Inhibition Of Amino Acid Transport Research Articles

Study of various groups of regulatory molecules during pregnancy against the background of chronic pyelonephritis

The presence of infectious inflammatory process in a pregnant woman can lead to a disorder in the “mother – placenta – fetus” system.Aim of the study was to investigate the level of regulatory and pro-inflammatory molecules in pregnancy occurring against the background of chronic pyelonephritis without exacerbation.Material and methods. The concentration of IL-17A, monocytic chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and IgG autoantibodies to double-stranded DNA (AAT to nDNA) was determined in the blood serum of pregnant women with a gestation period of 36–40 weeks using ELISA.Results. It has been shown that in the third trimester of pregnancy occurring against the background of chronic pyelonephritis without exacerbation, compared with a normal pregnancy, the level of MHP-1 and IL-17A increases, the content of VEGF decreases, and the concentration of AAT to nDNA does not change significantly. An increase in the proinflammatory cytokine IL17A and a decrease in VEGF level can lead to intrauterine fetal growth retardation due to inhibition of amino acid transporters in the placenta.Conclusions. In pregnancy occurring against the background of chronic pyelonephritis without exacerbation, a change in the level of IL17A, MСP-1, VEGF can have a significant impact on the course of pregnancy.

Novel approaches targeting ferroptosis in treatment of glioma.

Glioma is a malignant brain tumor with a high mortality rate; hence novel treatment approaches are being explored to improve patient outcomes. Ferroptosis, a newly described form of regulated cell death, is emerging as a potential therapeutic target in glioma. Ferroptosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides due to a loss of intracellular antioxidant systems represented by the depletion of glutathione and decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Since glioma cells have a high demand for iron and lipid metabolism, modulation of ferroptosis may represent a promising therapeutic approach for this malignancy. Recent studies indicate that ferroptosis inducers like erastin and RSL3 display potent anticancer activity in a glioma model. In addition, therapeutic strategies, including GPX4 targeting, lipid metabolism modulation, inhibition of amino acid transporters, and ferroptosis targeting natural compounds, have shown positive results in preclinical studies. This review will provide an overview of the functions of ferroptosis in glioma and its potential as a suitable target for glioma therapy.

APOL1 G1-Mediated Cation Transport Inhibits Amino Acid Transport and Increases Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Release, Causing Podocytopathy

APOL1 G1-Mediated Cation Transport Inhibits Amino Acid Transport and Increases Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Release, Causing Podocytopathy

Evolutionarily divergent mTOR remodels translatome for tissue regeneration.

An outstanding mystery in biology is why some species, such as the axolotl, can regenerate tissues whereas mammals cannot1. Here, we demonstrate that rapid activation of protein synthesis is a unique feature of the injury response critical for limb regeneration in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). By applying polysome sequencing, we identify hundreds of transcripts, including antioxidants and ribosome components that are selectively activated at the level of translation from pre-existing messenger RNAs in response to injury. By contrast, protein synthesis is not activated in response to non-regenerative digit amputation in the mouse. We identify the mTORC1 pathway as a key upstream signal that mediates tissue regeneration and translational control in the axolotl. We discover unique expansions in mTOR protein sequence among urodele amphibians. By engineering an axolotl mTOR (axmTOR) in human cells, we show that these changes create a hypersensitive kinase that allows axolotls to maintain this pathway in a highly labile state primed for rapid activation. This change renders axolotl mTOR more sensitive to nutrient sensing, and inhibition of amino acid transport is sufficient to inhibit tissue regeneration. Together, these findings highlight the unanticipated impact of the translatome on orchestrating the early steps of wound healing in ahighly regenerative species and provide a missing link in our understanding of vertebrate regenerative potential.

Abstract 4879: Inhibition of amino acid transporters as a novel mechanism of action of the repurposed anti-cancer agent tranexamic acid

