Melanoma tumour-derived glycans hijack dendritic cell subsets through C-type lectin receptor binding.

Dendritic cell (DC) subsets play a crucial role in shaping anti-tumour immunity. Cancer escapes from the control immune system by hijacking DC functions. Yet, bases for such subversion are only partially understood. Tumour cells display aberrant glycan motifs on surface glycoproteins and glycolipids. Such carbohydrate patterns can be sensed by DCs through C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) that are critical to shape and orientate immune responses. We recently demonstrated that melanoma tumour cells harboured an aberrant 'glyco-code,' and that circulating and tumour-infiltrating DCs from melanoma patients displayed major perturbations in their CLR profiles. To decipher whether melanoma, through aberrant glycan patterns, may exploit CLR pathways to mislead DCs and evade immune control, we explored the impact of glycan motifs aberrantly found in melanoma (neoglycoproteins [NeoGP] functionalised with Gal, Man, GalNAc, s-Tn, fucose [Fuc] and GlcNAc residues) on features of human DC subsets (cDC2s, cDC1s and pDCs). We examined the ability of glycans to bind to purified DCs, and assessed their impact on DC basal properties and functional features using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and multiplex secreted protein analysis. DC subsets differentially bound and internalised NeoGP depending on the nature of the glycan. Strikingly, Fuc directly remodelled the expression of activation markers and immune checkpoints, as well as the cytokine/chemokine secretion profile of DC subsets. NeoGP interfered with Toll like receptor (TLR)-signalling and pre-conditioned DCs to exhibit an altered response to subsequent TLR stimulation, dampening antitumor mediators while triggering pro-tumoral factors. We further demonstrated that DC subsets can bind NeoGP through CLRs, and identified GalNAc/MGL and s-Tn/ C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC2) as potential candidates. Moreover, DC dysfunction induced by tumour-associated carbohydrate molecules may be reversed by interfering with the glycan/CLR axis. These findings revealed the glycan/CLR axis as a promising checkpoint to exploit in order to reshape potent antitumor immunity while impeding immunosuppressive pathways triggered by aberrant tumour glycosylation patterns. This may rescue DCs from tumour hijacking and improve clinical success in cancer patients.

Shaping an evanescent focus of light for high spatial resolution optogenetic activations in live cells.

Confining light illumination in the three dimensions of space is a challenge for various applications. Among these, optogenetic methods developed for live experiments in cell biology would benefit from such a localized illumination as it would improve the spatial resolution of diffusive photosensitive proteins leading to spatially constrained biological responses in specific subcellular organelles. Here, we describe a method to create and move a focused evanescent spot, at the interface between a glass substrate and an aqueous sample, across the field of view of a high numerical aperture microscope objective, using a digital micro-mirror device (DMD). We show that, after correcting the optical aberrations, light is confined within a spot of sub-micron lateral size and ∼100 nm axial depth above the coverslip, resulting in a volume of illumination drastically smaller than the one generated by a standard propagative focus. This evanescent focus is sufficient to induce a more intense and localized recruitment compared to a propagative focus on the optogenetic system CRY2-CIBN, improving the resolution of its pattern of activation.

Control of SRC molecular dynamics encodes distinct cytoskeletal responses by specifying signaling pathway usage.

Upon activation by different transmembrane receptors, the same signaling protein can induce distinct cellular responses. A way to decipher the mechanisms of such pleiotropic signaling activity is to directly manipulate the decision-making activity that supports the selection between distinct cellular responses. We developed an optogenetic probe (optoSRC) to control SRC signaling, an example of a pleiotropic signaling node, and we demonstrated its ability to generate different acto-adhesive structures (lamellipodia or invadosomes) upon distinct spatio-temporal control of SRC kinase activity. The occurrence of each acto-adhesive structure was simply dictated by the dynamics of optoSRC nanoclusters in adhesive sites, which were dependent on the SH3 and Unique domains of the protein. The different decision-making events regulated by optoSRC dynamics induced distinct downstream signaling pathways, which we characterized using time-resolved proteomic and network analyses. Collectively, by manipulating the molecular mobility of SRC kinase activity, these experiments reveal the pleiotropy-encoding mechanism of SRC signaling.

