Literature Watch

Molecular Aspects of Circadian Pharmacology and Relevance for Cancer Chronotherapy.

Drug-induced Adverse Events - Sat, 2018-06-02 06:42
Related Articles

Molecular Aspects of Circadian Pharmacology and Relevance for Cancer Chronotherapy.

Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Oct 17;18(10):

Authors: Ozturk N, Ozturk D, Kavakli IH, Okyar A

Abstract
The circadian timing system (CTS) controls various biological functions in mammals including xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification, immune functions, cell cycle events, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Although the importance of the CTS is well known in the pharmacology of drugs, it is less appreciated at the clinical level. Genome-wide studies highlighted that the majority of drug target genes are controlled by CTS. This suggests that chronotherapeutic approaches should be taken for many drugs to enhance their effectiveness. Currently chronotherapeutic approaches are successfully applied in the treatment of different types of cancers. The chronotherapy approach has improved the tolerability and antitumor efficacy of anticancer drugs both in experimental animals and in cancer patients. Thus, chronobiological studies have been of importance in determining the most appropriate time of administration of anticancer agents to minimize their side effects or toxicity and enhance treatment efficacy, so as to optimize the therapeutic ratio. This review focuses on the underlying mechanisms of the circadian pharmacology i.e., chronopharmacokinetics and chronopharmacodynamics of anticancer agents with the molecular aspects, and provides an overview of chronotherapy in cancer and some of the recent advances in the development of chronopharmaceutics.

PMID: 29039812 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

Prevalence of thiopurine S-methyltransferase gene polymorphisms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from the island of Crete, Greece.

Drug-induced Adverse Events - Sat, 2018-06-02 06:42
Related Articles

Prevalence of thiopurine S-methyltransferase gene polymorphisms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from the island of Crete, Greece.

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Nov;29(11):1284-1289

Authors: Coucoutsi C, Emmanouil G, Goulielmos G, Sfakianaki O, Koutroubakis IE, Kouroumalis EA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is evidence that genotyping for the thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) gene variants is useful for the prediction of response to thiopurine analogs (azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of TPMT gene polymorphisms in a genetic homogenous population of IBD patients in Crete and to correlate the results with adverse reactions to thiopurine drugs.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genotyping for the most common TPMT variants TPMT*2, TPMT*3A, TPMT3*C, and TPMT*3B was performed using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 223 consecutive IBD patients and 119 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. The hospital medical records were reviewed for thiopurine use in these patients and related adverse events.
RESULTS: The prevalence of TPMT variants TPMT*2, TPMT*3A, TPMT*3B, and TPMT*3C was 1.8, 2.7, 1.3, and 1.8%, respectively. The G238C mutation was detected in four (1.8%) out of 223 patients, three (1.3%) patients were carriers of the G460A mutation, four (1.8%) of the A719G mutation, and six (2.7%) of both G460A and A719G mutations. In healthy controls, only one (0.8%) carried both the G460A and the A719G mutation, whereas TPMT*2, TPMT*3C, and TPMT*3B were not detected. None of the genotypes was homozygous. A statistically significant correlation between the presence of the G460A mutation and the development of leucopenia after the administration of thiopurines was observed (P=0.048).
CONCLUSION: This study showed a lower frequency of total TPMT variants and a higher frequency of TPMT*3B in Cretan IBD patients compared with other Caucasian populations. The presence of the G460A mutation is associated with the development of leukopenia.

PMID: 28857898 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide attenuates chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury by reducing oxidative stress.

Drug-induced Adverse Events - Sat, 2018-06-02 06:42
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Lycium barbarum polysaccharide attenuates chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury by reducing oxidative stress.

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2017 Oct;43(10):1621-1628

Authors: Yang DM, Zhang JQ, Fei YF

Abstract
AIM: We aimed to examine the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) and to investigate the underlying mechanism.
METHODS: A total of 240 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: the control group, the CTX-induced ovarian injury (OI) group, and three LBP groups. Different concentrations of LBP solution were administered to the LBP groups by gastric infusion for 15 days, and the OI group and LBP groups were then subjected to CTX treatment for another 15 days. On days 7, 14, and 28 after CTX injection, femoral vein blood and ovarian tissues were collected for the measurements of antioxidant enzymes and oxidation products. Serum indicators were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1, and quinone oxidoreductase 1 protein levels were detected by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS: LBP attenuated CTX-induced ovarian damage and reversed associated adverse effects. LBP reduced oxidative stress by enhancing the potency of antioxidant enzymes and attenuating elevated levels of oxidation products following CTX injection. Furthermore, LBP upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1, and quinone oxidoreductase 1 protein expression.
CONCLUSION: LBP exerts protective effects against CTX-induced ovarian injury by reducing oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2/ARE-signaling pathway.

