Intracellular Endoplasmic Reticulum Research Articles

Loose excitation–secretion coupling in astrocytes

Astrocytes play an important housekeeping role in the central nervous system. Additionally, as secretory cells, they actively participate in cell-to-cell communication, which can be mediated by membrane-bound vesicles. The gliosignaling molecules stored in these vesicles are discharged into the extracellular space after the vesicle membrane fuses with the plasma membrane. This process is termed exocytosis, regulated by SNARE proteins, and triggered by elevations in cytosolic calcium levels, which are necessary and sufficient for exocytosis in astrocytes. For astrocytic exocytosis, calcium is sourced from the intracellular endoplasmic reticulum store, although its entry from the extracellular space contributes to cytosolic calcium dynamics in astrocytes. Here, we discuss calcium management in astrocytic exocytosis and the properties of the membrane-bound vesicles that store gliosignaling molecules, including the vesicle fusion machinery and kinetics of vesicle content discharge. In astrocytes, the delay between the increase in cytosolic calcium activity and the discharge of secretions from the vesicular lumen is orders of magnitude longer than that in neurons. This relatively loose excitation-secretion coupling is likely tailored to the participation of astrocytes in modulating neural network processing.

Gold nanoparticles induce heme oxygenase-1 expression through Nrf2 activation and Bach1 export in human vascular endothelial cells.

It has been reported that increased levels and activity of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein ameliorate tissue injuries. In the present study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on HO-1 protein expression in human vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The AuNPs induced HO-1 protein and mRNA expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The induction was reduced by the thiol-containing antioxidants, including N-acetylcysteine and glutathione, but not by the non-thiol-containing antioxidants and inhibitors that block the enzymes for intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. The AuNPs enhanced Nrf2 protein levels but did not affect Nrf2 mRNA expression. In response to the AuNP treatment, the cytosolic Nrf2 translocated to the nucleus, and, concomitantly, Bach1 exited the nucleus and its tyrosine phosphorylation increased. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that the translocated Nrf2 bound to the antioxidant-response element located in the E2 enhancer region of the HO-1 gene promoter and acted as a transcription factor. Although N-acetylcysteine inhibited the AuNP-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, the AuNPs did not promote intracellular reactive oxygen species production or endoplasmic reticulum stress in the ECs. Knockdown of Nrf2 expression by RNA interference significantly inhibited AuNP-induced HO-1 expression at the protein and mRNA levels. In summary, AuNPs enhance the levels and nuclear translocation of the Nrf2 protein and Bach1 export/tyrosine phosphorylation, leading to Nrf2 binding to the HO-1 E2 enhancer promoter region to drive HO-1 expression in ECs. This study, together with our parallel findings, demonstrates that AuNPs can act as an HO-1 inducer, which may partially contribute to their anti-inflammatory bioactivity in human vascular ECs.

Dysfunction in endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria crosstalk underlies SIGMAR1 loss of function mediated motor neuron degeneration.

Mutations in Sigma 1 receptor (SIGMAR1) have been previously identified in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and disruption of Sigmar1 in mouse leads to locomotor deficits. However, cellular mechanisms underlying motor phenotypes in human and mouse with disturbed SIGMAR1 function have not been described so far. Here we used a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches to investigate the role of SIGMAR1 in motor neuron biology. Characterization of Sigmar1(-/-) mice revealed that affected animals display locomotor deficits associated with muscle weakness, axonal degeneration and motor neuron loss. Using primary motor neuron cultures, we observed that pharmacological or genetic inactivation of SIGMAR1 led to motor neuron axonal degeneration followed by cell death. Disruption of SIGMAR1 function in motor neurons disturbed endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contacts, affected intracellular calcium signalling and was accompanied by activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and defects in mitochondrial dynamics and transport. These defects were not observed in cultured sensory neurons, highlighting the exacerbated sensitivity of motor neurons to SIGMAR1 function. Interestingly, the inhibition of mitochondrial fission was sufficient to induce mitochondria axonal transport defects as well as axonal degeneration similar to the changes observed after SIGMAR1 inactivation or loss. Intracellular calcium scavenging and endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition were able to restore mitochondrial function and consequently prevent motor neuron degeneration. These results uncover the cellular mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration mediated by loss of SIGMAR1 function and provide therapeutically relevant insight into motor neuronal diseases.