The ligand-bound state of a G protein-coupled receptor stabilizes the interaction of functional cholesterol molecules.

Cholesterol is a major component of mammalian plasma membranes that not only affects the physical properties of the lipid bilayer but also is the function of many membrane proteins including G protein-coupled receptors. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is involved in parturition and lactation of mammals and in their emotional and social behaviors. Cholesterol acts on OXTR as an allosteric modulator inducing a high-affinity state for orthosteric ligands through a molecular mechanism that has yet to be determined. Using the ion channel-coupled receptor technology, we developed a functional assay of cholesterol modulation of G protein-coupled receptors that is independent of intracellular signaling pathways and operational in living cells. Using this assay, we discovered a stable binding of cholesterol molecules to the receptor when it adopts an orthosteric ligand-bound state. This stable interaction preserves the cholesterol-dependent activity of the receptor in cholesterol-depleted membranes. This mechanism was confirmed using time-resolved FRET experiments on WT OXTR expressed in CHO cells. Consequently, a positive cross-regulation sequentially occurs in OXTR between cholesterol and orthosteric ligands.

The mechano-sensitive response of ß1 integrin promotes SRC-positive late endosome recycling and activation of Yes-associated protein.

Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling has emerged as a crucial pathway in several normal and pathological processes. Although the main upstream effectors that regulate its activity have been extensively studied, the role of the endosomal system has been far less characterized. Here, we identified the late endosomal/lysosomal adaptor MAPK and mTOR activator (LAMTOR) complex as an important regulator of YAP signaling in a preosteoblast cell line. We found that p18/LAMTOR1-mediated peripheral positioning of late endosomes allows delivery of SRC proto-oncogene, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (SRC) to the plasma membrane and promotes activation of an SRC-dependent signaling cascade that controls YAP nuclear shuttling. Moreover, ß1 integrin engagement and mechano-sensitive cues, such as external stiffness and related cell contractility, controlled LAMTOR targeting to the cell periphery and thereby late endosome recycling and had a major impact on YAP signaling. Our findings identify the late endosome recycling pathway as a key mechanism that controls YAP activity and explains YAP mechano-sensitivity.

Heat shock factor 1 promotes TERRA transcription and telomere protection upon heat stress.

In response to metabolic or environmental stress, cells activate powerful defense mechanisms to prevent the formation and accumulation of toxic protein aggregates. The main orchestrator of this cellular response is HSF1 (heat shock factor 1), a transcription factor involved in the up-regulation of protein-coding genes with protective roles. It has become very clear that HSF1 has a broader function than initially expected. Indeed, our previous work demonstrated that, upon stress, HSF1 activates the transcription of a non-coding RNA, named Satellite III, at pericentromeric heterochromatin. Here, we observe that the function of HSF1 extends to telomeres and identify subtelomeric DNA as a new genomic target of HSF1. We show that the binding of HSF1 to subtelomeric regions plays an essential role in the upregulation of non-coding TElomeric Repeat containing RNA (TERRA) transcription upon heat shock. Importantly, our data show that telomere integrity is impacted by heat shock and that telomeric DNA damages are markedly enhanced in HSF1 deficient cells. Altogether, our findings reveal a new direct and essential function of HSF1 in the transcriptional activation of TERRA and in telomere protection upon stress.

FKBP12.6 overexpression does not protect against remodelling after myocardial infarction.

