Abstract  Immunostaining for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is important in the contemporary therapeutic strategy of colorectal carcinomas. We tried to increase detection sensitivity, and compared the high-sensitivity EGFR immunostaining with a worldwide standard, EGFR PharmDx™ (Dako). In order to pursue high-sensitivity EGFR detection, deparaffinized sections were pressure-cooked in 1 mM EDTA solution, pH 8.0. Two mouse monoclonal antibodies against EGFR, clone EGFR2.5 and DAK-H1-WT, and six kinds of secondary detection reagents, including biotin-free catalyzed signal amplification (CSA II), Simple Stain MAX-PO, PolyVue, Novolink, EnVision™ FLEX+, and MACH3, were evaluated to compare the results with those with EGFR PharmDx™, employing a combination of 2-18-C9 as the primary monoclonal antibody and EnVision™ as the secondary reagent. Furthermore, we replaced EnVision™ in the EGFR PharmDx™ kit with CSAII. EGFR detection sensitivity was higher with DAK-H1-WT than with EGFR2.5, and among the secondary reagents, the strongest signals were observed with Novolink. All 30 colorectal carcinomas showed distinct expression of EGFR with our high-sensitivity EGFR immunostaining, while only 16 (53%) gave focal positivity with EGFR PharmDx™. When EnVision™ in EGFR PharmDx™ was replaced by CSA II, strong signals were seen in all cases, and the expression pattern was comparable with our sequence. Non-neoplastic crypt epithelial cells often showed weakly signal with the standard EGFR PharmDx™, but consistently revealed strong membrane staining in the two high-sensitivity sequences. EGFR PharmDx™ frequently gave false negativity. Importantly, EGFR was consistently and sensitively detected when the secondary polymer in the EGFR PharmDx™ kit was simply replaced by CSA II.

Abstract  During a larger study to screen candidate plant species for phytoremediation of diesel fuel-contaminated soils, it was observed that at relatively low levels of diesel fuel contamination, delayed shoot/root emergence and reduced germination was observed for the majority of plant species investigated. It was theorised that these effects were the result of acute phytotoxicity, caused by the volatile fraction of diesel fuel, with results supporting this theory. This finding was investigated further in the current study. Headspace analysis of diesel fuel showed that between 5% and 10% of diesel fuel consisted of compounds that would volatilise at 20°C, with the most predominant compounds identified being the isomers of xylene (m-, o- and p-), n-alkanes (C9-C12) and alkylbenzenes. There were also low levels of toluene, branched cyclohexanes (methyl-, to butylcyclohexane) and alkenes. Of particular interest were branched cyclohexanes as little work has previously been reported on these compounds. To explain the phytotoxic effect of the volatile fraction of diesel fuel and attribute the effect to a specific compound or group of compounds within diesel fuel, seeds were germinated in petri dishes contaminated with a number of pure branched cyclohexanes. An unusual pattern of germination was apparent, with results varying depending on grass species and the length of cyclohexane branching. Results showed ethyl- and butyl-cyclohexane had a significant effect on the germination rate of selected grass species whereas methyl- and propyl-cyclohexane had little effect.

Abstract  We investigated the compartmentation of the catabolism of dodecanedioate (DODA), azelate and glutarate in perfused rat livers, using a combination of metabolomics and mass isotopomer analyses. Livers were perfused with recirculating or nonrecirculating buffer containing one fully (13)C-labeled dicarboxylate. Information on the peroxisomal vs mitochondrial catabolism was gathered from the labeling patterns of acetyl-CoA proxies, i.e., total acetyl-CoA, the acetyl moiety of citrate, C-1+2 of β-hydroxybutyrate, malonyl-CoA and acetylcarnitine. Additional information was obtained from the labeling patterns of citric acid cycle intermediates and related compounds. The data characterize the partial oxidation of DODA and azelate in peroxisomes, with terminal oxidation in mitochondria. We did not find evidence of peroxisomal oxidation of glutarate. Unexpectedly, DODA contributes a substantial fraction to anaplerosis of the citric acid cycle. This opens the possibility to use water-soluble DODA in nutritional or pharmacological anaplerotic therapy when other anaplerotic substrates are impractical or contraindicated, e.g., in propionic acidemia and methylmalonic acidemia.