PMID: 28817219 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

FDA Approval of Nivolumab for the First-Line Treatment of Patients with BRAFV600 Wild-Type Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma.

Drug-induced Adverse Events - Sat, 2018-06-02 06:42
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FDA Approval of Nivolumab for the First-Line Treatment of Patients with BRAFV600 Wild-Type Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma.

Clin Cancer Res. 2017 Jul 15;23(14):3479-3483

Authors: Beaver JA, Theoret MR, Mushti S, He K, Libeg M, Goldberg K, Sridhara R, McKee AE, Keegan P, Pazdur R

Abstract
On November 23, 2015, the FDA approved nivolumab (OPDIVO; Bristol-Myers Squibb) as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with BRAFV600 wild-type, unresectable or metastatic melanoma. An international, double-blind, randomized (1:1) trial conducted outside of the United States allocated 418 patients to receive nivolumab 3 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks (n = 210) or dacarbazine 1,000 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks (n = 208). Patients with disease progression who met protocol-specified criteria (∼25% of each trial arm) were permitted to continue with the assigned treatment in a blinded fashion until further disease progression is documented. Overall survival was statistically significantly improved in the nivolumab arm compared with the dacarbazine arm [hazard ratio (HR), 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30-0.60; P < 0.0001]. Progression-free survival was also statistically significantly improved in the nivolumab arm (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.34-0.56; P < 0.0001). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of nivolumab were fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, rash, and pruritus. Nivolumab demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile compared with dacarbazine, supporting regular approval; however, it remains unclear whether treatment beyond disease progression contributes to the overall clinical benefit of nivolumab. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3479-83. ©2017 AACR.

PMID: 28073844 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

Phase I Study of ONT-380, a HER2 Inhibitor, in Patients with HER2+-Advanced Solid Tumors, with an Expansion Cohort in HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC).

Drug-induced Adverse Events - Sat, 2018-06-02 06:42
Related Articles

Phase I Study of ONT-380, a HER2 Inhibitor, in Patients with HER2+-Advanced Solid Tumors, with an Expansion Cohort in HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC).

Clin Cancer Res. 2017 Jul 15;23(14):3529-3536

Authors: Moulder SL, Borges VF, Baetz T, Mcspadden T, Fernetich G, Murthy RK, Chavira R, Guthrie K, Barrett E, Chia SK

Abstract
Purpose: ONT-380 (ARRY-380) is a potent and selective oral HER2 inhibitor. This Phase I study determined the MTD, pharmacokinetics (PK) and antitumor activity of ONT-380 in HER2-positive advanced solid tumors, with an expansion cohort of patients with HER2+ MBC.Experimental Design: ONT-380 was administered twice daily (BID) in continuous 28-day cycles. After a modified 3+3 dose-escalation design determined the MTD, the expansion cohort was enrolled. PK properties of ONT-380 and a metabolite were determined. Response was evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).Results: Fifty patients received ONT-380 (escalation = 33; expansion = 17); 43 patients had HER2+ MBC. Median prior anticancer regimens = 5. Dose-limiting toxicities of increased transaminases occurred at 800 mg BID, thus 600 mg BID was the MTD. Common AEs were usually Grade 1/2 in severity and included nausea (56%), diarrhea (52%), fatigue (50%), vomiting (40%) constipation, pain in extremity and cough (20% each). 5 patients (19%) treated at MTD had grade 3 AEs (increased transaminases, rash, night sweats, anemia, and hypokalemia). The half-life of ONT-380 was 5.38 hours and increases in exposure were approximately dose proportional. In evaluable HER2+ MBC (n = 22) treated at doses ≥ MTD, the response rate was 14% [all partial response (PR)] and the clinical benefit rate (PR + stable disease ≥ 24 weeks) was 27%.Conclusions: ONT-380 had a lower incidence and severity of diarrhea and rash than that typically associated with current dual HER2/EGFR inhibitors and showed notable antitumor activity in heavily pretreated HER2+ MBC patients, supporting its continued development. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3529-36. ©2017 AACR.