Reducing the open probability of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) has been proposed to have beneficial effects in heart failure. We investigated whether conditional FKBP12.6 overexpression at the time of myocardial infarction (MI) could improve cardiac remodelling and cell Ca(2+) handling. Wild-type (WT) mice and mice overexpressing FKBP12.6 (Tg) were studied on average 7.5 ± 0.2 weeks after MI and compared with sham-operated mice for in vivo, myocyte function and remodelling. At baseline, unloaded cell shortening in Tg was not different from WT. The [Ca(2+)](i) transient amplitude was similar, but sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content was larger in Tg, suggesting reduced fractional release. Spontaneous spark frequency was similar despite the increased SR Ca(2+) content, consistent with a reduced RyR channel open probability in Tg. After MI, left ventricular dilatation and myocyte hypertrophy were present in both groups, but more pronounced in Tg. Cell shortening amplitude was unchanged with MI in WT, but increased with MI in Tg. The amplitude of the [Ca(2+)](i) transient was not affected by MI in either genotype, but time to peak was increased; this was most pronounced in Tg. The SR Ca(2+) content and Na(+)- Ca(2+) exchanger function were not affected by MI. Spontaneous spark frequency was increased significantly after MI in Tg, and larger than in WT (at 4 Hz, 2.6 ± 0.4 sparks (100 µm)(-1) s(-1) in Tg MI versus 1.6 ± 0.2 sparks (100 µm)(-1) s(-1) in WT MI; P < 0.05). We conclude that FKPB12.6 overexpression can effectively reduce RyR open probability with maintained cardiomyocyte contraction. However, this approach appears insufficient to prevent and reduce post-MI remodelling, indicating that additional pathways may need to be targeted.

An inducible ESCRT-III inhibition tool to control HIV-1 budding.

HIV-1 budding as well as many other cellular processes require the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery. Understanding the architecture of the native ESCRT-III complex at HIV-1 budding sites is limited due to spatial resolution and transient ESCRT-III recruitment. Here, we developed a drug-inducible transient HIV-1 budding inhibitory tool to enhance the ESCRT-III lifetime at budding sites. We generated auto-cleavable CHMP2A, CHMP3, and CHMP4B fusion proteins with the hepatitis C virus NS3 protease. We characterized the CHMP-NS3 fusion proteins in the absence and presence of protease inhibitor Glecaprevir with regard to expression, stability, localization and HIV-1 Gag VLP budding. Immunoblotting experiments revealed rapid and stable accumulation of CHMP-NS3 fusion proteins with variable modification of Gag VLP budding upon drug administration. Notably, CHMP2A-NS3 and CHMP4B-NS3 fusion proteins substantially decrease VLP release while CHMP3-NS3 exerted a minor effect and synergized with CHMP2A-NS3. Localization studies demonstrated the re-localization of CHMP-NS3 fusion proteins to the plasma membrane, endosomes, and Gag VLP budding sites. Through the combined use of transmission electron microscopy and video-microscopy, we unveiled drug-dependent accumulation of CHMP2A-NS3 and CHMP4B-NS3, causing a delay in HIV-1 Gag-VLP release. Our findings provide novel insight into the functional consequences of inhibiting ESCRT-III during HIV-1 budding and establish new tools to decipher the role of ESCRT-III at HIV-1 budding sites and other ESCRT-catalyzed cellular processes.

An Inducible ESCRT-III Inhibition Tool to Control HIV-1 Budding.