Abstract  Prohibitin (PHB) is a ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved protein that participates in diverse cellular processes, and its functions are linked to a variety of diseases. In the present study, to explore transcriptional activation and signaling pathways involved in PHB regulation in response to sex hormone treatment, we investigated the effects of estrogen (17-β-estradiol, E2) on regulation of PHB in several metabolic tissues from male and female rats. Elevated expression of PHB was prominent in white adipose tissue (WAT) and the liver, and E2 stimulated PHB expression in both ND and HFD-fed rats. To further confirm the expression of PHB which was increased in WAT and the liver, we analyzed PHB expression levels in 3T3-L1 and C9 cells after the treatment of E2. Transcription and protein levels of PHB were dose-dependently increased by E2 treatment in both cell types, supporting our in vivo data. To further evaluate the possible role of E2 in elevation of PHB via estrogen receptors (ER), the potent ER inhibitor fulvestrant was treated to 3T3-L1 and C9 cells. Fulvestrant markedly suppressed both transcription and protein levels of PHB, suggesting that PHB expression in both tissues may be regulated through ERs. GeneMANIA, a predictive web interface, was used to show that Phb is regulated via the intracellular steroid hormone receptor signaling pathway, suggesting a role for ERs in expression of Phb as well as other metabolically important genes. Based on these results, we expect that targeting PHB would be a useful therapeutic approach for treatment of obesity.

Abstract  The product template (PT) domains, specifically in fungal non-reducing polyketide synthases (NR-PKSs), mediate the regioselective cyclization of polyketides dominating the final structures. However, up to date, the systematic knowledge about PT domains has been insufficient. In present study, the relationships between sequences, structures and functions of the PT domains were analyzed with 661 NR-PKS sequences. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the PT domains were classified into prominent eight groups (I-VIII) corresponding with the representative compounds and cyclization regioselectivity (C2-C7, C4-C9, and C6-C11). Most of the cavity lining residue (CLR) sites in all groups were common, while the regional CLR site mutations resulted in the appearance of finger-like regions with different orientation. The cavity volumes and shapes, even the catalytic dyad positions of PT domains in different groups were corresponding with characteristic cyclization regioselectivity and compound sizes. The conservative residues in PT sequences were responsible for the cyclization functions and the evolution of the key residues resulted in the differentiations of cyclization functions. The above findings may help to better understand the cyclization mechanisms of PT domains and even predict the structural types of the aromatic polyketide products.

Abstract  Legionaminic acids (Leg) are bacterial analogs of neuraminic acid, with the same stereochemistry but different substituents at C5, C7 and C9. Hence they may be incorporated into useful analogs of sialoglycoconjugates, and we previously reported two sialyltransferases that could utilize cytidine monophosphate (CMP)-Leg5Ac7Ac for preparation of Leg glycoconjugates, which were resistant to sialidases [Watson DC, Leclerc S, Wakarchuk WW, Young NM. 2011. Enzymatic synthesis and properties of glycoconjugates with legionaminic acid as a replacement for neuraminic acid. Glycobiology. 21:99-108.]. These were the porcine ST3Gal1 and Pasteurella multocida sialyltransferases. We now report two additional sialyltransferases with superior Leg-transferase properties to the previous two. These are (i) a truncated form of a Photobacterium α2,6-sialyltransferase with an Ala-Met mutation in its active site, and (ii) an α2,3-sialyltransferase from Neisseria meningitidis MC58 with a higher transferase activity than the P. multocida enzyme, with either CMP-Neu5Ac or CMP-Leg5Ac7Ac as the donor. These enzymes will enable the production of useful Leg5Ac7Ac glycoconjugate derivatives with either α2,6 or α2,3 linkages and unique biological properties.

Abstract  Changes in volatile content, as well as associated gene expression and enzyme activity in developing cucumber fruits were investigated in two Cucumis sativus L. lines (No. 26 and No. 14) that differ significantly in fruit flavor. Total volatile, six-carbon (C6) aldehyde, linolenic and linoleic acid content were higher during the early stages, whereas the nine-carbon (C9) aldehyde content was higher during the latter stages in both lines. Expression of C. sativus hydroperoxide lyase (CsHPL) mirrored 13-hydroperoxide lyase (13-HPL) enzyme activity in variety No. 26, whereas CsHPL expression was correlated with 9-hydroperoxide lyase (9-HPL) enzyme activity in cultivar No. 14. 13-HPL activity decreased significantly, while LOX (lipoxygenase) and 9-HPL activity increased along with fruit ripening in both lines, which accounted for the higher C6 and C9 aldehyde content at 0-6 day post anthesis (dpa) and 9-12 dpa, respectively. Volatile compounds from fruits at five developmental stages were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), and heatmaps of volatile content, gene expression and enzyme activity were constructed.

