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1.
PLoS Pathog ; 20(2): e1011993, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38300953

ABSTRACT

Pre-existing or rapidly emerging resistance of influenza viruses to approved antivirals makes the development of novel therapeutics to mitigate seasonal influenza and improve preparedness against future influenza pandemics an urgent priority. We have recently identified the chain-terminating broad-spectrum nucleoside analog clinical candidate 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU) and demonstrated oral efficacy against seasonal, pandemic, and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in the mouse and ferret model. Here, we have resistance-profiled 4'-FlU against a pandemic A/CA/07/2009 (H1N1) (CA09). In vitro viral adaptation yielded six independently generated escape lineages with distinct mutations that mediated moderate resistance to 4'-FlU in the genetically controlled background of recombinant CA09 (recCA09). Mutations adhered to three distinct structural clusters that are all predicted to affect the geometry of the active site of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) complex for phosphodiester bond formation. Escape could be achieved through an individual causal mutation, a combination of mutations acting additively, or mutations functioning synergistically. Fitness of all resistant variants was impaired in cell culture, and all were attenuated in the mouse model. Oral 4'-FlU administered at lowest-efficacious (2 mg/kg) or elevated (10 mg/kg) dose overcame moderate resistance when mice were inoculated with 10 LD50 units of parental or resistant recCA09, demonstrated by significantly reduced virus load and complete survival. In the ferret model, invasion of the lower respiratory tract by variants representing four adaptation lineages was impaired. Resistant variants were either transmission-incompetent, or spread to untreated sentinels was fully blocked by therapeutic treatment of source animals with 4'-FlU.


Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza A virus , Influenza, Human , Orthomyxoviridae Infections , Uracil Nucleotides , Animals , Mice , Humans , Influenza A virus/genetics , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Ferrets , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/drug therapy
2.
J Virol ; 98(4): e0013224, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38511932

ABSTRACT

Heartland virus (HRTV) is an emerging tick-borne bandavirus that causes a febrile illness of varying severity in humans, with cases reported in eastern and midwestern regions of the United States. No vaccines or approved therapies are available to prevent or treat HRTV disease. Here, we describe the genetic changes, natural history of disease, and pathogenesis of a mouse-adapted HRTV (MA-HRTV) that is uniformly lethal in 7- to 8-week-old AG129 mice at low challenge doses. We used this model to assess the efficacy of the ribonucleoside analog, 4'-fluorouridine (EIDD-2749), and showed that once-daily oral treatment with 3 mg/kg of drug, initiated after the onset of disease, protects mice against lethal MA-HRTV challenge and reduces viral loads in blood and tissues. Our findings provide insights into HRTV virulence and pathogenesis and support further development of EIDD-2749 as a therapeutic intervention for HRTV disease. IMPORTANCE: More than 60 cases of HRTV disease spanning 14 states have been reported to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The expanding range of the Lone Star tick that transmits HRTV, the growing population of at-risk persons living in geographic areas where the tick is abundant, and the lack of antiviral treatments or vaccines raise significant public health concerns. Here, we report the development of a new small-animal model of lethal HRTV disease to gain insight into HRTV pathogenesis and the application of this model for the preclinical development of a promising new antiviral drug candidate, EIDD-2749. Our findings shed light on how the virus causes disease and support the continued development of EIDD-2749 as a therapeutic for severe cases of HRTV infection.


Subject(s)
Bunyaviridae Infections , Bunyaviridae , Uracil Nucleotides , Animals , Humans , Mice , Bunyaviridae Infections/drug therapy , Ticks , United States , Uracil Nucleotides/therapeutic use
3.
Mol Cell ; 61(3): 364-378, 2016 Feb 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26833087

ABSTRACT

Small, noncoding RNA biogenesis typically involves cleavage of structured precursor by RNase III-like endonucleases. However, guide RNAs (gRNAs) that direct U-insertion/deletion mRNA editing in mitochondria of trypanosomes maintain 5' triphosphate characteristic of the transcription initiation and possess a U-tail indicative of 3' processing and uridylation. Here, we identified a protein complex composed of RET1 TUTase, DSS1 3'-5' exonuclease, and three additional subunits. This complex, termed mitochondrial 3' processome (MPsome), is responsible for primary uridylation of ∼800 nt gRNA precursors, their processive degradation to a mature size of 40-60 nt, and secondary U-tail addition. Both strands of the gRNA gene are transcribed into sense and antisense precursors of similar lengths. Head-to-head hybridization of these transcripts blocks symmetrical 3'-5' degradation at a fixed distance from the double-stranded region. Together, our findings suggest a model in which gRNA is derived from the 5' extremity of a primary molecule by uridylation-induced, antisense transcription-controlled 3'-5' exonucleolytic degradation.