Effect of emodin in attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress of pancreatic acinar AR42J cells

To explore the effect of emodin on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress of pancreatic acinar AR42J cells. Rat pancreatic acinar AR42J cells were cultured in 6-well plates, and divided into the normal control group, the model group (with the final concentration at 1 x 10(-7) mol · L(-1) for cerulean and lipopolysaccharide at 10 mg · L(-1)) and the emodin group (10, 20, 40 μmol · L(-1)). Cells in each group were cultured in three multiple pores for 24 h, and their supernate was removed after cell attachment. The normal control group was added with haploids, the model group was added with the modeling liquid for haploids, and the treatment groups were added with different concentrations of emodin at 15-20 min before the modeling liquid. The cells were continuously cultured for 3 h under 37 °C and 5% CO2. Their intracellular protease and lipase expressions were detected with kits. The cellular morphology was observed under optical microscope. The level of calcium in endoplasmic reticulum was measured under laser confocal microscopy. Western blot assay were used to determine the protein expression of ER-related signaling molecules. Emodin could significantly inhibit levels of amylase, lipase and intracellular calcium and ER. Emodin could reduce pancreatic acinar cell injury induced by the combination of cerulean and lipopolysaccharide. Its action mechanism is correlated with the inhibition of intracellular calcium overload and ER stress.

Anti-proliferative activities of terpenoids isolated from Alisma orientalis and their structure-activity relationships.

This study aimed to isolate terpenoids from Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep. and elucidate their antiproliferative activities, as well as structure-activity relationships. Fourteen protostane-type triterpenoids were isolated from the rhizome of A. orientalis. Among these triterpenoids, alisol A (1), alisol A 24-acetate (2), alisol B (3), alisol B 23-acetate (4), and alisol G (8) presented inhibitory effects on cancer cell lines tested. Compounds 3 and 4 showed the highest potential; IC50 values for HepG2, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cells were 16.28, 14.47, and 6.66 μM for 3 and 18.01, 15.97, and 13.56 μM for 4, respectively. Based on these results, we concluded that the degree of C-16 oxidation and the double bond between C-13 and C-17 may be significant in anti-proliferative activities. Further study showed that 3 and 4 effectively induced apoptosis, as confirmed by flow cytometry. Increased intracellular calcium concentration and endoplasmic reticulum stress were detected after treatment with 4 in HepG2 cells. Although compounds 1 and 2 induced minimal apoptosis, they evidently delayed the G2/M phase in HepG2 cells. Further study showed that 1-4 also enhanced LC3II expression, indicating autophagy is occured.

Role of Calcium Signaling in B Cell Activation and Biology.

Increase in intracellular levels of calcium ions (Ca2+) is one of the key triggering signals for the development of B cell response to the antigen. The diverse Ca2+ signals finely controlled by multiple factors participate in the regulation of gene expression, B cell development, and effector functions. B cell receptor (BCR)-initiated Ca2+ mobilization is sourced from two pathways: one is the release of Ca2+ from the intracellular stores, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and other is the prolonged influx of extracellular Ca2+ induced by depleting the stores via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. The identification of stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1), the ER Ca2+ sensor, and Orai1, a key subunit of the CRAC channel pore, has now provided the tools to understand the mode of Ca2+ influx regulation and physiological relevance. Herein, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BCR-triggered Ca2+ signaling as well as its contribution to the B cell biological processes and diseases.

Construction of a CXCL12-KDEL fusion gene to inhibit head and neck squamous cell carcinoma metastasis by intracellular sequestration of CXCR4.

The CXCL12-CXCR4 biological axis consisting of the chemotactic factor CXCL12 and its specific receptor CXCR4 plays an important role in oral cancer metastasis. High expression of CXCR4 may help oral squamous cancer cells invade local tissues and metastasize to lymph nodes. No obvious association was observed between CXCL12 expression and lymph node metastasis, suggesting that CXCL12 chemotaxis may only be related to CXCR4 expression on the tumor cell membrane. KDEL can be retained by receptors on the surface of the intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and also be called an ER retention signal sequence. So we adopted the KDEL sequence in this study to generate a CXCL12-KDEL fusion protein in combination with a traceable E-tag label. As such, CXCL12 was retained in the ER. Specific receptor CXCR4 binds to the CXCL12-KDEL, was also retained in the ER, and was thus prevented from reaching the oral squamous cancer cell surface. We reduced the cell surface level of CXCR4 and called the technique “intracellular sequestration.” By this way, we have finished blocking of CXCL12-CXCR4 biological axis and inhibiting lymph node metastasis of oral carcinoma.