Abstract Tranexamic Acid (TA) is an anti-fibrinolytic agent that inhibits Plasminogen activation and is used to control bleeding. Past studies have suggested that the ability of TA to block Plasminogen activation may be useful for ablating the growth or invasion of cancer. Based on the similarity of TA to the amino acid Lysine we hypothesize that TA might exhibit novel mechanisms of action independent of blocking Plasminogen activation. Analysis of a series of signaling pathways indicated that TA inhibits phosphorylation of S6K1 and STAT3 on sites required for their activation and reduces expression of the MYC oncogene in a concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, MYC transformed MCF10A human mammary epithelial cells exhibited enhanced sensitivity to TA-mediated reduction of cell viability, suggesting that TA may exhibit selectivity for MYC overexpressing breast cancers. Treatment of breast tumor bearing mice with TA strongly blocked tumor growth and was associated with extensive cancer cell death compared with control tumors. Analysis of extracts from TA or vehicle treated tumors showed that TA blocked S6K1 phosphorylation in vivo in a statistically significant manner. Since S6K1 phosphorylation is regulated by amino acid levels, we hypothesized that due to the structural similarity between TA and Lysine and Arginine, TA may block Lysine or Arginine uptake by blocking cationic amino acid transporters (CATs). Molecular docking simulations utilizing the structure of the bacterial CAT predicted that TA binds to CAT with affinity similar to that of Lysine. Amino acid uptake experiments performed with radiolabeled Arginine and Lysine showed that TA blocked both Arginine and Lysine absorption by cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Together, these results indicate a novel mechanism by which TA inhibits uptake of Arginine and Lysine, triggering loss of S6K1 activity in parallel with tumor growth inhibition. Initial studies suggest the feasibility of designing TA analogs with significantly improved potency for amino acid transporters, and with corresponding increases in selective toxicity to breast cancer cells. Based on these novel mechanisms of TA action, we expect TA to exhibit anti-cancer activity against a broad range of human malignancies. Citation Format: Brian K. Law, Mary E. Law, Amanda F. Ghilardi, Elham Yaaghubi, Brad J. Davis, Zaafir M. Dulloo, Mengxiong Wang, Olga A. Guryanova, Coy D. Heldermon, Stephan C. Jahn, Ronald K. Castellano. Inhibition of amino acid transporters as a novel mechanism of action of the repurposed anti-cancer agent tranexamic acid. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4879.

Inhibition of amino acid transporter suppresses activation of microglial cell lines

Inhibition of amino acid transporter suppresses activation of microglial cell lines

Therapeutic Potential for Intractable Asthma by Targeting L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway inflammation, obstruction, and hyperresponsiveness. CD4+ T cells, particularly T helper (Th) 2 cells, and their specific cytokines are important mediators in asthma pathogenesis. However, it has been established that Th subsets, other than Th2, as well as various cell types, including innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), significantly contribute to the development of allergic inflammation. These cells require facilitated amino acid uptake to ensure their full function upon activation. Emerging studies have suggested the potential of pharmacological inhibition of amino acid transporters to inhibit T cell activation and the application of this strategy for treating immunological and inflammatory disorders. In the present review, we explore the possibility of targeting L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) as a novel therapeutic approach for bronchial asthma, including its steroid-resistant endotypes.

Possible therapeutic use of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-specific inhibitor for intractable asthma treatment

Bronchial asthma (asthma) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, reversible obstruction, and hyperresponsive conditions. Although most asthma patients have been becoming controllable by virtue of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), substantial number of patients still do not respond to the steroid-based therapy. Mast cells, eosinophils, and helper T (Th) 2 cells have been considered as key players in asthma pathogenesis. However, emerging studies have revealed that Th subsets other than Th2, as well as various other immune cells, significantly contribute to the development of steroid-resistant intractable asthma. T cells and other inflammatory cells require incorporating a large amount of nutrients such as amino acids and glucose to exhibit their full function following activation. Based on this remarkable character, it has recently been suggested that the pharmacological inhibition of amino acid transporters is promising for treating immunological and inflammatory disorders through the suppression of inflammatory cell activation. In this review, we explore the possible management of intractable asthma by developing a selective inhibitor for L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) 1.

In vivo antidiabetic activity of nimesulide due to inhibition of amino acid transport

AbstractInhibiting the intestinal and renal neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1 by genetic means has improved insulin sensitivity in mice, but there are no antagonists available for preclinical or clinical use. Since the anti‐inflammatory agent nimesulide selectively inhibited B0AT1 in vitro, we hypothesized that nimesulide exhibits in vivo potential to restrict neutral amino acid absorption and, therefore, may improve insulin sensitivity. The dose‐related effect of nimesulide (10 to 100 mg/kg, PO) on intestinal absorption of neutral amino acids was estimated in C57 mice. The effect of nimesulide (50 mg/kg, PO) on renal resorption of amino acids was also assessed. The effect of chronic nimesulide (50 mg/kg, PO, BID for 14 days) was assessed in high protein diet‐fed C57 mice, diet‐induced obese mice and obese and diabetic db/db mice. Acute and chronic nimesulide treatment decreased absorption of neutral amino acids and increased their urinary excretion. Nimesulide treatment improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, increased GLP‐1, decreased liver lipids and improved FGF‐21 in serum. Nimesulide improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance by inhibiting neutral amino acid transport in the intestine and kidneys. Thus, it can serve as a tool compound for in vivo B0AT1 inhibition.