HIV-1 budding as well as many other cellular processes require the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery. Understanding the architecture of the native ESCRT-III complex at HIV-1 budding sites is limited due to spatial resolution and transient ESCRT-III recruitment. Here, we developed a drug-inducible transient HIV-1 budding inhibitory tool to enhance the ESCRT-III lifetime at budding sites. We generated autocleavable CHMP2A, CHMP3, and CHMP4B fusion proteins with the hepatitis C virus NS3 protease. We characterized the CHMP-NS3 fusion proteins in the absence and presence of protease inhibitor Glecaprevir with regard to expression, stability, localization, and HIV-1 Gag VLP budding. Immunoblotting experiments revealed rapid and stable accumulation of CHMP-NS3 fusion proteins. Notably, upon drug administration, CHMP2A-NS3 and CHMP4B-NS3 fusion proteins substantially decrease VLP release while CHMP3-NS3 exerted no effect but synergized with CHMP2A-NS3. Localization studies demonstrated the relocalization of CHMP-NS3 fusion proteins to the plasma membrane, endosomes, and Gag VLP budding sites. Through the combined use of transmission electron microscopy and video-microscopy, we unveiled drug-dependent accumulation of CHMP2A-NS3 and CHMP4B-NS3, causing a delay in HIV-1 Gag-VLP release. Our findings provide novel insight into the functional consequences of inhibiting ESCRT-III during HIV-1 budding and establish new tools to decipher the role of ESCRT-III at HIV-1 budding sites and other ESCRT-catalyzed cellular processes.

The fate of mitochondria during platelet activation.

Blood platelets undergo several successive motor-driven reorganizations of the cytoskeleton when they are recruited to an injured part of a vessel. These reorganizations take place during the platelet activation phase, the spreading process on the injured vessel or between fibrin fibers of the forming clot, and during clot retraction. All these steps require a lot of energy, especially the retraction of the clot when platelets develop strong forces similar to those of muscle cells. Platelets can produce energy through glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. However, although resting platelets have only 5 to 8 individual mitochondria, they produce adenosine triphosphate predominantly via oxidative phosphorylation. Activated, spread platelets show an increase in size compared with resting platelets, and the question arises as to where the few mitochondria are located in these larger platelets. Using expansion microscopy, we show that the number of mitochondria per platelet is increased in spread platelets. Live imaging and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy suggest that a mitochondrial fission event takes place during platelet activation. Fission is Drp1 dependent because Drp1-deficient platelets have fused mitochondria. In nucleated cells, mitochondrial fission is associated with a shift to a glycolytic phenotype, and using clot retraction assays, we show that platelets have a more glycolytic energy production during clot retraction and that Drp1-deficient platelets show a defect in clot retraction.

Cardiac FKBP12.6 overexpression protects against triggered ventricular tachycardia in pressure overloaded mouse hearts.

Alterations in RyR2 function have been proposed as a major pathophysiological mechanism of arrhythmias and heart failure (HF). Cardiac FKBP12.6 overexpression protects against myocardial infarction-induced HF and catecholamine-promoted ventricular arrhythmias. We tested the hypothesis that FKBP12.6 overexpression protects against maladaptive LVH and triggered ventricular arrhythmias following transverse aorta constriction (TAC) in the mouse. The TAC-associated mortality rate was significantly lower in male transgenic (DT) than in Ctr mice (p < 0.05). TAC-associated maladaptive hypertrophy was blunted in DT mice especially 1 month post-TAC and their SERCA2a/PLB ratio remained unchanged 1 and 2 months post-TAC. Two months after TAC, trains of 30 stimuli (burst pacing) performed following isoproterenol injection (0.2 mg/kg, ip), induced VT in 50% of the TAC-Ctr and in none of the TAC-DT mice (p = 0.022). The increase in myocyte shortening and Ca(2+) spark frequency observed in sham-operated Ctr mice in response to 50 nM isoproterenol was reduced in DT mice, and abolished in TAC-DT mice. NCX1 function was reduced in Sham-DT and TAC-DT compared with Sham-Ctr and TAC-Ctr mice, respectively (p < 0.05 for the 2 comparisons). In mice killed after isoproterenol injection and burst pacing, RyR2 S2814 phosphorylation was decreased by 50% in TAC-DT versus TAC-Ctr mice (p < 0.05), with no change in RyR2 S2808 and PLB S16 and T17 phosphorylation. Cardiac FKBP12.6 overexpression in the mouse blunts pressure overload-induced maladaptive LV remodelling and protects against catecholamine-promoted burst pacing-induced ventricular tachycardia by decreasing cardiac sensitivity to adrenergic stress and RyR2 S2814 phosphorylation, and decreasing NCX1 activity.