Calcium regulation of HCN supports persistent activity associated with working memory: a multiscale model of prefrontal cortex

The Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide gated channel (HCN; Ih current) has been hypothesized to facilitate short-term memory storage in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via a cascade of signalling events involving second messengers including protein kinases and intracellular calcium (Ca) accumulation [1]. This memory mechanism is effected via alterations in the dynamics of the network, two scales above the underlying molecular level. To determine the factors that enable persistent activity to emerge, we developed a multiscale model (molecular to network level) of PFC that displays the persistent activity associated with working memory. The network contained 800 cells arranged in 6 neocortical layers. Cell classes included pyramidal cells, and fast-spiking and low-threshold-spiking interneurons. Each neuron contained Na, K, Ca, and HCN channels. Cells were interconnected probabilistically using detailed anatomical data from M1, with AMPA/NMDA, and GABAA synapses. Intracellular Ca was admitted via NMDA and L-type Ca channels. Intracellular signaling components which contributed to persistent activity included: diffusible Ca, diffusible Ca buffering proteins, intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartments for sequestering Ca, diffusible inositol triphosphate (IP3), ER IP3 receptors (IP3R) which release Ca from ER upon IP3/Ca binding, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATP-ase pumps (SERCA) which pump cytosolic Ca into the ER, Ca/IP3 degradation reactions. Pyramidal cells had HCN channels regulated by protein kinases bound to intracellular Ca. The model was implemented in parallel NEURON with reaction-diffusion [2]. 18 seconds of simulation time ran over 24 Intel XEON CPUs in ~7 minutes. We assessed influences between intracellular signaling and network dynamics to isolate sources needed for emergence of short-term memory representations. We provided excitatory stimuli to a subset of pyramidal cells which represented the memory. Stimulus-induced depolarization led to Ca influx which increased HCN conductance and excitability of the stimulated population (firing increased from 0.5-2 Hz). Activation of the stimulated population lasted for 5-10 seconds and also increased beta/gamma (~15-35 Hz) oscillations. In contrast, non-stimulated populations were suppressed (firing rate reduction up to 50%) due to higher inhibition caused by the activated cells providing stronger drive to the interneurons. Knocking out specific pathways showed that persistent activity of activated cells was only viable in the presence of Ca influx, Ca regulation of HCN channels, and interactions between excitatory and inhibitory populations, which led to network-derived inhibition activating HCN. Lowering concentrations and binding rates of Ca buffering proteins reduced the network’s ability to represent specific inputs, due to the higher levels of intracellular Ca saturating HCN channels in all pyramidal neurons. This predicts that Ca buffering proteins contribute to regulation of Ca at time-scales relevant for maintaining distinct short-term memory representations. We also used our model to demonstrate nonsynaptic plasticity - initial stimuli cause Ca sequestration in the ER of activated neurons, allowing for later, selective modulation of their excitability via metabotropic glutamate receptor activation of IP3Rs, which releases the stored Ca. Our model demonstrates how electro-chemical interactions at the nanoscale may lead to network consequences that produce persistent activity associated with working memory.

Piperlongumine treatment inactivates peroxiredoxin 4, exacerbates endoplasmic reticulum stress, and preferentially kills high-grade glioma cells.

Piperlongumine, a natural plant product, kills multiple cancer types with little effect on normal cells. Piperlongumine raises intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a phenomenon that may underlie the cancer-cell killing. Although these findings suggest that piperlongumine could be useful for treating cancers, the mechanism by which the drug selectively kills cancer cells remains unknown. We treated multiple high-grade glioma (HGG) sphere cultures with piperlongumine and assessed its effects on ROS and cell-growth levels as well as changes in downstream signaling. We also examined the levels of putative piperlongumine targets and their roles in HGG cell growth. Piperlongumine treatment increased ROS levels and preferentially killed HGG cells with little effect in normal brain cells. Piperlongumine reportedly increases ROS levels after interactions with several redox regulators. We found that HGG cells expressed higher levels of the putative piperlongumine targets than did normal neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, piperlongumine treatment in HGG cells, but not in normal NSCs, increased oxidative inactivation of peroxiredoxin 4 (PRDX4), an ROS-reducing enzyme that is overexpressed in HGGs and facilitates proper protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, piperlongumine exacerbated intracellular ER stress, an effect that was mimicked by suppressing PRDX4 expression. Our results reveal that the mechanism by which piperlongumine preferentially kills HGG cells involves PRDX4 inactivation, thereby inducing ER stress. Therefore, piperlongumine treatment could be considered as a novel therapeutic option for HGG treatment.