ASCT2 Is Involved in SARS-Mediated β-Casein Synthesis of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells with Methionine Supply.

The methionine (Met) uptake into mammary cells depends upon the corresponding amino acid (AA) transporters, which play a regulatory role in the mammary protein production beyond transport. Our previous studies have identified that seryl-tRNA synthetase (SARS) could be a novel mediator to regulate essential AA-stimulated casein synthesis in primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). However, the regulatory mechanisms of Met in milk protein production in dairy cows remain further clarified. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of Met on milk protein synthesis in BMECs and explore the underlying mechanism. The effects of Met on the AA transporter, casein synthesis, and the related signaling pathway were evaluated in the BMECs treated with 0.6 mM Met for 6 h combined with or without the inhibition of AA transporter (ASCT2, a neutral AA transporter) activity by the corresponding inhibitor (GPNA). Besides, the effects of SARS on the cells were mainly evaluated in the BMECs treated with 0.6 mM Met for 6 h together with or without SARS knockdown by RNAi interference. The gene expression of AA transporters and pathway-related genes were analyzed by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, and the protein expression of related proteins were determined by the western blot assay. Results showed that 0.6 mM Met remarkably enhanced cell growth and β-casein synthesis compared to the supply of other Met concentrations. Among 13 amino acid transporters, 0.6 mM Met highly increased ASCT2 expression. This Met-stimulated ASCT2 expression and the enhanced mammary intracellular Met uptake were both decreased by the addition of 500 μM GPNA, an inhibitor of ASCT2. In the presence of 0.6 mM Met, the inhibition of ASCT2 activity (by GPNA) and SARS expression (by RNAi) both reduced β-casein synthesis. Additionally, 0.6 mM Met increased the gene expression of mTOR, S6K1, 4EBP1, and Akt; in contrast, the inhibition of ASCT2 by GPNA lowered the gene expression of these four genes. Collectively, this work suggests that ASCT2 is involved in the SARS-mediated Met stimulation of β-casein synthesis through enhancing mammary Met uptake and activating the mTOR signaling pathway in BMECs.

Competitive inhibition of amino acid transport in human preovulatory ovarian follicles

ABSTRACTTo date we have yet to examine whether amino acid (AA) transport in human ovarian follicles is affected by competitive inhibition. In contrast, transplacental transfer of AAs in late-gestation sheep is characterized by reciprocal competition. This phenomenon has been described by algebraic equations of umbilical uptake of AAs based on maternal arterial concentrations. In the present translational study at a university teaching hospital, we verified whether these equations apply to the transport of AAs from blood to follicular fluid (FF) in human preovulatory follicles. For this purpose we used our data on AA concentrations in blood and FF measured earlier by high-performance liquid chromatography in specimens from 14 patients undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization after controlled ovarian stimulation. The main outcome measure was statistical significance of Spearman correlation coefficients for measured versus calculated concentrations of 8 AAs: isoleucine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, methionine, threonine, lysine, and arginine. Equations for umbilical uptake provided a highly accurate description of blood-to-FF transport for 7 AAs with the exception of lysine: R ≥ 0.899 (p < 0.0001) for the branched-chain AAs, R = 0.829 (p = 0.0003) for threonine, R = 0.754 (p = 0.0019) for arginine, and R = 0.631 (p = 0.0156) for phenylalanine and methionine. We conclude that these equations indicate competitive inhibition between the AAs studied. Our study strongly suggests that many AA transport systems operating in the placenta should also be active in the cells of the preovulatory follicle. Future studies on AA fluxes in human ovarian follicles must consider possible competitive inhibition.Abbreviations: AA: amino acid; FF: follicular fluid; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography

Prolonged infusion of amino acids increases leucine oxidation in fetal sheep

Maternal high-protein supplements designed to increase birth weight have not been successful. We recently showed that maternal amino acid infusion into pregnant sheep resulted in competitive inhibition of amino acid transport across the placenta and did not increase fetal protein accretion rates. To bypass placental transport, singleton fetal sheep were intravenously infused with an amino acid mixture (AA, n = 8) or saline [control (Con), n = 10] for ∼12 days during late gestation. Fetal leucine oxidation rate increased in the AA group (3.1 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.6 μmol·min(-1)·kg(-1), P < 0.05). Fetal protein accretion (2.6 ± 0.5 and 2.2 ± 0.6 μmol·min(-1)·kg(-1) in AA and Con, respectively), synthesis (6.2 ± 0.8 and 7.0 ± 0.9 μmol·min(-1)·kg(-1) in AA and Con, respectively), and degradation (3.6 ± 0.6 and 4.5 ± 1.0 μmol·min(-1)·kg(-1) in AA and Con, respectively) rates were similar between groups. Net fetal glucose uptake decreased in the AA group (2.8 ± 0.4 vs. 3.9 ± 0.1 mg·kg(-1)·min(-1), P < 0.05). The glucose-O(2) quotient also decreased over time in the AA group (P < 0.05). Fetal insulin and IGF-I concentrations did not change. Fetal glucagon increased in the AA group (119 ± 24 vs. 59 ± 9 pg/ml, P < 0.05), and norepinephrine (NE) also tended to increase in the AA group (785 ± 181 vs. 419 ± 76 pg/ml, P = 0.06). Net fetal glucose uptake rates were inversely proportional to fetal glucagon (r(2) = 0.38, P < 0.05), cortisol (r(2) = 0.31, P < 0.05), and NE (r(2) = 0.59, P < 0.05) concentrations. Expressions of components in the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in fetal skeletal muscle were similar between groups. In summary, prolonged infusion of amino acids directly into normally growing fetal sheep increased leucine oxidation. Amino acid-stimulated increases in fetal glucagon, cortisol, and NE may contribute to a shift in substrate oxidation by the fetus from glucose to amino acids.

L-SERINE DECREASES BASAL CA2+ IN RAT AORTIC VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

L-serine decreases mean arterial pressure (MAP) in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. However, the molecular mechanism is not clear. Therefore, we examined the effect of L-serine on intracellular calcium (Ca2+) in cultured aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) isolated from normotensive and hypertensive rat models. Ca2+ fluorescence intensity was studied by using confocal imaging. L-serine evoked a concentration dependent (5-30 μM) decrease in basal Ca2+ fluorescence intensity in normotensive rat models. This decrease in basal Ca2+ fluorescence intensity level was also profound in hypertensive rat models despite the fact that basal Ca2+ fluorescence intensity was higher in these models compared to the normotensive rats. We also observed L-serine (20-30 μM) decreases nuclear Ca2+ fluorescence intensity in both the rat models. In presence of a neutral amino acid transporter inhibitor, 2-amino-2-norbornanecarboxylic acid (BCH), L-serine did not have any effect on basal Ca2+ fluorescence intensity in VSMC of either rat models, suggesting the inhibition of amino acid transporter blocked the entry of L-serine in to the cell to have an effect. Hence this data indicates the possible role of L-serine in regulation of intracellular Ca2+ in these rat models.

Mutation of GOGAT prevents pea bacteroid formation and N2 fixation by globally downregulating transport of organic nitrogen sources.

Mutation of gltB (encoding glutamate oxoglutarate amidotransferase or GOGAT) in RU2307 increased the intracellular Gln:Glu ratio and inhibited amino acid transport via Aap and Bra. The mechanism probably involves global post-translational inhibition independent of Ntr. Transport was separately restored by increased gene expression of Aap or heterologous transporters. Likewise, second site suppressor mutations in the RNA chaperone Hfq elevated transport by Aap and Bra by increasing mRNA levels. Microarrays showed Hfq regulates 34 ABC transporter genes, including aap, bra and opp. The genes coding for integral membrane proteins and ABC subunits aapQMP braDEFGC were more strongly elevated in the hfq mutants than solute-binding proteins (aapJ braC). aapQMP and braDEFG are immediately downstream of stem-loops, indicating Hfq attenuates downstream translation and stability of mRNA, explaining differential expression of ABC genes. RU2307 nodulated peas and bacteria grew down infection threads, but bacteroid development was arrested and N(2) was not fixed. This probably results from an inability to synthesize or transport amino acids. However, GOGAT and GOGAT/AldA double mutants carrying suppressor mutations that increased amino acid uptake fixed N(2) on pea plants. Thus de novo ammonium assimilation into amino acids is unnecessary in bacteroids demonstrating sufficient amino acids are supplied by plants.

