piRNAs in the human retina and retinal pigment epithelium reveal a potential role in intracellular trafficking and oxidative stress.

Long considered active only in the germline, the PIWI/piRNA pathway is now known to play a significant role in somatic cells, especially neurons. In this study, piRNAs were profiled in the human retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Furthermore, RNA immunoprecipitation with HIWI2 (PIWIL4) in ARPE19 cells yielded 261 piRNAs, and the expression of selective piRNAs in donor eyes was assessed by qRT-PCR. Intriguingly, computational analysis revealed complete and partial seed sequence similarity between piR-hsa-26131 and the sensory organ specific miR-183/96/182 cluster. Furthermore, the expression of retina-enriched piR-hsa-26131 was positively correlated with miR-182 in HIWI2-silenced Y79 cells. In addition, the lnc-ZNF169 sequence matched with two miRNAs of the let-7 family, and piRNAs, piR-hsa-11361 and piR-hsa-11360, which could modulate the regulatory network of retinal differentiation. Interestingly, we annotated four enriched motifs among the piRNAs and found that the piRNAs containing CACAATG and CTCATCAKYG motifs were snoRNA-derived piRNAs, which are significantly associated with developmental functions. However, piRNAs consisting of ACCACTANACCAC and AKCACGYTCSC motifs were mainly tRNA-derived fragments linked to stress response and sensory perception. Additionally, co-expression network analysis revealed cell cycle control, intracellular transport and stress response as the important biological functions regulated by piRNAs in the retina. Moreover, loss of piRNAs in HIWI2 knockdown ARPE19 confirmed altered expression of targets implicated in intracellular transport, circadian clock, and retinal degeneration. Moreover, piRNAs were dysregulated under oxidative stress conditions, indicating their potential role in retinal pathology. Therefore, we postulate that piRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs might have a functional interplay during retinal development and functions to regulate retinal homeostasis.

Protein Drug Delivery Using a Novel Maxillofacial Technique Targeting the Visual Pathway in the Brain, the Optic Nerve, and the Retina.

Protein drugs are used for treating many diseases of the eye and the brain. The formidable blood neural barriers prevent the delivery of these drugs into the eye and the brain. Hence, there is a need for a protein drug delivery system to deliver large proteins across blood-neural barriers. Low half-life, poor penetration of epithelial barriers, low stability, and immunogenicity limit the use of non-invasive systemic routes for delivering proteins. In this pre-clinical study, the efficacy of a new maxillofacial route for administering protein drugs using a novel drug delivery system is compared with systemic administration through intra-peritoneal injection and ocular administration through topical eye drops and subconjunctival and intravitreal injections. Bevacizumab and retinoschisin proteins were administered using the maxillofacial technique along with systemic and ocular routes in wild-type male C57BL/6J mice. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and western blot was used to detect bevacizumab in tissue samples. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the presence and localization of bevacizumab and retinoschisin in the retina and brain. The maxillofacial route of delivery could target the brain including regions involved in the visual pathway and optic nerve. The maxillofacial technique and intravitreal injection were effective in delivering the drugs into the retina. A new concept based on the glymphatic pathway, cerebrospinal fluid drug distribution, and the crossover of ipsilateral optic nerve fibers at optic chiasma is proposed to explain the presence of the drug in contralateral eye following maxillofacial administration and intravitreal injection.

Design of a versatile microfluidic device for imaging precision-cut-tissue slices.

Precision-cut-tissues (PCTs), which preserve many aspects of a tissue's microenvironment, are typically imaged using conventional sample dishes and chambers. These can require large amounts of reagent and, when used for flow-through experiments, the shear forces applied on the tissues are often ill-defined. Their physical design also makes it difficult to image large volumes and repetitively image smaller regions of interest in the living slice. We report here on the design of a versatile microfluidic device capable of holding mouse or human pancreas PCTs for 3D fluorescence imaging using confocal and selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). Our design positions PCTs within a 5 × 5 mm × 140µm deep chamber fitted with 150µm tall channels to facilitate media exchange. Shear stress in the device is localized to small regions on the surface of the tissue and can be easily controlled. This design allows for media exchange at flowrates ∼10-fold lower than those required for conventional chambers. Finally, this design allows for imaging the same immunofluorescently labeled PCT with high resolution on a confocal and with large field of view on a SPIM, without adversely affecting image quality.