PMID: 28053022 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

pharmacogenomics; +13 new citations

Pharmacogenomics - Sat, 2018-06-02 06:00

13 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

pharmacogenomics

These pubmed results were generated on 2018/06/02

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Categories: Literature Watch

"systems biology"; +39 new citations

Systems Biology - Sat, 2018-06-02 06:00

39 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"systems biology"

These pubmed results were generated on 2018/06/02

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Categories: Literature Watch

Burkholderia cenocepacia Induces Macropinocytosis to Enter Macrophages.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27

Burkholderia cenocepacia Induces Macropinocytosis to Enter Macrophages.

Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:4271560

Authors: Rosales-Reyes R, Sánchez-Gómez C, Ortiz-Navarrete V, Santos-Preciado JI

Abstract
Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that infects individuals with cystic fibrosis, chronic granulomatous disease, and other immunocompromised states. B. cenocepacia survives in macrophages in membrane-bound vacuoles; however, the mechanism by which B. cenocepacia gains entry into macrophages remains unknown. After macrophage internalization, survival of B. cenocepacia within a bacteria-containing membrane vacuole (BcCV) is associated with its ability to arrest the maturation of the BcCV. In this study, we show that B. cenocepacia induces localized membrane ruffling, macropinocytosis, and macropinosomes-like compartments upon contact with the macrophage. The Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) of B. cenocepacia contributes to macrophage entry and macropinosome-like compartment formation. These data demonstrate the ability of Burkholderia to enter macrophages through the induction of macropinocytosis.

PMID: 29850514 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

CFTR Mutation Analysis in Western Iran: Identification of Two Novel Mutations.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27

CFTR Mutation Analysis in Western Iran: Identification of Two Novel Mutations.

J Reprod Infertil. 2018 Jan-Mar;19(1):3-9

Authors: Karimi N, Alibakhshi R, Almasi S

Abstract
Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders in Caucasian population. The incidence of disorder varies among different religious, ethnic and geographical isolates. The aim of this study was to identify the spectrum and the frequency of known and unknown disease-causing mutations in Iranian CF patients.
Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral whole blood with a QIAamp DNA Mini-Kit. Mutation analysis was done in the CFTR gene including complete coding region and intron/exon boundaries using a direct sequencing method.
Results: In general, ten mutations were identified in 27 CF cases. Two out of 10 mutations, 754delT and GGTGGCdel/TTGins, were reported as novel mutations. The most common observed mutations in patients were R334W (40.74%), ΔF508 (18.5%), K710X (12.96%) and D110H (5.5%), 1897C>G (1.85%), R1162X (1.85%), S466X (1.85%) and T1036I (1.85%).
Conclusion: The finding indicated a unique mutation panel which can be used in genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and future screening of CF in Iran. Although ΔF508 is the most common mutation in other populations including Caucasian, this mutation seem not to have an important role in Iranian CF patients. Findings suggest that a different approach in molecular genetics diagnostic strategies in Middle Eastern countries including Iran should be considered.

PMID: 29850441 [PubMed]

Categories: Literature Watch

Cigarette Smoke-Induced Acquired Dysfunction of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27

Cigarette Smoke-Induced Acquired Dysfunction of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:6567578

Authors: Shi J, Li H, Yuan C, Luo M, Wei J, Liu X

Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Cigarette smoke and oxidative stress are main etiological risks in COPD. Interestingly, recent studies suggest a considerable overlap between chronic bronchitis (CB) phenotypic COPD and cystic fibrosis (CF), a common fatal hereditary lung disease caused by genetic mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Phenotypically, CF and COPD are associated with an impaired mucociliary clearance and mucus hypersecretion, although they are two distinct entities of unrelated origin. Mechanistically, the cigarette smoke-increased oxidative stress-induced CFTR dysfunction is implicated in COPD. This underscores CFTR in understanding and improving therapies for COPD by altering CFTR function with antioxidant agents and CFTR modulators as a great promising strategy for COPD treatments. Indeed, treatments that restore CFTR function, including mucolytic therapy, antioxidant ROS scavenger, CFTR stimulator (roflumilast), and CFTR potentiator (ivacaftor), have been tested in COPD. This review article is aimed at summarizing the molecular, cellular, and clinical evidence of oxidative stress, particularly the cigarette smoke-increased oxidative stress-impaired CFTR function, as well as signaling pathways of CFTR involved in the pathogenesis of COPD, with a highlight on the therapeutic potential of targeting CFTR for COPD treatment.