Activity of the yeast Tat2p tryptophan permease is sensitive to the anti-tumor agent 4-phenylbutyrate

4-Phenylbutyrate (PB) induces differentiation and is being intensively studied as a treatment for brain, prostate, breast, and hematopoietic cancer. While many different primary targets for PB have been proposed, the mechanism by which it causes cellular differentiation remains unknown. To identify the primary cellular target, we investigated its effects on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and showed that it inhibits tryptophan transport. We show here that PB and sorbic acid induce an ubiquitin-dependent turnover of the tryptophan permease Tat2p. However, the inhibition of transport is not a consequence of the loss of Tat2p, since it also occurs when turnover is prevented by deleting the Tat2p ubiquitination sites. When we tested the effects of PB and other growth inhibitory agents on the growth of amino acid auxotrophs, we found that several auxotrophs are hypersensitive to a number of chemically unrelated agents, including PB and some, but not all, weak acids; and this sensitivity is due to the inhibition of amino acid transport. For the inhibitory weak acids, inhibition is not confined to aromatic amino acid auxotrophs, nor is it a general weak acid stress response, since the degree of inhibition is independent of weak acid hydrophobicity and p Ka. Our results show that diverse agents affect the activity of the Tat2p permease rather than its stability and suggest the hypothesis that the anti-neoplastic action of PB is due to a decrease in the activity of surface receptors or other membrane proteins needed to maintain the transformed state.

Regulation of renal amino acid (AA) transport by hormones, drugs and xenobiotics - a review.

Major advances have recently been made in our understanding of the mechanisms and functions of amino acid transport in mammalian cells: - from the whole organism to transporter molecular structure. In this article, we present a brief overview of current knowledge concerning amino acid transporters, followed by a detailed discussion of the relevance of this new information to our broader understanding of the physiological regulation of amino acid handling in the kidney. We focus especially on the influence of hormones and xenobiotics on renal amino acid transport systems. In a growing number of cases, it now seems possible to correlate the effects of hormones, drugs, and xenobiotics with the capacity of renal amino acid transporters. This topic is of clinical relevance for the treatment of many amino acid reabsorption disorders. For example, under suitable conditions glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones stimulate renal reabsorption of amino acids and might therefore be of benefit in the treatment of different kinds of aminoaciduria. Hormonal regulation also underlies the postnatal development of renal amino acid reabsorption capacity, which can be stimulated to mature earlier after exogenous administration of e.g. glucocorticoids. In contrast, many compounds (e.g. heavy metal complexes) selectively damage renal amino acid transporters resulting in urinary amino acid loss. These types of phenomena (stimulation or inhibition of amino acid transporters in the kidney) are reviewed from the perspectives of our new molecular understanding of transport processes and of clinical relevance.

Biphasic mechanism for hypothermic induced loss of protein synthesis in hepatocytes.

A complication in liver transplantation is increased clotting times due to inhibition of protein synthesis resulting from prolonged hypothermic preservation. Protein synthesis is also blocked in cold preserved hepatocytes. In this study, the mechanism of inhibition of protein synthesis in cold preserved hepatocytes was investigated. Hepatocytes prepared from rat liver were cold preserved in University of Wisconsin solution for 4, 24, and 48 hr. Protein synthesis was measured as incorporation of radiolabeled leucine into acid precipitable proteins. Hepatocytes were treated with antioxidants (dithiothreitol, trolox or deferoxamine, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate), steroids (dexamethasone or methylprednisolone), methods to keep adenosine triphosphate high (aerobic storage), and cytoskeletal disrupting agents (cytochalasin D or colchicine). There was a 26% decrease in protein synthesis after only 4 hr of cold storage and a further 25% decrease at 24 hr. Antioxidants, elevated adenosine triphosphate, and N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate did not affect the rate of loss of protein synthesis. Protein synthesis was not due to inhibition of amino acid transport or lack of amino acids in the storage medium. Steroid pretreatment of hepatocytes had no effect on the loss of protein synthesis occurring in the first 4 hr of storage but did suppress the loss occurring during the next 44 hr of storage. Cytoskeletal disrupting agents, added to freshly isolated cells, inhibited protein synthesis. The mechanism of loss of protein synthesis in cold preserved liver cells is not mediated by: (1) oxygen free radical generation or improved by antioxidant therapy, (2) nitric oxide generation in hepatocytes, (3) an adenosine triphosphate-sensitive destruction of cell viability, and (4) decreased permeability of amino acids or loss of amino acids from the cells. Loss of protein synthesis due to hypothermic storage appears biphasic. The first phase, occurring within 4 hr of storage, may be the result of the effects of hypothermia on the cell cytoskeletal system and may be untreatable. The second phase, which occurs during the next 24 to 48 hr is sensitive to steroid pretreatment. This phase may be amenable to improved preservation methodology. Improved preservation of the liver may require the use of steroids to conserve protein synthetic capabilities.