Compartmentalized microfluidic device for in vitro co-culture of retinal cells.

The investigation is focused on the development of a compartmentalized microfluidic device for coculturing the cells of crucial retinal cellular layers and assessing cell-to-cell interactions. A perfusion-based microfluidic co-culture device was employed and computationally validated for determining the pressure drop and fluid flow rate within the device microchannels. Fabrication was performed using PDMS polymer and coating of fibronectin and collagen facilitated adherence of the cells over the glass surface. Microfluidic device successfully supported cell proliferation, under continuous perfusion of 1 µl min-1 flow rate. The barrier integrity of this coculture was confirmed by evaluating the permeability of fluorescently labeled molecules. The coculture expressed characteristic phenotypic protein markers like recoverin, PAX6, for retinal precursor cells, and RPE65 for retinal epithelial cells. The coculture also exhibited basal expression of TNF-α under normal conditions. Differentiated photoreceptor cells positively expressed rhod inherently possess sensitivity toward violet/blue light, which was validated in R28 cells by exposure to light having a wavelength of 405 nm, which significantly decreased cell viability via increased TNF-α production and reduced rhodopsin expression. This proof-of-concept investigation proved the functionality of the retinal coculture, which may be used as an appropriate perfusion-based, preclinical tool for the evaluation of novel retinal drugs and delivery systems.

Retinoschisis and Norrie disease: a missing link.

OBJECTIVE: Retinoschisis and Norrie disease are X-linked recessive retinal disorders caused by mutations in RS1 and NDP genes respectively. Both are likely to be monogenic and no locus heterogeneity has been reported. However, there are reports showing overlapping features of Norrie disease and retinoschisis in a NDP knock-out mouse model and also the involvement of both the genes in retinoschisis patients. Yet, the exact molecular relationships between the two disorders have still not been understood. The study investigated the association between retinoschisin (RS1) and norrin (NDP) using in vitro and in silico approaches. Specific protein-protein interaction between RS1 and NDP was analyzed in human retina by co-immunoprecipitation assay and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. STRING database was used to explore the functional relationship. RESULT: Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated lack of a direct interaction between RS1 and NDP and was further substantiated by mass spectrometry. However, STRING revealed a potential indirect functional association between the two proteins. Progressively, our analyses indicate that FZD4 protein interactome via PLIN2 as well as the MAP kinase signaling pathway to be a likely link bridging the functional relationship between retinoschisis and Norrie disease.

LncRNA Mrhl orchestrates differentiation programs in mouse embryonic stem cells through chromatin mediated regulation.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been well-established to act as regulators and mediators of development and cell fate specification programs. LncRNA Mrhl (meiotic recombination hotspot locus) has been shown to act in a negative feedback loop with WNT signaling to regulate male germ cell meiotic commitment. In our current study, we have addressed the role of Mrhl in development and differentiation using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) as our model system of study. Mrhl is a nuclear-localized, chromatin-bound lncRNA with moderately stable expression in mESCs. Transcriptome analyses and loss-of-function phenotype studies revealed dysregulation of developmental processes, lineage-specific transcription factors and key networks along with aberrance in specification of early lineages during differentiation of mESCs. Genome-wide chromatin occupancy studies suggest regulation of chromatin architecture at key target loci through triplex formation. Our studies thus reveal a role for lncRNA Mrhl in regulating differentiation programs in mESCs in the context of appropriate cues through chromatin-mediated responses.

SARS-CoV-2: The Road Less Traveled-From the Respiratory Mucosa to the Brain.