Abstract  The volatiles of two different unifloral Palestinian honeys from botanical species Centaurea iberica and Zizyphus spina-christi have been investigated for the first time. They were isolated, identified, and quantitatively analyzed using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GCMS) methodology. The resulted total ion current (TIC) chromatographic profiles reflected the uniqueness of each type of honey and therefore the proposed procedure can be used to characterize each kind of honey by revealing the absence or presence of certain volatile constituents.

A total of 18 compounds were seen in Centaurea iberica honey with phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethylalcohol, 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, 2,4,6-trimethylphenol and nonanoic acid as the principal components, whereas 25 compounds were seen in Zizyphus spina-christi honey with benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethylalcohol, benzeneacetonitrile, 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 2-methoxy-4-(1-propanol)-6-acetate phenol, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, 1-hydroxy 2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde as the principal constituents.

Ziziphus spina-christi honey was found to have two unequivocal potential markers: phenylacetonitrile and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde, while Centaurea Italica honey has only one representative floral origin marker compound: the 2,4,6-trimethylphenol.

Abstract  A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated SM-6T, was isolated from a sea tidal flat of the Dangjin bay, South Korea. Strain SM-6T was able to degrade a broad range of aliphatic hydrocarbons. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive and non-motile rods. Growth of strain SM-6T was observed at 10-37 C (optimum, 20-25 C), at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.5-7.5) and in the presence of 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3 %). The only isoprenoid quinone detected was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). C17:1 ω8c, C11:0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C9:0 3-OH and C10:0 3-OH were observed as the major cellular fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and four unidentified lipids were detected as polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 47.5 mol%. Strain SM-6T was most closely related to Pseudomaricurvus alkylphenolicus KU41GT (95.5 %), Maricurvus nonylphenolicus KU41ET (94.4 %) and Pseudoteredinibacter isoporae SW-11T (94.3 %) based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and phylogenetic analyses showed that strain SM-6T formed a phyletic lineage distinct from the closely related genera. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain SM-6T represents a novel genus and species of the order Alteromonadales in the class Gammaproteobacteria, for which name Aestuariicella hydrocarbonica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SM-6T (= KACC 18121T = JCM 30134T).

Abstract  Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are progenitors of the germ cell lineage, giving rise to either spermatogonia or oogonia after the completion of gonadal differentiation. Currently, there is little information on the mechanism of PGCs migration leading to the formation of the primordial gonad in perciform fish. Yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) (YTK) (order Perciforms) inhabit tropical and temperate waters in the southern hemisphere. Fundamental details into the molecular basis of larval development in this species can be easily studied in Australia, as they are commercially cultured and readily available. In this study, histological analysis of YTK larvae revealed critical time points for the migration of PGCs to the genital ridge, resulting in the subsequent development of the primordial gonad. In YTK larvae at 3, 5, 7 and 10 days post hatch (DPH), PGCs were not yet enclosed by somatic cells, indicating the primordial gonad had not yet started to form. While at 15, 18 and 20 DPH PGCs had already settled at the genital ridge and started to become enclosed by somatic cells indicating the primordial gonad had started to develop. A higher number of PGCs were observed in the larvae at 15 and 18 DPH indicating PGCs proliferation, which corresponds with them becoming enclosed by the somatic cells. Directional migration of PGCs toward the genital ridge is a critical event in the subsequent development of a gonad. In zebrafish, mouse and chicken, stromal-cell derived factor (SDF1) signalling is one of the key molecules for PGC migration. We subsequently isolated from YTK the SDF1 (Slal-SDF1) gene, which encodes for a 98-residue precursor protein with a signal peptide at the N-terminus. There is spatial conservation between fish species of four cysteine residues at positions C9, C11, C34 and C49, expected to form disulphide bonds and stabilize the SDF structure. In YTK, Slal-SDF1 gene expression analyses shows that this gene is expressed in larvae from 1 to 22 DPH and demonstrates distinct spatial localisation in the larvae at 7 DPH. These results provide a platform for further studies into the molecular machinery of PGC migration in yellowtail kingfish, as well as other perciform fish species.