Fibrillin-1 genetic deficiency leads to pathological ageing of arteries in mice.

Fibrillin-1, the major component of extracellular microfibrils that associate with insoluble elastin in elastic fibres, is mainly synthesized during development and postnatal growth and is believed to guide elastogenesis. Mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene cause Marfan syndrome, a multisystem disorder characterized by aortic aneurysms and dissections. The recent finding that early deficiency of elastin modifies vascular ageing has raised the possibility that fibrillin-1 deficiency could also contribute to late-onset pathology of vascular remodelling. To address this question, we examined cardiovascular function in 3-week-old, 6-month-old, and 24-month-old mice that are heterozygous for a hypomorphic structural mutation of fibrillin-1 (Fbn1{+/mgΔ} mice). Our results indicate that Fbn1{+/mgΔ} mice, particularly those that are 24 months old, are slightly more hypotensive than wild-type littermates. Additionally, aneurysm and aortic insufficiency were more frequently observed in ageing Fbn1{+/mgΔ}$ mice than in the wild-type counterparts. We also noted substantial fragmentation and decreased number of elastic lamellae in the aortic wall of Fbn1{+/mgΔ} mice, which were correlated with an increase in aortic stiffness, a decrease in vasoreactivity, altered expression of elastic fibre-related genes, including fibrillin-1 and elastin, and a decrease in the relative ratio between tissue elastin and collagen. Collectively, our findings suggest that the heterozygous mgΔ mutation accelerates some aspects of vascular ageing and eventually leads to aortic manifestations resembling those of Marfan syndrome. Importantly, our data also indicate that vascular abnormalities in Fbn1{+/mgΔ} mice are opposite to those induced by elastin haploinsufficiency during ageing that affect blood pressure, vascular dimensions, and number of elastic lamellae.

Adenovirus-Inspired Virus-Like-Particles Displaying Melanoma Tumor Antigen Specifically Target Human DC Subsets and Trigger Antigen-Specific Immune Responses.

Virus-like particles constitute versatile vectors that can be used as vaccine platforms in many fields from infectiology and more recently to oncology. We previously designed non-infectious adenovirus-inspired 60-mer dodecahedric virus-like particles named ADDomers displaying on their surface either a short epitope or a large tumor/viral antigen. In this work, we explored for the first time the immunogenicity of ADDomers exhibiting melanoma-derived tumor antigen/epitope and their impact on the features of human dendritic cell (DC) subsets. We first demonstrated that ADDomers displaying tumor epitope/antigen elicit a strong immune-stimulating potential of human DC subsets (cDC2s, cDC1s, pDCs), which were able to internalize and cross-present tumor antigen, and subsequently cross-prime antigen-specific T-cell responses. To further limit off-target effects and enhance DC targeting, we engineered specific motifs to de-target epithelial cells and improve DCs' addressing. The improved engineered platform making it possible to display large antigen represents a tool to overcome the barrier of immune allele restriction, broadening the immune response, and paving the way to its potential utilization in humans as an off-the-shelf vaccine.

Integrin-based adhesion compartmentalizes ALK3 of the BMPRII to control cell adhesion and migration.

The spatial organization of cell-surface receptors is fundamental for the coordination of biological responses to physical and biochemical cues of the extracellular matrix. How serine/threonine kinase receptors, ALK3-BMPRII, cooperate with integrins upon BMP2 to drive cell migration is unknown. Whether the dynamics between integrins and BMP receptors intertwine in space and time to guide adhesive processes is yet to be elucidated. We found that BMP2 stimulation controls the spatial organization of BMPRs by segregating ALK3 from BMPRII into ß3 integrin-containing focal adhesions. The selective recruitment of ALK3 to focal adhesions requires ß3 integrin engagement and ALK3 activation. BMP2 controls the partitioning of immobilized ALK3 within and outside focal adhesions according to single-protein tracking and super-resolution imaging. The spatial control of ALK3 in focal adhesions by optogenetics indicates that ALK3 acts as an adhesive receptor by eliciting cell spreading required for cell migration. ALK3 segregation from BMPRII in integrin-based adhesions is a key aspect of the spatio-temporal control of BMPR signaling.