Neurological manifestations have been reported in COVID-19; however, the route used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the brain is still under debate. Recent studies have focused on the olfactory route. SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins were also detected in the glossopharyngeal and vagal nerves originating from the lower brainstem and in isolated cells of the brainstem. Our proof of concept in vivo real-time imaging study of mice using an indocyanine green dye indicated that the neurovascular component of the connective tissue of the respiratory mucosa can also provide an alternate route to the brain.

Small ncRNA binding protein, PIWI: A potential molecular bridge between blood brain barrier and neuropathological conditions.

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a neuroprotective layer that maintains the homeostasis of central nervous system and provides an appropriate environment for neurons to execute their functions. The fundamental role of the dynamic semi-permeable BBB is selective and stringent transport of molecules from circulating blood and surrounding extracellular matrix across brain. Disruption of BBB has critical implications that can lead to various neuropathological disorders (NPDs) namely multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries and neuropsychiatric disorders, etc. Therapeutic management of NPDs is still a daunting challenge in the field of neuromedicine and there is a great need for identifying novel drug targets and biomarkers. Recently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) have emerged as promising prognostic markers in NPDs. Piwi interacting RNAs (piRNA), a family of short noncoding RNAs which in association with PIWI-like proteins have shown to regulate neuronal function and memory formation. In addition, piRNAs are differentially expressed in Alzheimer's brain tissues and studies also revealed the association of denovo mutations in PIWI genes with autism. Moreover, the role of PIWI-like proteins in neuronal long-term potentiation and neurite outgrowth is now evident, confirming their importance in normal physiology of the brain. Notably, we have reported the significance of PIWI-like proteins in the maintenance of Blood Retinal Barrier (BRB) and its potential role in diseases like diabetic retinopathy through modulation of tight junction proteins. Further studies in hydra and cancer cells confirmed the important function of PIWI-like proteins in the organization of tight junctions. Interestingly, we also observed that loss of PIWI-like proteins affected the activity of Ephrin receptors which have an established functional link to tight junction assembly. Collectively, the evidences profoundly support the novel concept that piRNAs/PIWI-like proteins may have a potential role on the governance of BBB by altering the tight junctions through Ephrin effectors, commotion of which could be the preceding event to various NPDs. Here, we propose PIWI-like proteins and associated piRNAs as potential restorative drug targets for combating neuropathological conditions.

Optimization of an in vitro bilayer model for studying the functional interplay between human primary retinal pigment epithelial and choroidal endothelial cells isolated from donor eyes.

OBJECTIVE: The microenvironment of outer retina is largely regulated by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid. Damage to either of these layers lead to the development of age related macular degeneration (AMD). A simplified cell culture model that mimics the RPE/Bruch's membrane (BM) and choroidal layers of the eye is a prerequisite for elucidating the molecular mechanism of disease progression. RESULTS: We have isolated primary retinal pigment epithelial cells (hRPE) and human primary choroidal endothelial cells (hCEC) from donor eyes to construct a bilayer of hCEC/hRPE on transwell inserts. Secretion of VEGF in the insert grown bilayer was significantly higher (22 pg/ml) than hCEC monolayer (3 pg/ml). To mimic the disease condition the model was treated with 100 ng/ml of VEGF, which increased the permeability of bilayer for 20 kDa FITC dextran while addition of bevacizumab, a humanized anti-VEGF drug, reversed the effect. To conclude the transwell insert based human primary hCEC/hRPE bilayer model would be an ideal system for studying the disease mechanisms and the crosstalk between RPE and choroid. This model will also be useful in screening small molecules and performing drug permeability kinetics.

Adiponectin: A potential candidate for treating fibrosis in posterior segment of the eye.

