Rab11 activity and PtdIns(3)P turnover removes recycling cargo from endosomes.

Directional transport of recycling cargo from early endosomes (EE) to the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC) relies on phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) hydrolysis and activation of the small GTPase Rab11. However, how these events are coordinated is yet unclear. By using a novel genetically-encoded FRET biosensor for Rab11, we report that generation of endosomal PtdIns(3)P by the clathrin-binding phosphoinositide 3-kinase class 2 alpha (PI3K-C2α) controls the activation of Rab11. Active Rab11, in turn, prompts the recruitment of the phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphatase myotubularin 1 (MTM1), eventually enabling the release of recycling cargo from the EE and its delivery toward the ERC. Our findings thus define that delivery of recycling cargo toward the ERC requires spatial and sequential coupling of Rab11 activity with PtdIns(3)P turnover.

Tumor suppressor protein p53 exerts negative transcriptional regulation on human sodium iodide symporter gene expression in breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Aberrant expression of human sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in breast cancer (BC) is well documented but the transcription factors (TF) regulating its aberrant expression is poorly known. We identify the presence of three p53 binding sites on the human NIS promoter sequence by conducting genome-wide TF analysis, and further investigate their regulatory role. METHODS: The differences in transcription and translation were measured by real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay, site-directed mutagenesis, in vivo optical imaging, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The relation of NIS and p53 in clinical samples was judged by TCGA data analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Overexpression of wild-type p53 as a transgene or pharmacological activation by doxorubicin drug treatment shows significant suppression of NIS transcription in multiple BC cell types which also results in lowered NIS protein content and cellular iodide intake. NIS repression by activated p53 is further confirmed by non-invasive bioluminescence imaging in live cell and orthotropic tumor model. Abrogation of p53-binding sites by directional mutagenesis confirms reversal of transcriptional activity in wild-type p53-positive BC cells. We also observe direct binding of p53 to these sites on the human NIS promoter. Importantly, TCGA data analysis of NIS and p53 co-expression registers an inverse relationship between the two candidates. CONCLUSION: Our data for the first time highlight the role of p53 as a negative regulator of functional NIS expression in BC, where the latter is a potential targeted radioiodine therapy candidate. Thus, the study provides an important insight into prospective clinical application of this approach that may significantly impact the patient with mutant versus wild-type p53 profile.

Diosgenin Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Novel Nanomaterial Against Breast Cancer.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have gained immense importance recently as drug nanocarriers due to easy multifunctionalization, simultaneous targeting, imaging and cancer hyperthermia. Herein, we report a novel nanomedicine comprising of IONPs core functionalized with a potent anticancer bioactive principle, diosgenin from medicinal plant Dioscorea bulbifera via citric acid linker molecule. IONPs were synthesized by reverse co-precipitation and characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Diosgenin functionalization was confirmed using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and biochemical methods. Synthesized IONPs, citrate linked IONPs (IONPs-CA), diosgenin functionalized IONPs (IONPs-D) along with free citric acid and diosgenin were checked for anticancer activity against MCF7 breast cancer cells by MTT assay, wound migration assay, confocal microscopy and protein expression by western blotting. Size of IONPs, IONPs-CA and IONPs-D gradually increased ranging from 12 to 21 nm as confirmed by FESEM and HRTEM. Signature peaks of diosgenin at 2914, 1166 and 1444 cm-1 IONPs-D, revealed in FTIR indicated the presence of functionalized diosgenin. IONPs-D exhibited 51.08 ± 0.37% antiproliferative activity against MCF7 cells, which was found to be superior to free citric acid (17.71 ± 0.58%) and diosgenin (33.31 ± 0.37%). Treatment with IONPs-D exhibited reduced wound migration upto 40.83 ± 2.91% compared to bare IONPs (89.03 ± 2.58%) and IONPs-CA (50.35 ± 0.48%). IONPs-D and diosgenin exhibited apoptosis induction, confirmed by Alexa Fluor 488 annexin V/PI double-stained cells indicating extensive cell membrane damage coupled with PI influx leading to nuclear staining in treated cells. IONPs-D mediated selective PARP cleavage strongly rationalized it as superior apoptotic inducers. Based on these findings, IONPs-D can be considered as first diosgenin functionalized novel magnetic nanomedicine with antiproliferative, migration inhibiting and apoptosis inducing properties against breast cancer.

GPR55 in B cells limits atherosclerosis development and regulates plasma cell maturation.