PMID: 29849907 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Airway Epithelium Dysfunction in Cystic Fibrosis and COPD.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27

Airway Epithelium Dysfunction in Cystic Fibrosis and COPD.

Mediators Inflamm. 2018;2018:1309746

Authors: De Rose V, Molloy K, Gohy S, Pilette C, Greene CM

Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly caused by environmental factors (mostly cigarette smoking) on a genetically susceptible background. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases are different, both are associated with progressive airflow obstruction, airway neutrophilic inflammation, and recurrent exacerbations, suggesting common mechanisms. The airway epithelium plays a crucial role in maintaining normal airway functions. Major molecular and morphologic changes occur in the airway epithelium in both CF and COPD, and growing evidence suggests that airway epithelial dysfunction is involved in disease initiation and progression in both diseases. Structural and functional abnormalities in both airway and alveolar epithelium have a relevant impact on alteration of host defences, immune/inflammatory response, and the repair process leading to progressive lung damage and impaired lung function. In this review, we address the evidence for a critical role of dysfunctional airway epithelial cells in chronic airway inflammation and remodelling in CF and COPD, highlighting the common mechanisms involved in the epithelial dysfunction as well as the similarities and differences of the two diseases.

PMID: 29849481 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Congenital chloride diarrhea needs to be distinguished from Bartter and Gitelman syndrome.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27

Congenital chloride diarrhea needs to be distinguished from Bartter and Gitelman syndrome.

J Hum Genet. 2018 May 30;:

Authors: Matsunoshita N, Nozu K, Yoshikane M, Kawaguchi A, Fujita N, Morisada N, Ishimori S, Yamamura T, Minamikawa S, Horinouchi T, Nakanishi K, Fujimura J, Ninchoji T, Morioka I, Nagase H, Taniguchi-Ikeda M, Kaito H, Iijima K

Abstract
Pseudo-Bartter/Gitelman syndrome (p-BS/GS) encompasses a clinically heterogeneous group of inherited or acquired disorders similar to Bartter syndrome (BS) or Gitelman syndrome (GS), both renal salt-losing tubulopathies. Phenotypic overlap frequently occurs between p-BS/GS and BS/GS, which are difficult to diagnose based on their clinical presentation and require genetic tests for accurate diagnosis. In addition, p-BS/GS can occur as a result of other inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis, autosomal dominant hypocalcemia, Dent disease, or congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD). However, the detection of the variants in genes other than known BS/GS-causing genes by conventional Sanger sequencing requires substantial time and resources. We studied 27 cases clinically diagnosed with BS/GS, but with negative genetic tests for known BS/GS genes. We conducted targeted sequencing for 22 genes including genes responsible for tubulopathies and other inherited diseases manifesting with p-BS/GS symptoms. We detected the SLC26A3 gene variants responsible for CCD in two patients. In Patient 1, we found the SLC26A3 compound heterozygous variants: c.354delC and c.1008insT. In Patient 2, we identified the compound heterozygous variants: c.877G > A, p.(Glu293Lys), and c.1008insT. Our results suggest that a comprehensive genetic screening system using targeted sequencing is useful for the diagnosis of patients with p-BS/GS with alternative genetic origins.

PMID: 29849040 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

Targeting the Bacterial Cytoskeleton of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex for Antimicrobial Development: A Cautionary Tale.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27

Targeting the Bacterial Cytoskeleton of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex for Antimicrobial Development: A Cautionary Tale.