Fibrosis in ocular tissues causes severe visual deterioration and blindness in patients with glaucoma, cataract, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Currently available anti-fibrotic agents exhibit undesirous cytotoxic effects and thus prove ineffective to treat post-surgical fibrosis. Accordingly, there is a need to develop efficient and novel anti-fibrotic agents. Adiponectin (APN), an adipokine from adipocytes is increased in the aqueous and vitreous humor of the patients with micro-angiopathy and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, it is reported to be elevated in the subretinal fluid, vitreous and epiretinal membrane of patients with AMD, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) respectively. Since APN has anti-angiogenic activity and reduces VEGF levels, we hypothesize that APN might regulate the angio-fibrotic switch and drive the formation of fibrovascular membrane at advanced stages of AMD, PVR and PDR. Intriguingly, APN is shown to inhibit liver, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis, yet it accelerates renal fibrosis. Therefore, the factors such as tissue and cell type, disease specific pathological milieu and the choice of APN receptor interaction could determine the pro- or anti-fibrotic nature of APN. We speculate that APN could play a profibrotic role in the posterior segment of the eye.

Anti-angiogenic effect of adiponectin in human primary microvascular and macrovascular endothelial cells.

Neovascularization in retina and choroid involves interplay of many cytokines and growth factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) being a pro-angiogenic molecule has been found to be high in aqueous and vitreous humour of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). VEGF is also found in the fibroblast and retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) of choroidal neovascular (CNV) membranes isolated from patients. Though anti-VEGF agents cause regression of clinically visible new vessels, there is evidence that they increase the occurrence of retinal tractional detachment and other adverse effects in PDR and CNV treatments. Adiponectin (APN) is a cytokine, found to be involved in the pathobiology of PDR. It is unclear whether APN plays a reparative or pathological role in the disease condition. In this study, we explored the effect of APN on tube formation in the primary culture of human umbilical vein macrovascular endothelial cells (HUVEC), human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hREC) and human choroidal endothelial cells (hCEC). Anti-VEGF agent, bevacizumab (avastin) was used as a control. Full-length pAc-APN transfected in HUVEC, hRECs and hCECs inhibited basal tube formation and migration comparable to bevacizumab (Avastin™). In hRECs, full length pAc-APN reduced VEGF or PDR vitreous mediated migration. In a similar way, rAPN significantly disrupted VEGF and PDR vitreous induced tube formation in HUVEC and hREC. Moreover, rAPN significantly reduced VEGF influenced proliferation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in hREC. Altogether, our study suggests that APN may be effective in the treatment of retinal neovascularization.

PIWI-like protein, HIWI2: A novel player in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major causes of blindness resulting from prolonged hyperglycemia which leads to breakdown of blood retinal barrier and excessive neovascularization. In our previous study, we demonstrated the presence of germline-specific PIWI-like proteins in human retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and a discrete function of HIWI2 (PIWIL4) in the assembly of tight junction through Akt/GSK3α/ß. Recently, PIWI/piRNA has been suggested to be involved in the development of diabetes. Here, we have investigated the role of HIWI2 in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Interestingly, Western blot analysis indicated the elevated expression of HIWI2 in vitreous aspirates of patients with PDR in comparison to macular hole (MH) and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). In addition, treatment of ARPE19 with 25% of PDR vitreous aspirate significantly increased the expression of HIWI2. Moreover, exposure of ARPE19 to oxidative stress and VEGF, induced the expression of HIWI2. Further, we knocked down HIWI2 in ARPE19 cells to understand its role in the disease progression. Silencing HIWI2 reduced the expression of growth factors, VEGF and TGFß1, and altered the expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers E-cadherin and αSMA. In addition, expression of MMP9 and cell migration was reduced in Si-HIWI2. Collectively, our report highlights a novel function and association of a piRNA binding protein, HIWI2 to PDR. The elevated expression of HIWI2 in PDR could influence various aspects of the disease pathogenesis, like EMT changes and cell migration. Hence, understanding the exact function of HIWI2 in retina could reveal its potential as a therapeutic target for retinopathy.

Understanding variable disease severity in X-linked retinoschisis: Does RS1 secretory mechanism determine disease severity?

