content of β-III tubulin (a marker of differentiated neurons) in the hippocampus and in the left parietal cortex of untrained rats. The obtained results indicate that DRP2 might participate in regulation of the processes of back remodeling of mature nerve cells of adult organisms, occurring during training of rats in the behavioral paradigm used in this study under the effects of anti-SMAP and anti-DRP2 antibodies. Conclusion is made that back remodeling (dedifferentiation) of mature nerve cells, apparently, is engaged in memory formation.

DPYSL5 is highly expressed in treatment-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer and promotes lineage plasticity via EZH2/PRC2

Treatment-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC) is a lethal subtype of castration-resistant prostate cancer resistant to androgen receptor (AR) inhibitors. Our study unveils that AR suppresses the neuronal development protein dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 5 (DPYSL5), providing a mechanism for neuroendocrine transformation under androgen deprivation therapy. Our unique CRPC-NEPC cohort, comprising 135 patient tumor samples, including 55 t-NEPC patient samples, exhibits a high expression of DPYSL5 in t-NEPC patient tumors. DPYSL5 correlates with neuroendocrine-related markers and inversely with AR and PSA. DPYSL5 overexpression in prostate cancer cells induces a neuron-like phenotype, enhances invasion, proliferation, and upregulates stemness and neuroendocrine-related markers. Mechanistically, DPYSL5 promotes prostate cancer cell plasticity via EZH2-mediated PRC2 activation. Depletion of DPYSL5 decreases proliferation, induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest, reverses neuroendocrine phenotype, and upregulates luminal genes. In conclusion, DPYSL5 plays a critical role in regulating prostate cancer cell plasticity, and we propose the AR/DPYSL5/EZH2/PRC2 axis as a driver of t-NEPC progression.

Proteomics profiling of CD4+T-cell-derived exosomes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Our study profiled the CD4+T-cell-derived exosomes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using proteomics. Proteomic analysis of CD4+T-cell-derived exosomes was performed by tandem mass tags (TMT) combined with LC-MS/MS. We validated the most significantly upregulated and downregulated proteins using ELISA and WB. The proteomic results showed that there were 3 upregulated differentially expressed proteins and 31 downregulated differentially expressed proteins in the RA group. The results indicated that dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 3 (DPYSL3) was significantly upregulated in CD4+T-cell-derived exosomes, whereas proteasome activator complex subunit 1 (PSME1) was significantly downregulated in the RA group. Bioinformatics analysis showed that proteins were enriched in "positive regulation of gene expression", "antigen processing and presentation", "acute-phase response" and "PI3K-AKT signaling" pathways. ELISA verified that compared to the control group, the RA group showed significant upregulation of DPYSL3, and downregulation of PSME1 in CD4+T-cell-derived exosomes. The proteomic analysis results of CD4+T-cell-derived exosomes from patients with RA suggest that these differentially expressed proteins may be involved in RA pathogenesis. DPYSL3 and PSME1 may become useful biomarkers for RA.

Dihydropyrimidinase-Related Protein 2 Is a New Partner in the Binding between 4E-BP2 and eIF4E Related to Neuronal Death after Cerebral Ischemia.

Transient cerebral ischemia induces neuronal degeneration, followed in time by secondary delayed neuronal death that is strongly correlated with a permanent inhibition of protein synthesis in vulnerable brain regions, while protein translational rates are recovered in resistant areas. In the translation-regulation initiation step, the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E is a key player regulated by its association with eIF4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), mostly 4E-BP2 in brain tissue. In a previous work, we identified dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP2) as a 4E-BP2-interacting protein. Here, using a proteomic approach in a model of transient cerebral ischemia, a detailed study of DRP2 was performed in order to address the challenge of translation restoration in vulnerable regions. In this report, several DRP2 isoforms that have a specific interaction with both 4E-BP2 and eIF4E were identified, showing significant and opposite differences in this association, and being differentially detected in resistant and vulnerable regions in response to ischemia reperfusion. Our results provide the first evidence of DRP2 isoforms as potential regulators of the 4E-BP2-eIF4E association that would have consequences in the delayed neuronal death under ischemic-reperfusion stress. The new knowledge reported here identifies DRP2 as a new target to promote neuronal survival after cerebral ischemia.