Abstract  Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This study investigated whether Stx2 induces hemolysis and whether complement is involved in the hemolytic process. RBCs and/or RBC-derived microvesicles from patients with STEC-HUS (n = 25) were investigated for the presence of C3 and C9 by flow cytometry. Patients exhibited increased C3 deposition on RBCs compared with controls (p < 0.001), as well as high levels of C3- and C9-bearing RBC-derived microvesicles during the acute phase, which decreased after recovery. Stx2 bound to P1 (k) and P2 (k) phenotype RBCs, expressing high levels of the P(k) Ag (globotriaosylceramide), the known Stx receptor. Stx2 induced the release of hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase in whole blood, indicating hemolysis. Stx2-induced hemolysis was not demonstrated in the absence of plasma and was inhibited by heat inactivation, as well as by the terminal complement pathway Ab eculizumab, the purinergic P2 receptor antagonist suramin, and EDTA. In the presence of whole blood or plasma/serum, Stx2 induced the release of RBC-derived microvesicles coated with C5b-9, a process that was inhibited by EDTA, in the absence of factor B, and by purinergic P2 receptor antagonists. Thus, complement-coated RBC-derived microvesicles are elevated in HUS patients and induced in vitro by incubation of RBCs with Stx2, which also induced hemolysis. The role of complement in Stx2-mediated hemolysis was demonstrated by its occurrence only in the presence of plasma and its abrogation by heat inactivation, EDTA, and eculizumab. Complement activation on RBCs could play a role in the hemolytic process occurring during STEC-HUS.

Abstract  High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are atheroprotective because of their role in reverse cholesterol transport. The intestine is involved in this process because it synthesizes HDL, removes cholesterol from plasma and excretes it into the lumen. We investigated the role of selected dietary fatty acids on intestinal cholesterol uptake and HDL functionality. Caco-2 monolayers grown on Transwells were supplemented with either palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, arachidonic or conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs): c9,t11-CLA; t9,t11-CLA; c10,t12-CLA. Cells synthesized HDL in the basolateral compartment for 24h in the absence or presence of an antibody to SR-BI (aSR-BI), which inhibits its interaction with HDL. Free cholesterol (FC) accumulated to a greater extent in the presence than in the absence of aSR-BI, indicating net uptake of FC by SR-BI. Uptake's efficiency was significantly decreased when cells were treated with c9,t11-CLA relative to the other fatty acids. These differences were associated with lower HDL functionality, since neither SR-BI protein expression nor expression and alternative splicing of other genes involved lipid metabolism were affected. Only INSIG2 expression was decreased, with no increase of its target genes. Increasing pre-β-HDL synthesis, by inducing ABCA1 and adding APOA1, resulted in reduced uptake of FC by SR-BI after c9,t11-CLA treatment, indicating reduced functionality of pre-β-HDL. Conversely, treatment with c9,t11-CLA resulted in a greater uptake of FC and esterified cholesterol from mature HDL. Therefore, Caco-2 monolayers administered c9,t11-CLA produced a nonfunctional pre-β-HDL but took up cholesterol more efficiently via SR-BI from mature HDL.

Abstract  Upon infection, pathogenic Leptospira species bind several complement regulators in order to overcome host innate immunity. We previously characterized a 20-kDa leptospiral surface protein which interacts with C4b binding protein (C4BP): leptospiral complement regulator-acquiring protein A (LcpA). Here we show that LcpA also interacts with human factor H (FH), which remains functionally active once bound to the protein. Antibodies directed against short consensus repeat 20 (SCR20) inhibited binding of FH to LcpA by approximately 90%, thus confirming that this particular domain is involved in the interaction. We have also shown for the first time that leptospires bind human vitronectin and that the interaction is mediated by LcpA. Coincubation with heparin blocked LcpA-vitronectin interaction in a dose-dependent manner, strongly suggesting that binding may occur through the heparin binding domains of vitronectin. LcpA also bound to the terminal pathway component C9 and inhibited Zn(2+)-induced polymerization and membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. Competitive binding assays indicated that LcpA interacts with C4BP, FH, and vitronectin through distinct sites. Taken together, our findings indicate that LcpA may play a role in leptospiral immune evasion.