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a retinal degenerative disorder caused by mutations in RS1 gene leading to splitting of retinal layers (schisis) which impairs visual signal processing. Retinoschisin (RS1) is an adhesive protein which is secreted predominantly by the photoreceptors and bipolar cells as a double-octameric complex. In general, XLRS patients show wide clinical heterogeneity, presenting practical challenges in disease management. Though researchers have attempted various approaches to offer an explanation for clinical heterogeneity, the molecular basis has not been understood yet. Therefore, this study aims at establishing a link between the phenotype and genotype based on the molecular mechanism exerted by the mutations. Twenty seven XLRS patients were enrolled, of which seven harboured novel mutations. The mutant constructs were genetically engineered and their secretion profiles were studied by in vitro cell culture experiments. Based on the secretory profile, the patients were categorized as either secreted or non-secreted group. Various clinical parameters such as visual acuity, location of schisis, foveal thickness and ERG parameters were compared between the two groups and control. Although the two groups showed severe disease phenotype in comparison with control, there was no significant difference between the two XLRS groups. However, the secreted group exhibited relatively severe disease indications. On the other hand molecular analysis suggests that most of the RS1 mutations result in intracellular retention of retinoschisin. Hence, clinical parameters of patients with non-secreted profile were analyzed which in turn revealed wide variability even within the group. Altogether, our results indicate that disease severity is not merely dependent on secretory profile of the mutations. Thus, we hypothesize that intricate molecular detail such as the precise localization of mutant protein in the cell as well as its ability to assemble into a functionally active oligomer might largely influence disease severity among XLRS patients.

Clinical and genetic analysis of Indian patients with NDP-related retinopathies.

PURPOSE: NDP-related retinopathies are a group of X-linked disorders characterized by degenerative and proliferative changes of the neuroretina, occasionally accompanied with varying degrees of mental retardation and sensorineural hearing loss. NDP is the predominant gene associated with NDP-related retinopathies. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and genetic findings in three unrelated patients diagnosed with NDP-related retinopathies. METHODS: The patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination followed by genetic analyses. NDP gene was screened by direct sequencing approach. Targeted resequencing of several other ocular genes was carried out in patient samples that either indicated NDP gene deletion or tested negative for NDP mutation. Gene quantitation analysis was performed using real-time PCR. RESULTS: The whole NDP gene was deleted in patient I, while a missense NDP mutation, c.205T>C, was identified in patient II, and both had classical Norrie disease ocular phenotype (with no other systemic defects). Patient III who was diagnosed with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy did not show any mutation in the known candidate genes as well as in other ocular genes tested. CONCLUSIONS: The patient with whole NDP gene deletion did not exhibit any apparent extraocular defects (like mental retardation or sensorineural hearing loss) during his first decade of life, and this is considered to be a notable finding. Our study also provides evidence emphasizing the need for genetic testing which could eliminate ambiguities in clinical diagnosis and detect carrier status, thereby aiding the patient and family members during genetic counseling.

PIWI-like protein, HIWI2 is aberrantly expressed in retinoblastoma cells and affects cell-cycle potentially through OTX2.

Retinoblastoma (RB), a childhood cancer, is caused by biallelic mutation of the RB1 gene, but its development is not clearly understood. Furthermore, the presence of a cancer stem cell subpopulation in RB might impact its treatment. PIWI protein, known for its role in stem cell self-renewal, is aberrantly expressed in cancers. We examined the role of the PIWI-like protein HIWI2 in RB and its effect on the stem cell markers in cells of the RB line, Y79. The expression of HIWI2 is significantly increased in Y79 compared with its level in HeLa and ARPE19 cells. The stem cell markers Oct-3/4, Nanog and Sox-2 were not altered upon HIWI2 knockdown in Y79 cells. Interestingly, OTX2 was significantly downregulated in the absence of HIWI2. Otx2 transcripts also decreased in HIWI2-silenced Y79 and ARPE19 cells. Moreover, silencing HIWI2 in Y79 accumulated the cells at G2-M phase and reduced the levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the tumor suppressor, p16. Our results demonstrate that HIWI2 is aberrantly expressed in Y79 cells and silencing of HIWI2 downregulates OTX2, suggesting that HIWI2 might play a role in the progression of RB.