Involvement of Dihydropyrimidinase-Related Protein 2 in Regulation of Anxiety in Humans

The goal of the study was analysis of the role for dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP2) in regulation of anxiety in humans and animals. For this purpose, the levels of DRP2 in the platelets and saliva and the levels of natural autoantibodies to DRP2 in the blood serum of the patients, admitted for a surgical operation, were analyzed alongside with the effects of DRP2 on rat behavior using the model of elevated plus-maze. Blood samples were collected from the veins of the patients, feeling anxiety at the day of surgery, into test tubes containing 5% EDTA as an anticoagulant. Platelets and serum were purified and through indirect ELISA-test the levels of DRP2 were evaluated in the platelets, while the levels of natural anti-DRP2 autoantibodies were measured in the blood serum. Concomitantly, the levels of DRP2 were estimated in the patients’ saliva sampled on the same day. The results showed upregulation of DRP2 in the platelets (p 0.05 on Student’s t-criterion) and natural anti-DRP2 autoantibodies in the serum of the patients (p 0.001) relative to healthy persons. Evaluation of the level of the stress hormone cortisol in the patients’ serum revealed its upregulation (p 0.01). At the same time downregulation of DRP2 in the patients’ saliva (p 0.01) was noticed. Intra-cerebral administration of DRP2 to the rats resulted in an increase in the number of crossed squares in the open arms of the maze relative to the control rats injected with inactivated DRP2 (p 0.01, Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U-criterion) which indicates their reduced anxiety. Based on the data obtained we conclude that evaluation of DRP2 in the platelets, natural anti-DRP2 autoantibodies in the blood serum and DRP2 in the saliva might serve as an indicator of anxiety levels in humans.

Involvement of Dihydropyrimidinase-Related Protein 2 in Human Anxiety Regulation

Involvement of Dihydropyrimidinase-Related Protein 2 in Human Anxiety Regulation

The changes of serotonin-modulating anticonsolidation protein and dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 in the amygdala and blood of depressive rats

Nowadays, depression is referred to psychiatric disease and is widely spread throughout the world. The pathogenesis of depression in humans is characterized by significant disturbances of serotonin turnover and its downregulation in brain structures. The objective of the present study was the definition of the levels of serotonin-modulating anticonsolidation protein (SMAP) and dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP2) in the brain amygdala, platelets, and to anti-SMAP natural autoantibodies in the depression Wistar rats of both sexes. A depression state in the rats was formed in the dominant model and its successful formation was confirmed in the forced swimming test by the decreased timeframe of active swimming. Through the application of an indirect ELISA test in the depressive male and female rats, a downregulation of SMAP and DRP2 in the amygdala, an upregulation of SMAP in the platelets of depressive male rats, a noticeable downregulation of DRP2 in the platelets of depressive female rats, and a sharp downregulation of anti-SMAP natural autoantibodies in the serum of depressive male rats were observed.

Fluorine-Containing Drug Administration in Rats Results in Fluorination of Selected Proteins in Liver and Brain Tissue.

In many pharmaceuticals, a hydrogen atom or hydroxyl group is replaced by a fluorine to increase bioavailability and biostability. The fate of fluorine released from fluorine-containing drugs is not well investigated. The aim of this study was to examine possible fluorination of proteins in rat liver and brain after administration of the fluorinated drug cinacalcet. We assigned 18 Wistar rats to a control group (n = 6) and a group treated with cinacalcet (2 mg kg−1/body weight, 5 days/week), divided into 7 day (n = 6) and 21 day (n = 6) treatment subgroups. Fluorinated proteins were identified using a free proteomics approach; chromatographic separation and analysis by high-resolution mass spectrometry; peptide/protein identification using the Mascot search algorithm; manual verification of an experimentally generated MS/MS spectrum with the theoretical MS/MS spectrum of identified fluorinated peptides. Three fluorinated proteins (spectrin beta chain; carbamoyl-phosphate synthase [ammonia], mitochondrial; 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase 1) were identified in the liver and four (spectrin beta chain, dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 4, prominin-2, dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 4) in the brain tissue after 21 days of cinacalcet treatment, but not in the control group. Introduction of fluorine into an organism by administration of fluorinated drugs results in tissue-specific fluorination of proteins.

Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 1 (CRMP1) Is Required for High-Frequency Hearing

Collapsin response mediator protein 1 (CRMP1), also known as dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 1, participates in cytoskeleton remodeling during axonal guidance and neuronal migration. In cochlear hair cells, the assembly and maintenance of the cytoskeleton is of great interest because it is crucial for the morphogenesis and maintenance of hair cells. Previous RNA sequencing analysis found that Crmp1 is highly expressed in cochlear hair cells. However, the expression profile and functions of CRMP1 in the inner ear remain unknown. In this study, the expression and localization of CRMP1 in hair cells was investigated using immunostaining, and was shown to be highly expressed in both outer and inner hair cells. Next, the stereocilia morphology of Crmp1-deficient mice was characterized. Abolishing CRMP1 did not affect the morphogenesis of hair cells. Interestingly, scanning electron microscopy detected hair cell loss at the basal cochlear region, an area responsible for high-frequency auditory perception, in Crmp1-deficient mice. Correspondingly, an auditory brainstem response test showed that mice lacking CRMP1 had progressive hearing loss at high frequencies. In summary, these data suggest that CRMP1 is required for high-frequency auditory perception.

Differential Association of 4E-BP2-Interacting Proteins Is Related to Selective Delayed Neuronal Death after Ischemia.

Cerebral ischemia induces an inhibition of protein synthesis and causes cell death and neuronal deficits. These deleterious effects do not occur in resilient areas of the brain, where protein synthesis is restored. In cellular stress conditions, as brain ischemia, translational repressors named eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs) specifically bind to eIF4E and are critical in the translational control. We previously described that 4E-BP2 protein, highly expressed in brain, can be a molecular target for the control of cell death or survival in the reperfusion after ischemia in an animal model of transient cerebral ischemia. Since these previous studies showed that phosphorylation would not be the regulation that controls the binding of 4E-BP2 to eIF4E under ischemic stress, we decided to investigate the differential detection of 4E-BP2-interacting proteins in two brain regions with different vulnerability to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in this animal model, to discover new potential 4E-BP2 modulators and biomarkers of cerebral ischemia. For this purpose, 4E-BP2 immunoprecipitates from the resistant cortical region and the vulnerable hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region were analyzed by two-dimensional (2-D) fluorescence difference in gel electrophoresis (DIGE), and after a biological variation analysis, 4E-BP2-interacting proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Interestingly, among the 4E-BP2-interacting proteins identified, heat shock 70 kDa protein-8 (HSC70), dihydropyrimidinase-related protein-2 (DRP2), enolase-1, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme-L1 (UCHL1), adenylate kinase isoenzyme-1 (ADK1), nucleoside diphosphate kinase-A (NDKA), and Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor-1 (Rho-GDI), were of notable interest, showing significant differences in their association with 4E-BP2 between resistant and vulnerable regions to ischemic stress. Our data contributes to the first characterization of the 4E-BP2 interactome, increasing the knowledge in the molecular basis of the protection and vulnerability of the ischemic regions and opens the way to detect new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diagnosis and treatment of cerebral ischemia.

STUDIES OF THE ROLE FOR DIHYDROPYRIMIDINASE RELATED PROTEIN 2 IN FORMATION OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURES IN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL AND CLINICS

Article concerns results of the studies of the epileptic seizures carried out on the model of male rabbits of Chinchilla species and on the epileptic patients. In the 1 st series of studies after administration of 300 units of natrium penisillinum into the amygdala of the rabbits and induction of epileptic seizures blood samples were taken from them and with application of solid-phase indirect ELISA-test the level of dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP2) in the platelets and the level of anti-DRP2 autoantibodies in the serum were evaluated. During seizures downregulation of both DRP2 in the platelets (p<0.05), and anti-DRP2 autoantibodies in the serum (p<0.01) was revealed. In the 2 nd series of studies after achieving stable level of seizure activity in the rabbits, through cannula, earlier implanted into the brain lateral ventricle, DRP2 in a volume of 10 µL and concentration 0.7 mg/mL, in buffered saline solution (pH 7.3) was administered and 5 min later suppression of seizures was noted. In the 3 rd series of studies blood samples were taken from the veins of the patients having diagnosis of genuine epilepsy and with application of indirect ELISA- test the level of DRP2 in the platelets was measured and drastic, 3-fold upregulation of DRP2 (p<0.001) was revealed. The results presented in the article demonstrate prominent stabilizing role for serotonergic system and its sub-cellular signal proteins in regulation of excitation processes of brain cells and realization of inhibitory effects on formation of epileptic activity.