Abstract  Alkanes are attractive fuels for fuel cells due to their high energy density, but their use has not transitioned to biofuel cells. This paper discusses the development of a novel enzyme cascade utilizing alkane monooxygenase (AMO) and alcohol oxidase (AOx) to perform mediated bioelectrocatalytic oxidation of hexane and octane. This was then applied for the bioelectrocatalysis of the jet fuel JP-8, which was tested directly in an enzymatic biofuel cell to evaluate performance. The enzymatic catalysts were shown to be sulfur tolerant and produced power densities up to 3 mW/cm(2) from native JP-8 without desulfurization as opposed to traditional metal catalysts, which require fuel preprocessing.

Abstract  The Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major human pathogen that causes infections ranging from acute otitis media to life-threatening invasive disease. Pneumococci have evolved several strategies to circumvent the host immune response, in particular the complement attack. The pneumococcal glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) is both secreted and bound to the bacterial surface and simultaneously binds plasminogen and its tissue plasminogen activator tPA. In the present study we demonstrate that PGK has an additional role in modulating the complement attack. PGK interacted with the membrane attack complex (MAC) components C5, C7, and C9, thereby blocking the assembly and membrane insertion of MAC resulting in significant inhibition of the hemolytic activity of human serum. Recombinant PGK interacted in a dose-dependent manner with these terminal pathway proteins, and the interactions were ionic in nature. In addition, PGK inhibited C9 polymerization both in the fluid phase and on the surface of sheep erythrocytes. Interestingly, PGK bound several MAC proteins simultaneously. Although C5 and C7 had partially overlapping binding sites on PGK, C9 did not compete with either one for PGK binding. Moreover, PGK significantly inhibited MAC deposition via both the classical and alternative pathway at the pneumococcal surface. Additionally, upon activation plasmin(ogen) bound to PGK cleaved the central complement protein C3b thereby further modifying the complement attack. In conclusion, our data demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge a novel pneumococcal inhibitor of the terminal complement cascade aiding complement evasion by this important pathogen.

Abstract  Borrelia miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochete transmitted by ixodid ticks, is able to cause infections associated with systemic complaints, including malaise and fever, as well as meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. In order to elucidate immune evasion of previously difficult to cultivate B. miyamotoi, we have examined the ability of this newly emerging human pathogen to escape the complement system. Growth inhibition assays revealed that B. miyamotoi is strongly resistant to complement-mediated bacteriolysis. Investigating complement activation, we found that B. miyamotoi showed reduced deposition of components C3, C5, C7, C8, C9 as well as the membrane attack complex (MAC) on the borrelial surface. In addition, no aberrations in cell morphology were observed after incubation of B. miyamotoi in active human serum, confirming the findings of the growth inhibition assay. The data presented here provide strong evidence that B. miyamotoi overcome human complement by affecting the central complement component C3, thereby inhibiting formation of the C3 convertase and downstream activation of the complement cascade.

Abstract  Naphthalene is an environmental toxicant to which humans are exposed. Naphthalene causes dose-dependent cytotoxicity to murine airway epithelial cells but a link between exposure and human pulmonary disease has not been established. Naphthalene toxicity in rodents depends on P450 metabolism. Subsequent biotransformation results in urinary elimination of several conjugated metabolites. Glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of naphthols have been used as markers of naphthalene exposure but, as the current studies demonstrate, these assays provide a limited view of the range of metabolites generated from the parent hydrocarbon. Here, we present a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for measurement of the glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of 1-naphthol as well as the mercapturic acids and N-acetyl glutathione conjugates from naphthalene epoxide. Standard curves were linear over 2 log orders. On column detection limits varied from 0.91 to 3.4 ng; limits of quantitation from 1.8 to 6.4 ng. The accuracy of measurement of spiked urine standards was -13.1 to + 5.2% of target and intra-day and inter-day variability averaged 7.2 (+/- 4.5) and 6.8 (+/- 5.0) %, respectively. Application of the method to urine collected from mice exposed to naphthalene at 15 ppm (4 hrs) showed that glutathione-derived metabolites accounted for 60-70% of the total measured metabolites and sulfate and glucuronide conjugates were eliminated in equal amounts. The method is robust and directly measures several major naphthalene metabolites including those derived from glutathione conjugation of naphthalene epoxide. The assays do not require enzymatic deconjugation, extraction or derivatization thus simplifying sample work up.