Genetic studies in a patient with X-linked retinoschisis coexisting with developmental delay and sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present a juvenile retinoschisis patient with developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, and reduced axial tone. X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is a retinal dystrophy, most often not associated with systemic anomalies and also not showing any locus heterogeneity. Therefore it was of interest to understand the genetic basis of the condition in this patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RS1 gene screening for XLRS was performed by Sanger sequencing. Whole genome SNP 6.0 array analysis was carried out to investigate gross chromosomal aberrations that could result in systemic phenotype. In addition, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to determine any possible involvement of X-linked syndromic and non-syndromic mental retardation genes. This NGS panel consisted of 550 genes implicated in several other rare inherited diseases. RESULTS: RS1 gene screening revealed a pathogenic hemizygous splice site mutation (c.78+1G>T), inherited from the mother. SNP 6.0 array analysis did not indicate any significant chromosomal aberrations that could be disease-associated. Targeted resequencing did not identify any mutations in the X-linked mental retardation genes. However, variations in three other genes (NSD1, LARGE, and POLG) were detected, which were all inherited from the patient's unaffected father. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, RS1 mutation was found to segregate with retinoschisis phenotype while none of the other identified variations were co-segregating with the systemic defects. Hereby, we infer that the multisystemic defects harbored by the patient are a rare coexistence of XLRS, developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, and reduced axial tone reported for the first time in the literature.

Proteomic profiling of human intraschisis cavity fluid.

BACKGROUND: X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a vitreoretinal degenerative disorder causing vision deterioration, due to structural defects in retina. The hallmark of this disease includes radial streaks arising from the fovea and splitting of inner retinal layers (schisis). Although these retinal changes are attributed to mutations in the retinoschisin gene, schisis is also observed in patients who do not carry mutations. In addition, the origin of intraschisis fluid, the triggering point of schisis formation and its progression are largely unknown still. So far, there is no report on the complete proteomic analysis of this fluid. Schisis fluid proteome could reflect biochemical changes in the disease condition, helping in better understanding and management of retinoschisis. Therefore it was of interest to investigate the intraschisis fluid proteome using high-resolution mass spectrometry. METHODS: Two male XLRS patients (aged 4 and 40 years) underwent clinical and genetic evaluation followed by surgical extraction of intraschisis fluids. The two fluid samples were resolved on a SDS-PAGE and the processed peptides were analyzed by Q-Exactive plus hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Functional annotation of the identified proteins was performed using Ingenuity pathway analysis software. RESULTS: Mass spectrometry analysis detected 770 nonredundant proteins in the intraschisis fluid. Retinol dehydrogenase 14 was found to be abundant in the schisis fluid. Gene ontology based analysis indicated that 19% of the intraschisis fluid proteins were localized to the extracellular matrix and 15% of the proteins were involved in signal transduction. Functional annotation identified three primary canonical pathways to be associated with the schisis fluid proteome viz., LXR/RXR activation, complement system and acute phase response signalling, which are involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Collectively, our results show that intraschisis fluid comprises specific inflammatory proteins which highly reflect the disease environment. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, it is suggested that inflammation might play a key role in the pathogenesis of XLRS. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the complete proteome of intraschisis fluid, which could serve as a template for future research and facilitate the development of therapeutic modalities for XLRS.

Possible role of HIWI2 in modulating tight junction proteins in retinal pigment epithelial cells through Akt signaling pathway.