Evidence of TRK-Fused Gene (TFG1) function in the ubiquitin–proteasome system

A heterozygous mutation in the TRK-Fused Gene (TFG1) has recently been identified in hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement (HMSN-P). TFG1 protein is reportedly localized at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites and modulates ER export, but the mechanism of its action in neurodegeneration remains unclear. To clarify the molecular pathogenesis of HMSN-P, we examined the biochemical and cellular characteristics of wild-type and mutant (P285L) TFG1 in vitro. A coexpression study of human TFG1 and ER substrates, which are degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), showed that TFG1 is an inhibitory regulator of the UPS. Deletion mutant constructs revealed that the proline/glutamine-rich domain in TFG1 was critical for regulation of the UPS and proper localization at ER exit sites. Furthermore, overexpression of wild-type TFG1 increased ubiquitination of ER-resident proteins and led to ER stress. Mutant (P285L) TFG1, which is in the proline/glutamine-rich domain, enhanced the inhibitory effect on the UPS and the level of ER stress. These data provide new pathological insights into HMSN-P, and we suspect that the pathogenesis is tightly associated with disruption of intracellular protein homeostasis and ER stress.

Calcium signaling of pancreatic acinar cells in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an increasingly common and sometimes severe disease that lacks a specific therapy. The pathogenesis of pancreatitis is still not well understood. Calcium (Ca(2+)) is a versatile carrier of signals regulating many aspects of cellular activity and plays a central role in controlling digestive enzyme secretion in pancreatic acinar cells. Ca(2+) overload is a key early event and is crucial in the pathogenesis of many diseases. In pancreatic acinar cells, pathological Ca(2+) signaling (stimulated by bile, alcohol metabolites and other causes) is a key contributor to the initiation of cell injury due to prolonged and global Ca(2+) elevation that results in trypsin activation, vacuolization and necrosis, all of which are crucial in the development of pancreatitis. Increased release of Ca(2+) from stores in the intracellular endoplasmic reticulum and/or increased Ca(2+) entry through the plasma membrane are causes of such cell damage. Failed mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production reduces re-uptake and extrusion of Ca(2+) by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-activated ATPase and plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase pumps, which contribute to Ca(2+) overload. Current findings have provided further insight into the roles and mechanisms of abnormal pancreatic acinar Ca(2+) signals in pancreatitis. The lack of available specific treatments is therefore an objective of ongoing research. Research is currently underway to establish the mechanisms and interactions of Ca(2+) signals in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.

Chemical chaperone treatment reduces intracellular accumulation of mutant collagen IV and ameliorates the cellular phenotype of a COL4A2 mutation that causes haemorrhagic stroke

Haemorrhagic stroke accounts for ∼20% of stroke cases and porencephaly is a clinical consequence of perinatal cerebral haemorrhaging. Here, we report the identification of a novel dominant G702D mutation in the collagen domain of COL4A2 (collagen IV alpha chain 2) in a family displaying porencephaly with reduced penetrance. COL4A2 is the obligatory protein partner of COL4A1 but in contrast to most COL4A1 mutations, the COL4A2 mutation does not lead to eye or kidney disease. Analysis of dermal biopsies from a patient and his unaffected father, who also carries the mutation, revealed that both display basement membrane (BM) defects. Intriguingly, defective collagen IV incorporation into the dermal BM was observed in the patient only and was associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of COL4A2 in primary dermal fibroblasts. This intracellular accumulation led to ER stress, unfolded protein response activation, reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Interestingly, the absence of ER retention of COL4A2 and ER stress in cells from the unaffected father indicate that accumulation and/or clearance of mutant COL4A2 from the ER may be a critical modifier for disease development. Our analysis also revealed that mutant collagen IV is degraded via the proteasome. Importantly, treatment of patient cells with a chemical chaperone decreased intracellular COL4A2 levels, ER stress and apoptosis, demonstrating that reducing intracellular collagen accumulation can ameliorate the cellular phenotype of COL4A2 mutations. Importantly, these data highlight that manipulation of chaperone levels, intracellular collagen accumulation and ER stress are potential therapeutic options for collagen IV diseases including haemorrhagic stroke.