Ganoderma lucidum Modulates Neuronal Distorted Cytoskeletal Proteomics and Protein-Protein Interaction in Alzheimer’s disease Model Animals

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading neurodegenerative disorder affecting memory, learning and behavior. Altered expression of proteins involved in neuronal structure and function is a recent observation of AD pathogenesis. Modulation of altered protein expression seems promising in AD therapeutics. In the present experiment, AD ameliorating effect of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum had been evaluated through its effect on neuronal cytoskeletal structure and function related protein expression pattern in AD model rats. Methods: Wistar male rats (120 ± 5gm) were divided into three groups: control (C), AD (A) and G. lucidum hot water extract (HWE) fed AD (AE), each group containing 15 rats. AD model rats were prepared by infusing Aβ1-42 (ab120959, abcam, USA) into the cerebral ventricles. Protein extraction from the brain samples was performed following homogenization of the hippocampus (50 mg ) with lysis buffer (1ml) using a homogenizer (Polytron PT 1200, Kinematica). Protein separation through SDS-PAGE and protein quantification through LC-chip MS/MS Q-TOF had been performed for label-free relative quantification. For statistical analyses, the data were exported to the Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software and ANOVA (P<0.05) had been performed to overcome the complications of false discovery associated with multiple test analyses. Functional interaction networks of the proteins were identified using the STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins) database (version 10.0; http://string-db.org/). For further identifying over-representing pathways and biological functions, the ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), build version: 389077M, content version: 27821452, (Release date: 2016-06-14) was used (https://www.ingenuity.com/wp-content/themes/ingenuity-qiagen). Datasets of the proteins significantly expressed (P<0.05) and having log fold change of 1.5 and higher were uploaded (AD versus C, AD versus AE and C versus AE). Results: Among 2,212 proteins identified in the present study, 819 had been found to be differentially expressed. Of the differentially expressed ones, 9 proteins had been linked with neuronal cytoskeletal structure and function regulation such as tubulin, β-actin, dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP-2), keratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Rho A proteins, septin, cofilin, gelsolin and dynamin. AD rats manifested altered expression of proteins associated with neuronal structure and function. G. lucidum hot water treatment ameliorated the altered expression of those proteins. Conclusions: Altered expression of hippocampal proteins is a hallmark of AD. Neuroproteomics regulatory approach towards AD amelioration seems promising. Inclusion of G. lucidum for proteomics based AD therapeutics in regulation of the proteins involved in neuronal structure and function seem apt. Thus, G. lucidum could be considered as an AD therapeutic agent.

Intellectual disability: dendritic anomalies and emerging genetic perspectives.

Intellectual disability (ID) corresponds to several neurodevelopmental disorders of heterogeneous origin in which cognitive deficits are commonly associated with abnormalities of dendrites and dendritic spines. These histological changes in the brain serve as a proxy for underlying deficits in neuronal network connectivity, mostly a result of genetic factors. Historically, chromosomal abnormalities have been reported by conventional karyotyping, targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosomal microarray analysis. More recently, cytogenomic mapping, whole-exome sequencing, and bioinformatic mining have led to the identification of novel candidate genes, including genes involved in neuritogenesis, dendrite maintenance, and synaptic plasticity. Greater understanding of the roles of these putative ID genes and their functional interactions might boost investigations into determining the plausible link between cellular and behavioral alterations as well as the mechanisms contributing to the cognitive impairment observed in ID. Genetic data combined with histological abnormalities, clinical presentation, and transgenic animal models provide support for the primacy of dysregulation in dendrite structure and function as the basis for the cognitive deficits observed in ID. In this review, we highlight the importance of dendrite pathophysiology in the etiologies of four prototypical ID syndromes, namely Down Syndrome (DS), Rett Syndrome (RTT), Digeorge Syndrome (DGS) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Clinical characteristics of ID have also been reported in individuals with deletions in the long arm of chromosome 10 (the q26.2/q26.3), a region containing the gene for the collapsin response mediator protein 3 (CRMP3), also known as dihydropyrimidinase-related protein-4 (DRP-4, DPYSL4), which is involved in dendritogenesis. Following a discussion of clinical and genetic findings in these syndromes and their preclinical animal models, we lionize CRMP3/DPYSL4 as a novel candidate gene for ID that may be ripe for therapeutic intervention.

Dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 5 controls glioblastoma stem cell characteristics as a biomarker of proneural-subtype glioblastoma stem cells.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant brain tumor, resulting in a poor prognosis. The current therapy for GBM consists in concurrent radiation and chemotherapy following removal of the tumor. Although the therapy prolongs patient survival, recurrence often occurs. The major cause of tumor recurrence is thought to be GBM stem cells (GSCs), which aid the development of chemo-radiotherapy resistance, and can self-renew and aberrantly differentiate. Therefore, GSCs should be targeted to eradicate the tumor and prevent recurrence. Transcriptomic analysis has categorized GBM into proneural (PN), mesenchymal and classical subtypes, and the outcome of recurrence and prognosis markedly depends on subtype. To identify specific GSC markers, the present study analyzed public microarray and RNA-seq data and identified dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 5 (DRP5) as a candidate GSC marker. DRP5 is known to mediate semaphorin 3A signaling and is involved in the regulation of neurite outgrowth and axon guidance during neuronal development. In the present study, DRP5 was specifically upregulated in the PN-subtype GSCs and served crucial roles in maintaining GSC properties, including tumor sphere formation, stem cell marker expression and xenograft tumor growth. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis revealed that DRP5 expression was positively correlated with signatures of stemness, including Notch, Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin expression, which are also known to be positively correlated with PN-subtype gene signatures. Conversely, DRP5 expression was negatively correlated with NF-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 stemness signatures, which are negatively correlated with PN-subtype gene signatures. Taken together, these findings suggested that DRP5 was specifically expressed in PN-subtype GSCs and may be used as a functional marker of PN-subtype GSCs.

Alteration of protein profile in cerebral cortex of rats exposed to bisphenol a: a proteomics study

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used chemicals in plastic industry, which enters the human body through occupational and food contact. We studied the protein changes in rat cerebral cortex to evaluate the neurotoxicity of BPA. Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups and each group respectively received 0, 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg of BPA for 4 weeks orally. To determine the oxidative status, reduced glutathione content and the level of malondialdehyde were measured in brain cortical tissue. The proteins of each sample extracted and separated on a two-dimensional acrylamide gel electrophoresis. From the obtained protein map, the 10 most altered protein spots were used for mass spectroscopy analysis. The lipid peroxidation in both doses of 0.5 and 5 mg/kg was significantly higher than the control group, but the glutathione content had no significant difference between the groups. Based on the results of the MS data analysis by the MASCOT database search engine, 10 proteins with altered intensity were identified as pyruvate kinase, alpha-enolase, aconitate hydratase, creatine kinase B-type, phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1, 14-3-3 protein eta, guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit beta-1, dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2, glutamine synthetase and the neurofilament light polypeptide. There are several reports suggesting that the increase or decrease in the level and activity of these 10 proteins, similar to those observed in this study, is related to some neurological and psychosocial disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy and some brain tumors.

Proteomic analysis of the monkey hippocampus for elucidating ischemic resistance.

It is well-known that the cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) sector of hippocampus is vulnerable for the ischemic insult, whereas the dentate gyrus (DG) is resistant. Here, to elucidate its underlying mechanism, alternations of protein oxidation and expression of DG in the monkey hippocampus after ischemia-reperfusion by the proteomic analysis were studied by comparing CA1 data. Oxidative damage to proteins such as protein carbonylation interrupt the protein function. Carbonyl modification of molecular chaperone, heat shock 70 kDa protein 1 (Hsp70.1) was increased remarkably in CA1, but slightly in DG. In addition, expression levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-2 (SIRT2) was significantly increased in DG after ischemia, but decreased in CA1. Accordingly, it is likely that SIRT2 upregulation and negligible changes of carbonylation of Hsp70.1 exert its neuroprotective effect in DG. On the contrary, carbonylation level of dihydropyrimidinase related protein 2 (DRP-2) and l-lactate dehydrogenase B chain (LDHB) were slightly increased in CA1 as shown previously, but remarkably increased in DG after ischemia. It is considered that DRP-2 and LDHB are specific targets of oxidative stress by ischemia insult and high carbonylation levels of DRP-2 may play an important role in modulating ischemic neuronal death.