PIWI subfamily of proteins is shown to be primarily expressed in germline cells. They maintain the genomic integrity by silencing the transposable elements. Although the role of PIWI proteins in germ cells has been documented, their presence and function in somatic cells remains unclear. Intriguingly, we detected all four members of PIWI-like proteins in human ocular tissues and somatic cell lines. When HIWI2 was knocked down in retinal pigment epithelial cells, the typical honeycomb morphology was affected. Further analysis showed that the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, CLDN1, and TJP1 were altered in HIWI2 knockdown. Moreover, confocal imaging revealed disrupted TJP1 assembly at the TJ. Previous studies report the role of GSK3ß in regulating TJ proteins. Accordingly, phospho-kinase proteome profiler array indicated increased phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3α/ß in HIWI2 knockdown, suggesting that HIWI2 might affect TJ proteins through Akt-GSK3α/ß signaling axis. Moreover, treating the HIWI2 knockdown cells with wortmannin increased the levels of TJP1 and CLDN1. Taken together, our study demonstrates the presence of PIWI-like proteins in somatic cells and the possible role of HIWI2 in preserving the functional integrity of epithelial cells probably by modulating the phosphorylation status of Akt.

Peptides derived from the copper-binding region of lysyl oxidase exhibit antiangiogeneic properties by inhibiting enzyme activity: an in vitro study.

Despite the rigorous research on abnormal angiogenesis, there is a persistent need for the development of new and efficient therapies against angiogenesis-related diseases. The role of Lysyl oxidase (LOX) in angiogenesis and cancer has been established in prior studies. Copper is known to induce the synthesis of LOX, and hence regulates its activity. Hypoxia-induced metastasis is dependent on LOX expression and activity. It has been believed that the inhibition of LOX would be a therapeutic strategy to inhibit angiogenesis. To explore this, we designed peptides (M peptides) from the copper-binding region of LOX and hypothesized them to modulate LOX. The peptides were characterized, and their copper-binding ability was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The M peptides were found to reduce the levels of intracellular copper when the cells were co-treated with copper. The peptides showed promising effect on aortic LOX, recombinant human LOX and LOX produced by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The study also explores the effect of these peptides on copper and hypoxia-stimulated angiogenic response in HUVECs. It was found that the M peptides inhibited copper/hypoxia-induced LOX activity and inhibited stimulated HUVEC tube formation and migration. This clearly indicated the potential of M peptides in inhibiting angiogenesis, highlighting their role in the formulation of drugs for the same.

Importance of the N-terminal domain of the Qb-SNARE Vti1p for different membrane transport steps in the yeast endosomal system.

SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) on transport vesicles and target membranes are crucial for vesicle targeting and fusion. They form SNARE complexes, which contain four α-helical SNARE motifs contributed by three or four different SNAREs. Most SNAREs function only in a single transport step. The yeast SNARE Vti1p participates in four distinct SNARE complexes in transport from the trans Golgi network to late endosomes, in transport to the vacuole, in retrograde transport from endosomes to the trans Golgi network and in retrograde transport within the Golgi. So far, all vti1 mutants investigated had mutations within the SNARE motif. Little is known about the function of the N-terminal domain of Vti1p, which forms a three helix bundle called H(abc) domain. Here we generated a temperature-sensitive mutant of this domain to study the effects on different transport steps. The secondary structure of wild type and vti1-3 H(abc) domain was analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The amino acid exchanges identified in the temperature-sensitive vti1-3 mutant caused unfolding of the H(abc) domain. Transport pathways were investigated by immunoprecipitation of newly synthesized proteins after pulse-chase labeling and by fluorescence microscopy of a GFP-tagged protein cycling between plasma membrane, early endosomes and Golgi. In vti1-3 cells transport to the late endosome and assembly of the late endosomal SNARE complex was blocked at 37°C. Retrograde transport to the trans Golgi network was affected while fusion with the vacuole was possible but slower. Steady state levels of SNARE complexes mediating these steps were less affected than that of the late endosomal SNARE complex. As different transport steps were affected our data demonstrate the importance of a folded Vti1p H(abc) domain for transport.