Dibutyltin blocks metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR5 signaling resulting in increased intracellular calcium and endoplasmic reticulum stress in mouse BV-2 microglia cells

Dibutyltin blocks metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR5 signaling resulting in increased intracellular calcium and endoplasmic reticulum stress in mouse BV-2 microglia cells

GW24-e1182 Reduction of ABCG1 promotes endothelial apoptosis associated with activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress

ObjectivesEndothelial cell injury is a key event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. There is now increasing evidence that excess lipid accumualtion can induce apoptosis which is thought to be triggered...

Astaxanthin reduces hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress and nuclear factor-κB-mediated inflammation in high fructose and high fat diet-fed mice

We recently showed that astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway of insulin signaling and improves glucose metabolism in liver of high fructose-fat diet (HFFD)-fed mice. The aim of this study is to investigate whether ASX influences phosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation in liver of HFFD-fed mice. Adult male Mus musculus mice were fed either with control diet or HFFD for 15days. After this period, mice in each group were divided into two and administered ASX (2mg/kg/day, p.o) in 0.3ml olive oil or 0.3ml olive oil alone for the next 45days. At the end of 60days, liver tissue was excised and examined for lipid accumulation (Oil red O staining), intracellular ROS production, ER stress, and inflammatory markers. Elevated ROS production, lipid accumulation, and increased hepatic expression of ER stress markers such as Ig-binding protein, PKR-like ER kinase, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, X-box binding protein 1, activating transcription factor 6, and the apoptotic marker caspase 12 were observed in the liver of the HFFD group. ASX significantly reversed these changes. This reduction was accompanied by reduced activation of JNK1 and I kappa B kinase β phosphorylation and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 nuclear translocation in ASX-treated HFFD mice. These findings suggest that alleviation of inflammation and ER stress by ASX could be a mechanism responsible for its beneficial effect in this model. ASX could be a promising treatment strategy for insulin resistant patients.

KdPT: Novel protective role against impaired wound healing in diabetes?

Diabetic ulcers are a major and therapeutic challenging complication in diabetes. Not only increased morbidity of affected patients but also extremely high costs on health care systems make the development of new therapeutic strategies an urgent necessity. Our group works on the pluripotent protective effects of melanocortin peptides in various inflammatory models. In this work, the effects of high glucose on keratinocytes and the protective effects of KdPT, a melanocortin derivative, against glucotoxicity, were investigated. High glucose adversely affected various vital cell functions, e.g. proliferation, metabolic activity, viability and migration. No significant induction of apoptosis or autophagy was observed. Using atomic force microscopy studies we showed that high glucose profoundly changes the cells’ biomechanical properties (diameter, elasticity). Induction of intracellular oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress mediated glucotoxicity. KdPT, a truncated tripeptide of alpha-MSH, significantly attenuated high glucose induced oxidative stress and antagonised the toxic effects of glucose on cell viability, metabolic activity and migration. Finally, using an ex vivo model of skin organ cultures we validated our in vitro generated data in a more physiological environment. In summary, our work creates a basis for better understanding the mechanisms of impaired wound healing in diabetes and possibly points towards novel therapies for diabetic ulcers.

Arsenic Trioxide Toxicity in H9c2 Myoblasts—Damage to Cell Organelles and Possible Amelioration with Boerhavia diffusa

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been long used as a chemotherapeutic agent because of its significant anticancer property. Unfortunately, the use of ATO is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. The present study evaluates the protective property of ethanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa (BDE) against ATO-induced toxicity on various cell organelles in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. The effects of different concentrations of ATO (5, 7.5 and 10 μM) on cell organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosome and actin, generation of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme status and intracellular calcium overload were evaluated. ATO significantly (P ≤ 0.05) altered mitochondrial transmembrane potential, intracellular calcium level, ER, lysosomal activity and F-actin network in addition to induction of oxidative stress. Co-treatment with BDE protected the cardiomyocytes from the adverse effects of ATO, especially at 5 μM concentration, which was evident from decreased activity of lactate dehydrogenase (5 μM ATO + 20 μg/mL BDE: 6.61 ± 1.97 μU/mL, respective control group: 16.15 ± 1.92 μU/mL), reduced oxidative stress, calcium influx and organelle damage. Results obtained from the present study allow for a better characterization of the effects of ATO on H9c2 myoblasts. In conclusion, our data suggest that cell organelles are also the targets of ATO-induced cardiotoxicity in addition to other reported targets like ion channels, and BDE has the potential to protect the cardiotoxicity induced by ATO.