Anti-vimentin, anti-TUFM, anti-NAP1L1 and anti-DPYSL2 nanobodies display cytotoxic effect and reduce glioblastoma cell migration.

Background:Glioblastoma is a particularly common and very aggressive primary brain tumour. One of the main causes of therapy failure is the presence of glioblastoma stem cells that are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and that have the potential to form new tumours. This study focuses on validation of eight novel antigens, TRIM28, nucleolin, vimentin, nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (NAP1L1), mitochondrial translation elongation factor (EF-TU) (TUFM), dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DPYSL2), collapsin response mediator protein 1 (CRMP1) and Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF), as putative glioblastoma targets, using nanobodies.Methods:Expression of these eight antigens was analysed at the cellular level by qPCR, ELISA and immunocytochemistry, and in tissues by immunohistochemistry. The cytotoxic effects of the nanobodies were determined using AlamarBlue and water-soluble tetrazolium tests. Annexin V/propidium iodide tests were used to determine apoptotsis/necrosis of the cells in the presence of the nanobodies. Cell migration assays were performed to determine the effects of the nanobodies on cell migration.Results:NAP1L1 and CRMP1 were significantly overexpressed in glioblastoma stem cells in comparison with astrocytes and glioblastoma cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. Vimentin, DPYSL2 and ALYREF were overexpressed in glioblastoma cell lines only at the protein level. The functional part of the study examined the cytotoxic effects of the nanobodies on glioblastoma cell lines. Four of the nanobodies were selected in terms of their specificity towards glioblastoma cells and protein overexpression: anti-vimentin (Nb79), anti-NAP1L1 (Nb179), anti-TUFM (Nb225) and anti-DPYSL2 (Nb314). In further experiments to optimise the nanobody treatment schemes, to increase their effects, and to determine their impact on migration of glioblastoma cells, the anti-TUFM nanobody showed large cytotoxic effects on glioblastoma stem cells, while the anti-vimentin, anti-NAP1L1 and anti-DPYSL2 nanobodies were indicated as agents to target mature glioblastoma cells. The anti-vimentin nanobody also had significant effects on migration of mature glioblastoma cells.Conclusion:Nb79 (anti-vimentin), Nb179 (anti-NAP1L1), Nb225 (anti-TUFM) and Nb314 (anti-DPYSL2) nanobodies are indicated for further examination for cell targeting. The anti-TUFM nanobody, Nb225, is particularly potent for inhibition of cell growth after long-term exposure of glioblastoma stem cells, with minor effects seen for astrocytes. The anti-vimentin nanobody represents an agent for inhibition of cell migration.

Ganoderma lucidum Modulates Neuronal Distorted Cytoskeletal Proteomics and Protein-Protein Interaction in Alzheimer's Disease Model Animals