Abstract  Synthetic antagonists of the nuclear receptor PPARγ such as GW9662 are widely used to elucidate receptor-mediated ligand effects. In addition and complementary to recent work, we examined whether GW9662 is suitable to serve for mechanistic investigation in T-helper cells. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were preincubated with increasing concentrations of GW9662 (0, 0.4, 2, and 10 μmol/L) 30 min before adding the c9,t11-isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-CLA) as representative of PPARγ-activating fatty acids with immunomodulatory properties. Corresponding cultures were incubated with GW9662 in the absence of the fatty acid. After 19 h, cells were mitogen stimulated for further 5 h. Subsequently, intracellular IL-2 was measured in CD3(+)CD4(+) lymphocytes by means of flow cytometry. 100 μmol/L c9,t11-CLA reduced the number of T-helper cells expressing IL-2 by 68%. GW9662 failed to abrogate this fatty acid effect, likely due to the fact that the compound exerted an own inhibitory effect on IL-2 production. Moreover, GW9662 dose-dependently induced cell death in human leukocytes. These results suggest that application of GW9662 is not conducive in this experimental setting.

Abstract  Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) escapes the host immune system by recruitment of the complement regulator vitronectin, which inhibits the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) by inhibiting C5b-C7 complex formation and C9 polymerization. We reported previously that Hib acquires vitronectin at the surface by using Haemophilus surface fibrils (Hsf). Here we studied in detail the interaction between Hsf and vitronectin and its role in the inhibition of MAC formation and the invasion of lung epithelial cells. The vitronectin-binding region of Hsf was defined at the N-terminal region comprising Hsf amino acids 429 to 652. Moreover, the Hsf recognition site on vitronectin consisted of the C-terminal amino acids 352 to 374. H. influenzae was killed more rapidly in vitronectin-depleted serum than in normal human serum (NHS), and increased MAC deposition was observed at the surface of an Hsf-deficient H. influenzae mutant. In parallel, Hsf-expressing Escherichia coli selectively acquired vitronectin from serum, resulting in significant inhibition of the MAC. Moreover, when vitronectin was bound to Hsf, increased bacterial adherence and internalization into epithelial cells were observed. Taking our findings together, we have defined a fine-tuned protein-protein interaction between Hsf and vitronectin that may contribute to increased Hib virulence.

Abstract  We used vertical growth phase (VGP) human VMM5 melanoma cells to ask whether the tumor microenvironment could induce matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in vivo, and whether this induction correlated with metastasis. We isolated two clones from parental VMM5 cells: a low MMP-1 producing clone (C4) and high producing clone (C9). When these clones were injected orthotopically (intradermally) into nude mice, both were equally tumorigenic and produced equivalent and abundant amounts of MMP-1. However, the tumors from the C4 clones displayed different growth kinetics and distinct profiles of gene expression from the C9 population. The C4 tumors, which had low MMP-1 levels in vitro, appeared to rely on growth factors and cytokines in the microenvironment to increase MMP-1 expression in vivo, while MMP-1 levels remained constant in the C9 tumors. C9 cells, but not C4 cells, grew as spheres in culture and expressed higher levels of JARID 1B, a marker associated with melanoma initiating cells. We conclude that VMM5 melanoma cells exhibit striking intra-tumor heterogeneity, and that the tumorigenicity of these clones is driven by different molecular pathways. Our data suggest that there are multiple mechanisms for melanoma progression within a tumor, which may require different therapeutic strategies.

Abstract  Vitamin C has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, but the biological pathways regulated by vitamin C are not all known. The objective was to use a proteomics approach to identify plasma proteins associated with circulating levels of ascorbic acid. Men and women (n=1022) 20-29 years of age from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study completed a general health and lifestyle questionnaire and a 196-item food frequency questionnaire and provided a fasting blood sample. Circulating ascorbic acid was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and a mass-spectrometry-based multiple reaction monitoring method was used to measure 54 proteins abundant in plasma that are involved in numerous physiologic pathways. Mean protein concentrations were compared across tertiles of serum ascorbic acid using analysis of covariance adjusted for sex, ethnocultural group, season of blood draw, hormonal contraceptive use among women, waist circumference and tertiles of plasma α-tocopherol. A Bonferroni significance level of P<.0009 was applied, and analyses were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Tukey-Kramer procedure. Levels of complement C9, ceruloplasmin, alpha-1-anti-trypsin, angiotensinogen, complement C3, vitamin D binding protein and plasminogen were inversely associated with levels of ascorbic acid. The inverse association between ascorbic acid and vitamin D binding protein was highest in those with higher levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In conclusion, several plasma proteins from various physiologic pathways are significantly associated with circulating levels of ascorbic acid. These findings suggest that vitamin C may have novel physiological effects.