FKBP12.6 mice display temporal gender differences in cardiac Ca(2+)-signalling phenotype upon chronic pressure overload.

Preventing Ca(2+)-leak during diastole may provide a means to improve overall cardiac function. The immunosuppressant FK506-binding protein 12.6 (FKBP12.6) regulates ryanodine receptor-2 (RyR2) gating and binds to and inhibits calcineurin (Cn). It is also involved in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). Here, we investigated the effects of FKBP12.6 over-expression and gender on Ca(2+)-handling proteins (RyR2, SERCA2a/PLB, and NCX), and on pro-(CaMKII, Cn/NFAT) and anti-hypertrophic (GSK3ß) signalling pathways in a thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) mouse model. Wild type mice (WT) and mice over-expressing FKBP12.6 of both genders underwent TAC or sham-operation (Sham). FKBP12.6 over-expression ameliorated post-TAC survival rates in both genders. Over time, FKBP12.6 over-expression reduced the molecular signature of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the transition to HF (BNP and ß-MHC mRNAs) and attenuated Cn/NFAT activation in TAC-males only. The gender difference in pro- and anti-hypertrophic LVH signals was time-dependent: TAC-females exhibited earlier pathological LVH associated with concomitant SERCA2a down-regulation, CaMKII activation, and GSK3ß inactivation. Both genotypes showed systolic dysfunction, possibly related to down-regulated RyR2, but only FK-TAC-males exhibited preserved diastolic LV function. Although FKBP12.6 over-expression did not impact the vicious cycle of TAC-induced HF, this study reveals some subtle sequential and temporal gender differences in Ca(2+)-signalling pathways of pathological LVH.

Impact of Gold Nanoparticles on the Functions of Macrophages and Dendritic Cells.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have demonstrated outstanding performance in many biomedical applications. Their safety is recognised; however, their effects on the immune system remain ill defined. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are immune cells specialised in sensing external stimulus and in capturing exogenous materials then delivering signals for the immune responses. We used primary macrophages (Ms) and dendritic cells (DCs) of mice as an APC model. Whereas AuNPs did not alter significantly Ms and DCs functions, the exposure to AuNPs affected differently Ms and DCs in their responses to subsequent stimulations. The secretion of inflammatory molecules like cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), chemokine (MCP-1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were altered differently in Ms and DCs. Furthermore, the metabolic activity of Ms was affected with the increase of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, while only a minor effect was seen on DCs. Antigen presentation to T cells increased when DCs were exposed to AuNPs leading to stronger Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses. In conclusion, our data provide new insights into the complexity of the effects of AuNPs on the immune system. Although AuNPs may be considered as devoid of significant effect, they may induce discrete modifications on some functions that can differ among the immune cells.

Cell fluorescence photoactivation as a method to select and study cellular subpopulations grown in mechanically heterogeneous environments.

A central challenge to the biology of development and disease is deciphering how individual cells process and respond to numerous biochemical and mechanical signals originating from the environment. Recent advances in genomic studies enabled the acquisition of information about population heterogeneity; however, these so far are poorly linked with the spatial heterogeneity of biochemical and mechanical cues. Whereas in vitro models offer superior control over spatiotemporal distribution of numerous mechanical parameters, researchers are limited by the lack of methods to select subpopulations of cells in order to understand how environmental heterogeneity directs the functional collective response. To circumvent these limitations, we present a method based on the use of photo convertible proteins, which when expressed within cells and activated with light, gives a stable fluorescence fingerprint enabling subsequent sorting and lysis for genomics analysis. Using this technique, we study the spatial distribution of genetic alterations on well-characterized local mechanical stimulation within the epithelial monolayer. Our method is an in vitro alternative to laser microdissection, which so far has found a broad application in ex vivo studies.