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading neurodegenerative disorder affecting memory, learning and behavior. Altered expression of proteins involved in neuronal structure and function is a recent observation of AD pathogenesis. Modulation of altered protein expression seems promising in AD therapeutics. In the present experiment, AD ameliorating effect of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (GL) had been evaluated through its effect on neuronal cytoskeletal structure and function related protein expression pattern in AD model rats. Methods: Wistar male rats (120 ± 5 gm) were divided into three groups: control rat (CR), Alzheimer’s Disease Model Rat (ADMR) and G. lucidum Hot Water Extract (GHWE) fed ADMR, each group containing 15 rats. AD model rats were prepared by infusing Aβ1-42 (ab120959, abcam, USA) into the cerebral ventricles. Protein extraction from the brain samples was performed following homogenization of the hippocampus (50 mg) with lysis buffer (1 ml) using a homogenizer (Polytron PT 1200, Kinematica). Protein separation through SDS-PAGE and protein quantification through LC-chip MS/MS Q-TOF had been performed for label-free relative quantification. For statistical analyses, the data were exported to the Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software and ANOVA (P<0.05) had been performed to overcome the complications of false discovery associated with multiple test analyses. Functional interaction networks of the proteins were identified using the STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins) database (version 10.0; http://string-db.org/). For further identifying over-representing pathways and biological functions, the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), build version: 389077M, content version: 27821452, (Release date: 2016-06-14) was used (https://www.ingenuity.com/wp-content/themes/ingenuity-qiagen). Datasets of the proteins significantly expressed (P<0.05) and having log FC (fold change) of 1.5 and higher were uploaded (ADMR versus CR, ADMR versus GHWE fed ADMR and CR versus GHWE fed ADMR). Results: Among 2,212 proteins identified in the present study, 819 had been found to be differentially expressed. Of the differentially expressed ones, 9 proteins had been linked with neuronal cytoskeletal structure and function regulation such as tubulin, β-actin, dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP-2), keratin, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Rho A proteins, septin, cofilin, gelsolin and dynamin. AD rats manifested altered expression of proteins associated with neuronal structure and function. G. lucidum Hot Water Treatment ameliorated the altered expression of those proteins. Conclusion: Altered expression of hippocampal proteins is a hallmark of AD. Neuroproteomics regulatory approach towards AD amelioration seems promising. Inclusion of G. lucidum for proteomics based AD therapeutics in regulation of the proteins involved in neuronal structure and function seem apt. Thus, G. lucidum could be considered as an AD therapeutic agent species.

Proteomics analysis of fetal growth restriction and taurine‑treated fetal growth restriction rat brain tissue by 2DDIGE and MALDI‑TOF/TOF MS analysis.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is caused by placental insufficiency and can lead to short and long-term neurodevelopmental delays. Taurine, one of the most abundant amino acids in the brain, is critical for the normal growth and development of the nervous system; however, the mechanistic role of taurine in neural growth and development remains unknown. The present study investigated the role of taurine in FGR. Specifically, we explored the proteomic profiles of fetal rats at 6 h postpartum by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis combined with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (TOF)/TOF tandem mass spectrometry; the findings were verified via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A total of 31 differentially expressed protein spots were selected. Among these, 31 were matched, including dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 and, CRK and peroxiredoxin 2. Functional analysis using the Gene Ontology database and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly associated with neuronal differentiation, 'metabolic process', 'biological regulation' and developmental processes. The present study identified several proteins that were differentially expressed in rats with FGR in the presence or absence of taurine administration. The results of the present study suggest a potential role for taurine in the treatment and prevention of FGR.

A high-fat diet induces rapid changes in the mouse hypothalamic proteome

BackgroundProlonged over-consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) commonly leads to obesity and insulin resistance. However, even 3 days of HFD consumption has been linked to inflammation within the key homeostatic brain region, the hypothalamus.MethodsMice were fed either a low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD containing 10% or 60% (Kcal) respectively from fat for 3 days. Mice were weighed, food intake measured and glucose tolerance calculated using intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT). Proteomic analysis was carried out to determine if hypothalamic proteins were changed by a HFD. The direct effects of dietary fatty acids on mitochondrial morphology and on one of the proteins most changed by a HFD, dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP-2) a microtubule-associated protein which regulates microtubule dynamics, were also tested in mHypoE-N42 (N42) neuronal cells challenged with palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA).ResultsMice on the HFD, as expected, showed increased adiposity and glucose intolerance. Hypothalamic proteomic analysis revealed changes in 104 spots after 3 days on HFD, which, when identified by LC/MS/MS, were found to represent 78 proteins mainly associated with cytoskeleton and synaptic plasticity, stress response, glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function. Over half of the changed proteins have also been reported to be changed in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Also,in N42 neurons mitochondrial morphology and DRP-2 levels were altered by PA but not by OA.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that within 3 days, there is a relatively large effect of HFD on the hypothalamic proteome indicative of cellular stress, altered synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial function, but not inflammation. Changes in N42 cells show an effect of PA but not OA on DRP-2 and on mitochondrial morphology indicating that long-chain saturated fatty acids damage neuronal function.