Int J Mol Sci. 2018 May 30;19(6):

Authors: Carnell SC, Perry JD, Borthwick L, Vollmer D, Biboy J, Facchini M, Bragonzi A, Silipo A, Vergunst AC, Vollmer W, Khan ACM, De Soyza A

Abstract
Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) bacteria are a group of opportunistic pathogens that cause severe lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF). Treatment of BCC infections is difficult, due to the inherent and acquired multidrug resistance of BCC. There is a pressing need to find new bacterial targets for antimicrobials. Here, we demonstrate that the novel compound Q22, which is related to the bacterial cytoskeleton destabilising compound A22, can reduce the growth rate and inhibit growth of BCC bacteria. We further analysed the phenotypic effects of Q22 treatment on BCC virulence traits, to assess its feasibility as an antimicrobial. BCC bacteria were grown in the presence of Q22 with a broad phenotypic analysis, including resistance to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, changes in the inflammatory potential of cell surface components, and in-vivo drug toxicity studies. The influence of the Q22 treatment on inflammatory potential was measured by monitoring the cytokine responses of BCC whole cell lysates, purified lipopolysaccharide, and purified peptidoglycan extracted from bacterial cultures grown in the presence or absence of Q22 in differentiated THP-1 cells. BCC bacteria grown in the presence of Q22 displayed varying levels of resistance to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, with some strains showing increased resistance after treatment. There was strain-to-strain variation in the pro-inflammatory ability of bacterial lysates to elicit TNFα and IL-1β from human myeloid cells. Despite minimal toxicity previously shown in vitro with primary CF cell lines, in-vivo studies demonstrated Q22 toxicity in both zebrafish and mouse infection models. In summary, destabilisation of the bacterial cytoskeleton in BCC, using compounds such as Q22, led to increased virulence-related traits in vitro. These changes appear to vary depending on strain and BCC species. Future development of antimicrobials targeting the BCC bacterial cytoskeleton may be hampered if such effects translate into the in-vivo environment of the CF infection.

PMID: 29848957 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Germline genetic variants with implications for disease risk and therapeutic outcomes.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27
Related Articles

Germline genetic variants with implications for disease risk and therapeutic outcomes.

Physiol Genomics. 2017 Oct 01;49(10):567-581

Authors: Pasternak AL, Ward KM, Luzum JA, Ellingrod VL, Hertz DL

Abstract
Genetic testing has multiple clinical applications including disease risk assessment, diagnosis, and pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics can be utilized to predict whether a pharmacologic therapy will be effective or to identify patients at risk for treatment-related toxicity. Although genetic tests are typically ordered for a distinct clinical purpose, the genetic variants that are found may have additional implications for either disease or pharmacology. This review will address multiple examples of germline genetic variants that are informative for both disease and pharmacogenomics. The discussed relationships are diverse. Some of the agents are targeted for the disease-causing genetic variant, while others, although not targeted therapies, have implications for the disease they are used to treat. It is also possible that the disease implications of a genetic variant are unrelated to the pharmacogenomic implications. Some of these examples are considered clinically actionable pharmacogenes, with evidence-based, pharmacologic treatment recommendations, while others are still investigative as areas for additional research. It is important that clinicians are aware of both the disease and pharmacogenomic associations of these germline genetic variants to ensure patients are receiving comprehensive personalized care.

PMID: 28887371 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

Dynamics of nitric oxide controlled by protein complex in bacterial system.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27
Related Articles

Dynamics of nitric oxide controlled by protein complex in bacterial system.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 09 12;114(37):9888-9893

Authors: Terasaka E, Yamada K, Wang PH, Hosokawa K, Yamagiwa R, Matsumoto K, Ishii S, Mori T, Yagi K, Sawai H, Arai H, Sugimoto H, Sugita Y, Shiro Y, Tosha T

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) plays diverse and significant roles in biological processes despite its cytotoxicity, raising the question of how biological systems control the action of NO to minimize its cytotoxicity in cells. As a great example of such a system, we found a possibility that NO-generating nitrite reductase (NiR) forms a complex with NO-decomposing membrane-integrated NO reductase (NOR) to efficiently capture NO immediately after its production by NiR in anaerobic nitrate respiration called denitrification. The 3.2-Å resolution structure of the complex of one NiR functional homodimer and two NOR molecules provides an idea of how these enzymes interact in cells, while the structure may not reflect the one in cells due to the membrane topology. Subsequent all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the enzyme complex model in a membrane and structure-guided mutagenesis suggested that a few interenzyme salt bridges and coulombic interactions of NiR with the membrane could stabilize the complex of one NiR homodimer and one NOR molecule and contribute to rapid NO decomposition in cells. The MD trajectories of the NO diffusion in the NiR:NOR complex with the membrane showed that, as a plausible NO transfer mechanism, NO released from NiR rapidly migrates into the membrane, then binds to NOR. These results help us understand the mechanism of the cellular control of the action of cytotoxic NO.