Sequential alterations in Akt, GSK3ß, and calcineurin signalling in the mouse left ventricle after thoracic aortic constriction.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an adaptive response to chronic biomechanical stress that generally progresses to maladaptive hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). We studied the activation of protein kinase B (Akt/PKB), glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3ß), and calcineurin (Cn) at 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days following transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in 4-week-old mice. Following TAC, GSK3ß inactivation at day 3 was associated with Akt activation, whereas at days 15 and 30, it appeared to be controlled by other kinases. Moderate nonsignificant Cn activation occurred at the early stages, and peak activation at day 30, concomitant with GSK3ß inactivation and overt LVH and HF. At the latest stage (day 60), despite further progression of LVH and HF, Cn activation appeared attenuated. Early stages of LVH were associated with Ca2+-handling protein upregulation, whereas major Cn activation, associated with GSK3ß inactivation, appeared to engage maladaptive hypertrophy and progression to HF associated with Ca2+-handling protein downregulation.

Augmented interaction of multivalent arginine coated gold nanoclusters with lipid membranes and cells.

A library of ultra-small red photoluminescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were synthesized with an increasing amount of positive charges provided by the addition of mono-, di- or trivalent-glutathione modified arginine peptides. We then studied how the arginine content impacted on the interaction of Au NCs with negatively charged artificial lipid bilayers and cell membranes. Results indicated that increasing the arginine content enhanced Au NCs' adsorption on lipid bilayers and on cell membranes followed by an increased cellular uptake in melanoma cells (COLO 829). Surprisingly, the presence of up to 40% serum for highly positively charged Au NCs did not hinder their interaction with lipid bilayers that contain glycolipids, suggesting a reduced opsonization of these Au NCs. In addition, these Au NCs are usually not toxic, except those with the highest arginine contents. Thus, controlled grafting of arginine peptides onto Au NCs is an elegant strategy to improve their binding and internalization by tumor cells while still keeping their anti-fouling properties.

Conditional FKBP12.6 overexpression in mouse cardiac myocytes prevents triggered ventricular tachycardia through specific alterations in excitation-contraction coupling.

BACKGROUND: Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) activates cardiac myocyte contraction. An important regulator of RyR2 function is FKBP12.6, which stabilizes RyR2 in the closed state during diastole. Beta-adrenergic stimulation has been suggested to dissociate FKBP12.6 from RyR2, leading to diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) leakage and ventricular tachycardia (VT). We tested the hypothesis that FKBP12.6 overexpression in cardiac myocytes can reduce susceptibility to VT in stress conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We developed a mouse model with conditional cardiac-specific overexpression of FKBP12.6. Transgenic mouse hearts showed a marked increase in FKBP12.6 binding to RyR2 compared with controls both at baseline and on isoproterenol stimulation (0.2 mg/kg i.p.). After pretreatment with isoproterenol, burst pacing induced VT in 10 of 23 control mice but in only 1 of 14 transgenic mice (P<0.05). In isolated transgenic myocytes, Ca(2+) spark frequency was reduced by 50% (P<0.01), a reduction that persisted under isoproterenol stimulation, whereas the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) load remained unchanged. In parallel, peak I(Ca,L) density decreased by 15% (P<0.01), and the Ca(2+) transient peak amplitude decreased by 30% (P<0.001). A 33.5% prolongation of the caffeine-evoked Ca(2+) transient decay was associated with an 18% reduction in the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger protein level (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased FKBP12.6 binding to RyR2 prevents triggered VT in normal hearts in stress conditions, probably by reducing diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) leak. This indicates that the FKBP12.6-RyR2 complex is an important candidate target for pharmacological prevention of VT.