Inhibition of Amino Acid Transport by Sphingoid Long Chain Bases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Sphingoid long chain bases have many effects on cells including inhibition or stimulation of growth. The physiological significance of these effects is unknown in most cases. To begin to understand how these compounds inhibit growth, we have studied Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Growth of tryptophan (Trp-) auxotrophs was more strongly inhibited by phytosphingosine (PHS) than was growth of Trp+ strains, suggesting that PHS diminishes tryptophan uptake and starves cells for this amino acid. This hypothesis is supported by data showing that growth inhibition is relieved by increasing concentrations of tryptophan in the culture medium and by multiple copies of the TAT2 gene, encoding a high affinity tryptophan transporter. Measurement of tryptophan uptake shows that it is inhibited by PHS. Finally, PHS treatment induces the general control response, indicating starvation for amino acids. Multiple copies of TAT2 do not protect cells against two other cationic lipids, stearylamine, and sphingosine, indicating that the effect of PHS on tryptophan utilization is specific. Other data demonstrate that PHS reduces uptake of leucine, histidine, and proline by specific transporters. Our data suggest that PHS targets proteins in the amino acid transporter family but not other distantly related membrane transporters, including those necessary for uptake of adenine and uracil.

Cryopreservation of Isolated Rat Hepatocytes: Effects of Iron-Mediated Oxidative Stress on Metabolic Activity

In an attempt to quantitatively evaluate the destructive effects of free radicals on metabolism, freshly prepared and cryopreserved isolated rat hepatocytes were exposed to and incubated with Fe2+compounds, reputedly inducing oxygen-derived free radicals (OFR) capable of attacking the lipid structures of cellular membranes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) formation was interpreted as an expression of free radical interaction with polyunsaturated lipids, andin vitroincubations were carried out during the period of constant MDA formation. Protein synthesizing activity was evaluated by incubating control hepatocytes and cells previously exposed to 100 μMof Fe2+, to 100 μMof Fe2+, and 100 μMof desferrioxamine and to 100 μMof desferrioxamine alone with 0.1 μCi ofl-[U-14C]isoleucine and in the presence of these compounds. Membrane transport activity was similarly evaluated by following the cellular uptake of α-amino-[1-14C]isobutyric acid. Protein-synthesizing activity of freshly prepared and cryopreserved hepatocytes was not affected by Fe2+treatment, nor by the additions of the iron chelator desferrioxamine. Amino acid transport, however, was inhibited by 100 μMof Fe2+, but was effectively neutralized by the simultaneous addition of 100 μMof desferrioxamine. Cryopreserved hepatocytes equally presented a significantly inhibited amino acid transport activity over the incubation period. The results suggest that the metabolic depression measured in thawed hepatocytes does not result to any large extent from iron-catalysed OFR effects. When OFR production was deliberately induced, the most significant early change was seen in transmembrane amino acid uptake in both fresh and cryopreserved cells.

Bactericidal mode of action of plantaricin C

Plantaricin C is a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum LL441 that kills sensitive cells by acting on the cytoplasmic membrane. In contrast to its lack of impact on immune cells, plantaricin C dissipates the proton motive force and inhibits amino acid transport in sensitive cells. In proteoliposomes, plantaricin C dissipates the transmembrane electrical potential, and in liposomes, it elicits efflux of entrapped carboxy-fluorescein. It is concluded that plantaricin C is a pore-forming bacteriocin that functions in a voltage-independent manner and does not require a specific protein receptor in the target membrane.