Downregulation of miR-205 Modulates Cell Susceptibility to Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stresses in Renal Tubular Cells

BackgroundOxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play a crucial role in tubular damage in both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). While the pathophysiological contribution of microRNAs (miRNA) to renal damage has also been highlighted, the effect of miRNA on renal damage under oxidative and ER stresses conditions remains elusive.MethodsWe assessed changes in miRNA expression in the cultured renal tubular cell line HK-2 under hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced oxidative stress or ER stress using miRNA microarray assay and real-time RT-PCR. The pathophysiological effect of miRNA was evaluated by cell survival rate, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and anti-oxidant enzyme expression in miRNA-inhibited HK-2 or miRNA-overexpressed HK-2 under these stress conditions. The target gene of miRNA was identified by 3′-UTR-luciferase assay.ResultsWe identified 8 and 10 miRNAs whose expression was significantly altered by oxidative and ER stresses, respectively. Among these, expression of miR-205 was markedly decreased in both stress conditions. Functional analysis revealed that decreased miR-205 led to an increase in cell susceptibility to oxidative and ER stresses, and that this increase was associated with the induction of intracellular ROS and suppression of anti-oxidant enzymes. While increased miR-205 by itself made no change in cell growth or morphology, cell viability under oxidative or ER stress conditions was partially restored. Further, miR-205 bound to the 3′-UTR of the prolyl hydroxylase 1 (PHD1/EGLN2) gene and suppressed the transcription level of EGLN2, which modulates both intracellular ROS level and ER stress state.ConclusionsmiR-205 serves a protective role against both oxidative and ER stresses via the suppression of EGLN2 and subsequent decrease in intracellular ROS. miR-205 may represent a novel therapeutic target in AKI and CKD associated with oxidative or ER stress in tubules.

Subcellular localization of ERGIC-53 under endoplasmic reticulum stress condition

Newly synthesized glycoproteins destined for secretion are transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), through the Golgi and toward the cell surface. In this secretion pathway, several intracellular ER- or Golgi-resident transmembrane proteins serve as cargo receptors. ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC)-53, VIP36 and VIPL, which have an L-type lectin domain within the luminal portion, participate in the vectorial transport of glycoproteins via sugar-protein interactions. To understand the nature of these receptors, monoclonal antibodies were generated against human ERGIC-53, VIP36 and VIPL using 293T cells expressing these receptors on cell surfaces. These cells were used to immunize rats and for screening antibody-producing clones. Flow cytometric analysis and immunoprecipitation studies showed that the obtained monoclonal antibodies bound specifically to the corresponding cargo receptors. Immunostaining of HeLa cells using the monoclonal antibodies showed that the localization of ERGIC-53 changed from relatively broad distribution in both the ER and the Golgi under normal conditions to a compact distribution in the Golgi under ER stress conditions. This redistribution was also observed by the overexpression of ERGIC-53 and abrogated by co-expression with VIPL but not VIP36. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that ERGIC-53 along with several chaperone proteins was up-regulated after tunicamycin treatment; however, the expression of VIPL was unchanged. Furthermore, ERGIC-53 co-precipitated with VIPL but not VIP36, indicating that ERGIC-53 may interact with VIPL in the ER, which may regulate the localization of ERGIC-53 inside cells. Taken together, these observations provide new insights into the regulation of these cargo receptors and the quality control of glycoproteins within cells.

Neurotransmitters and Integration in Neuronal-Astroglial Networks

Two major neural cell types, glia, astrocytes in particular, and neurones can release chemical transmitters that act as soluble signalling compounds for intercellular communication. Exocytosis, a process which depends on an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, represents a common denominator for release of neurotransmitters, stored in secretory vesicles, from these neural cells. While neurones rely predominately on the immediate entry of Ca(2+) from the extracellular space to the cytosol in this process, astrocytes support their cytosolic Ca(2+) increases by appropriating this ion from the intracellular endoplasmic reticulum store and extracellular space. Additionally, astrocytes can release neurotransmitters using a variety of non-vesicular pathways which are mediated by an assortment of plasmalemmal channels and transporters. Once a neuronal and/or astrocytic neurotransmitter is released into the extracellular space, it can activate plasma membrane neurotransmitter receptors on neural cells, causing autocrine and/or paracrine signalling. Moreover, chemical transmission is essential not only for homocellular, but also for heterocellular bi-directional communication in the brain. Further detailed understanding of chemical transmission will aid our comprehension of the brain (dys)function in heath and disease.