Dissecting the pathways regulating the adaptive immune response in atherosclerosis is of particular therapeutic interest. Here we report that the lipid G-protein coupled receptor GPR55 is highly expressed by splenic plasma cells (PC), upregulated in mouse spleens during atherogenesis and human unstable or ruptured compared to stable plaques. Gpr55-deficient mice developed larger atherosclerotic plaques with increased necrotic core size compared to their corresponding controls. Lack of GPR55 hyperactivated B cells, disturbed PC maturation and resulted in immunoglobulin (Ig)G overproduction. B cell-specific Gpr55 depletion or adoptive transfer of Gpr55-deficient B cells was sufficient to promote plaque development and elevated IgG titers. In vitro, the endogenous GPR55 ligand lysophsophatidylinositol (LPI) enhanced PC proliferation, whereas GPR55 antagonism blocked PC maturation and increased their mitochondrial content. Collectively, these discoveries provide previously undefined evidence for GPR55 in B cells as a key modulator of the adaptive immune response in atherosclerosis.

The role of metabolic adaptation to nutrient stress in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality, with a dismal prognosis that has changed little over the past few decades. Despite extensive efforts in understanding the oncogenetics of this pathology, pancreatic cancer remained largely elusive. One of the main characteristics of pancreatic cancer is the reduced level of oxygen and nutrient perfusion, caused by the new matrix formation, through the activation of stromal cells (desmoplasia). This stromal reaction leads to metabolic adaptations in surviving tumor cells in order to cope with these challenging conditions. The oncogenic signaling driven by KRAS mutation is necessary to fuel pancreatic tumors by activating key metabolic processes, including enhanced glycolysis and glutamine consumption. Here we review our current understanding of the pancreatic cancer metabolism as well as discuss recent work pointing to the importance of various metabolic strategies as well as autophagy and macropinocytosis as critical nutrient supply pathways. The elucidation of these metabolic networks may highlight new opportunities to further develop novel therapeutic strategies.

Diosgenin from Dioscorea bulbifera: novel hit for treatment of type II diabetes mellitus with inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disease characterized by post-prandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors aim to explore novel therapeutic agents. Herein we report the promises of Dioscorea bulbifera and its bioactive principle, diosgenin as novel α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitor. Among petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and 70% ethanol (v/v) extracts of bulbs of D. bulbifera, ethyl acetate extract showed highest inhibition upto 72.06 ± 0.51% and 82.64 ± 2.32% against α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. GC-TOF-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extract indicated presence of high diosgenin content. Diosgenin was isolated and identified by FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR and confirmed by HPLC which showed an α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition upto 70.94 ± 1.24% and 81.71 ± 3.39%, respectively. Kinetic studies confirmed the uncompetitive mode of binding of diosgenin to α-amylase indicated by lowering of both Km and Vm. Interaction studies revealed the quenching of intrinsic fluorescence of α-amylase in presence of diosgenin. Similarly, circular dichroism spectrometry showed diminished negative humped peaks at 208 nm and 222 nm. Molecular docking indicated hydrogen bonding between carboxyl group of Asp300, while hydrophobic interactions between Tyr62, Trp58, Trp59, Val163, His305 and Gln63 residues of α-amylase. Diosgenin interacted with two catalytic residues (Asp352 and Glu411) from α-glucosidase. This is the first report of its kind that provides an intense scientific rationale for use of diosgenin as novel drug candidate for type II diabetes mellitus.

Phytochemical analysis and free radical scavenging activity of medicinal plants Gnidia glauca and Dioscorea bulbifera.

Gnidia glauca and Dioscorea bulbifera are traditional medicinal plants that can be considered as sources of natural antioxidants. Herein we report the phytochemical analysis and free radical scavenging activity of their sequential extracts. Phenolic and flavonoid content were determined. Scavenging activity was checked against pulse radiolysis generated ABTS(•+) and OH radical, in addition to DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals by biochemical methods followed by principal component analysis. G. glauca leaf extracts were rich in phenolic and flavonoid content. Ethyl acetate extract of D. bulbifera bulbs and methanol extract of G. glauca stem exhibited excellent scavenging of pulse radiolysis generated ABTS(•+) radical with a second order rate constant of 2.33 × 10(6) and 1.72 × 10(6), respectively. Similarly, methanol extract of G. glauca flower and ethyl acetate extract of D. bulbifera bulb with second order rate constants of 4.48 × 10(6) and 4.46 × 10(6) were found to be potent scavengers of pulse radiolysis generated OH radical. G. glauca leaf and stem showed excellent reducing activity and free radical scavenging activity. HPTLC fingerprinting, carried out in mobile phase, chloroform: toluene: ethanol (4: 4: 1, v/v) showed presence of florescent compound at 366 nm as well as UV active compound at 254 nm. GC-TOF-MS analysis revealed the predominance of diphenyl sulfone as major compound in G. glauca. Significant levels of n-hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid were also present. Diosgenin (C27H42O3) and diosgenin (3á,25R) acetate were present as major phytoconstituents in the extracts of D. bulbifera. G. glauca and D. bulbifera contain significant amounts of phytochemicals with antioxidative properties that can be exploited as a potential source for herbal remedy for oxidative stress induced diseases. These results rationalize further investigation in the potential discovery of new natural bioactive principles from these two important medicinal plants.