PMID: 28847930 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

Steviol stabilizes polycystin 1 expression and promotes lysosomal degradation of CFTR and β-catenin proteins in renal epithelial cells.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-06-01 15:27
Related Articles

Steviol stabilizes polycystin 1 expression and promotes lysosomal degradation of CFTR and β-catenin proteins in renal epithelial cells.

Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Oct;94:820-826

Authors: Yuajit C, Muanprasat C, Homvisasevongsa S, Chatsudthipong V

Abstract
Malfunction of polycystin 1 (PC1) is linked to abnormally high epithelial cell proliferation and fluid secretion, eventually leading to renal cyst development and declined renal function as found in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Currently, there is no effective therapy for ADPKD. Recent studies report PC1 regulates CFTR chloride channels and β-catenin levels in normal renal epithelial cells. Concurrently, our previous study found steviol retarded renal cyst enlargement in an in vitro and in an in vivo models by reducing CFTR expression and activity. Therefore, a potential relationship between steviol and PC1 is worthy of exploration. The present study was aimed to determine the effect of steviol on PC1, CFTR, and β-catenin levels in renal epithelial cells with defective PC1 biogenesis and expression (Prkcsh-/- cell) and postnatal Pkd1 homozygous cell (Pkd1-/- cells). Using western blot analysis, it was found that steviol treatment at 100μM for 24-48h substantially enhanced and stabilized PC1 C-terminal expression, while decreasing CFTR and β-catenin protein expression in both Prkcsh-/- and Pkd1-/- cells. In addition, steviol promoted LAMP2 expression, a lysosomal enzyme marker. Interestingly, hydroxychloroquine (a lysosome inhibitor) treatment abolished steviol's effect in reducing CFTR and β-catenin protein expression. Taken together, these findings suggest steviol slows cyst progression in cells and animal models of PKD, in part, by enhancing and stabilizing PC1 protein expression as well as by promoting lysosomal degradation of CFTR and β-catenin. Therefore, steviol may represent a promising compound for treatment of polycystic kidney disease.

PMID: 28802235 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Required)

Funding Opportunity PAR-18-813 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. The purpose of the NIH BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00) program is to increase workforce diversity in the neuroscience workforce and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NIH-supported, independent investigators by enhancing the pool of individuals from nationally underrepresented groups in BRAIN Initiative research areas. This program is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding postdoctoral researchers with a research and/or clinical doctorate degree from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions. The program will provide independent NIH research support during this transition in order to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary study to an existing trial, as part of their research and career development. Applicants not planning an independent clinical trial, or proposing to gain research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator, must apply to companion FOA (FOA #).

BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Funding Opportunity PAR-18-814 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. The NINDS, with other NIH Institutes and Centers participating in the BRAIN Initiative, intends to publish "BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00)." The program is designed to increase biomedical research workforce diversity and foster a strong cohort of new, highly skilled and well trained, NIH-supported, independent investigators from underrepresented groups working in research areas supported by the BRAIN Initiative, as highlighted in BRAIN 2025: A Scientific Vision. It is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding postdoctoral researchers with a research and/or clinical doctorate degree from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful mentoring teams and responsive projects. The FOA is expected to be published in April 2018 with an expected application due date in June 2018. This FOA will utilize the K99/R00 funding activity. Details of the planned FOA are provided below. Research Initiative Details The BRAIN Initiative K99/R00 award is intended for women and members of underrepresented groups who are working in research areas supported by the BRAIN Initiative, who have no more than five years of postdoctoral research experience, and who require at least 12 months of mentored research training and career development (K99 phase) before transitioning to the independent research (R00) phase of the program. All research areas within the BRAIN Initiative are encouraged (including but not limited to engineering, computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, chemistry and neuroethics). Eligible individuals for this program will be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who fall in at least one of three defined categories: 1) women, 2) individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as defined in the Notice of NIH's Inter

"systems biology"; +41 new citations

Systems Biology - Fri, 2018-06-01 09:17

41 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"systems biology"

These pubmed results were generated on 2018/06/01

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Categories: Literature Watch

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