Abstract  Neferine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the seed embryos of Nelumbonucifera Gaertn (Lotus) with various potent pharmacological effects. Recently, neferine has attracted attention for its anti-tumor activities. Our study explored its metabolism and cytotoxicity mechanism. Approaches using chemical inhibitors and recombinant human enzymes to characterize the involved enzymes and kinetic studies indicated that the demethylation of neferine by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and CYP3A4 fitted a biphasic kinetic profile. Glutathione (GSH) was used as a trapping agent to identify reactive metabolites of neferine, and four novel GSH conjugates were detected with [M+H](+) ions at m/z 902.4, 916.2, 916.1, and 930.4. Based on its structure containing para-methylene phenol and results from a product ion scan, GSH tends to conjugate with C9' after undergoing oxidative metabolism to form the binding site predominated by CYP3A4. Furthermore, the addition of recombinant human GSTA1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 had little effect on the production of the GSH conjugates. In a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, combined with the GSH modulators l-buthionine sulfoximine or N-acetyl-l-cysteine, neferine treatment of MDCK-hCYP3A4 and HepG2 cells revealed that CYP3A4 expression and cellular GSH content could cause an EC50 shift. Metabolic activation mediated by CYP3A4 and GSH depletion significantly enhanced neferine-induced cytotoxicity.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Hydrocarbon alkanes have been recently considered as important next-generation biofuels because microbial production of alkane biofuels was demonstrated. However, the toxicity of alkanes to microbial hosts can possibly be a bottleneck for high productivity of alkane biofuels. To tackle this toxicity issue, it is essential to understand molecular mechanisms of interactions between alkanes and microbial hosts, and to harness these mechanisms to develop microbial host strains with improved tolerance against alkanes. In this study, we aimed to improve the tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model eukaryotic host of industrial significance, to alkane biofuels by exploiting cellular mechanisms underlying alkane response.

RESULTS: To this end, we first confirmed that nonane (C9), decane (C10), and undecane (C11) were significantly toxic and accumulated in S. cerevisiae. Transcriptome analyses suggested that C9 and C10 induced a range of cellular mechanisms such as efflux pumps, membrane modification, radical detoxification, and energy supply. Since efflux pumps could possibly aid in alkane secretion, thereby reducing the cytotoxicity, we formed the hypothesis that those induced efflux pumps could contribute to alkane export and tolerance. In support of this hypothesis, we demonstrated the roles of the efflux pumps Snq2p and Pdr5p in reducing intracellular levels of C10 and C11, as well as enhancing tolerance levels against C10 and C11. This result provided the evidence that Snq2p and Pdr5p were associated with alkane export and tolerance in S. cerevisiae.

CONCLUSIONS: Here, we investigated the cellular mechanisms of S. cerevisiae response to alkane biofuels at a systems level through transcriptome analyses. Based on these mechanisms, we identified efflux pumps involved in alkane export and tolerance in S. cerevisiae. We believe that the results here provide valuable insights into designing microbial engineering strategies to improve cellular tolerance for highly efficient alkane biofuel production.

Abstract  HOX genes are highly conserved transcription factors that determine the identity of cells and tissues along the anterior-posterior body axis in developing embryos. Aberrations in HOX gene expression have been shown in various tumors. However, the correlation of HOX gene expression patterns with tumorigenesis and cancer progression has not been fully characterized. Here, to analyze putative candidate HOX genes involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression, the expression patterns of 39 HOX genes were analyzed using breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived breast tissues. In vitro analysis revealed that HOXA and HOXB gene expression occurred in a subtype-specific manner in breast cancer cell lines, whereas most HOXC genes were strongly expressed in most cell lines. Among the 39 HOX genes analyzed, 25 were chosen for further analysis in malignant and non-malignant tissues. Fourteen genes, encoding HOXA6, A13, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, C5, C9, C13, D1, and D8, out of 25 showed statistically significant differential expression patterns between non-malignant and malignant breast tissues and are putative candidates associated with the development and malignant progression of breast cancer. Our data provide a valuable resource for furthering our understanding of HOX gene expression in breast cancer and the possible involvement of HOX genes in tumor progression.