Subject(s)
Exoribonucleases/metabolism , Mitochondria/metabolism , RNA Editing , RNA, Antisense/metabolism , RNA, Guide, Kinetoplastida/biosynthesis , RNA, Protozoan/biosynthesis , RNA/biosynthesis , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/metabolism , Exoribonucleases/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Protozoan Proteins/genetics , Protozoan Proteins/metabolism , RNA/genetics , RNA Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics , RNA Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism , RNA Stability , RNA, Antisense/genetics , RNA, Guide, Kinetoplastida/genetics , RNA, Mitochondrial , RNA, Protozoan/genetics , Time Factors , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/genetics , Uracil Nucleotides/metabolism
4.
J Immunol ; 207(5): 1275-1287, 2021 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34389624

ABSTRACT

The airway epithelial cells (AECs) lining the conducting passageways of the lung secrete a variety of immunomodulatory factors. Among these, PGE2 limits lung inflammation and promotes bronchodilation. By contrast, IL-6 drives intense airway inflammation, remodeling, and fibrosis. The signaling that differentiates the production of these opposing mediators is not understood. In this study, we find that the production of PGE2 and IL-6 following stimulation of human AECs by the damage-associated molecular pattern extracellular ATP shares a common requirement for Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. ATP-mediated synthesis of PGE2 required activation of metabotropic P2Y2 receptors and CRAC channel-mediated cytosolic phospholipase A2 signaling. By contrast, ATP-evoked synthesis of IL-6 occurred via activation of ionotropic P2X receptors and CRAC channel-mediated calcineurin/NFAT signaling. In contrast to ATP, which elicited the production of both PGE2 and IL-6, the uridine nucleotide, UTP, stimulated PGE2 but not IL-6 production. These results reveal that human AECs employ unique receptor-specific signaling mechanisms with CRAC channels as a signaling nexus to regulate release of opposing immunomodulatory mediators. Collectively, our results identify P2Y2 receptors, CRAC channels, and P2X receptors as potential intervention targets for airway diseases.


Subject(s)
Dinoprostone/metabolism , Inflammation/immunology , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Respiratory Mucosa/metabolism , Adenosine Triphosphate/pharmacokinetics , Alarmins/metabolism , Calcium Release Activated Calcium Channels/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Humans , Immunomodulation , Interleukin-6/genetics , NFATC Transcription Factors/metabolism , Phospholipases A2/metabolism , Receptors, Purinergic P2X/metabolism , Respiratory Mucosa/pathology , Signal Transduction , Uracil Nucleotides/metabolism
5.
J Cell Physiol ; 237(1): 389-400, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34514618

ABSTRACT

Under nonpathological conditions, the extracellular nucleotide concentration remains constant and low (nM range) because of a close balance between ATP release and ATP consumption. This balance is completely altered in cancer disease. Adenine and uridine nucleotides are found in the extracellular space of tumors in high millimolar (mM) concentrations acting as extracellular signaling molecules. In general, although uridine nucleotides may be involved in different tumor cell responses, purinergic signaling in cancer is preferentially focused on adenine nucleotides and nucleosides. Extracellular ATP can bind to specific receptors (P receptors) triggering different responses, or it can be hydrolyzed by ectoenzymes bound to cell membranes to render the final product adenosine. The latter pathway plays an important role in the increase of adenosine in tumor microenvironment. In this study, we will focus on extracellular ATP and adenosine, their effects acting as ligands of specific receptors, activating ectoenzymes, and promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion in cancer cells. Finding the roles that these nucleotides play in tumor microenvironment may be important to design new intervention strategies in cancer therapies.


Subject(s)
Adenosine , Neoplasms , Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism , Cell Movement , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Humans , Nucleotides/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment , Uracil Nucleotides
6.
Mol Vis ; 28: 114-123, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36034736

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of diquafosol tetrasodium on the expression of secretory and membrane-associated mucins in multi-layered cultures of primary human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCEC) using intracellular extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. Methods: HCECs were treated with hyperosmotic stress (400 mOsm/l) for 24 h after air-liquid interface cell culture followed by treatment with diquafosol. HCECs were stimulated for 1 h with or without PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, then treated with diquafosol for 6 h and 24 h. Mucin 1 (MUC1), mucin 16 (MUC16), and MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed, and cell viability was detected using an MTT assay. Western blot analysis was used to examine p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2) and phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2) expression. Results: Hyperosmotic stressed HCECs demonstrated increased MUC5AC secretion and gene expression when treated with diquafosol. MUC1 mRNA levels increased significantly at 24 h (p<0.01), and expression of MUC16 mRNA levels increased at 6 h and were maintained until 24 h (p<0.05).There was no significant difference in cell viability compared to the control group. Immunostaining results for MUC1, MUC16, and MUC5AC in diquafosol tetrasodium-treated HCECs at 24 h showed more positive cells than in the control group. Phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2) signaling molecules significantly increased from 5 min to 60 min (p<0.05). The effects of diquafosol on mucin expressions in hyperosmotic stressed HCECs were significantly inhibited by PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, at 6 h and 24 h. Conclusions: ERK signaling may regulate the expression levels of MUC1, MUC16, and MUC5AC induced by diquafosol in hyperosmotic stressed HCECs.


Subject(s)
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases , Mucin-1 , CA-125 Antigen , Epithelial Cells , Humans , Mucin 5AC , Ophthalmic Solutions , Polyphosphates , RNA, Messenger , Uracil Nucleotides
7.
Nucleic Acids Res ; 48(7): 3975-3986, 2020 04 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32095808

ABSTRACT

Guanine-rich regions of the human genome can adopt non-canonical secondary structures. Their role in regulating gene expression has turned them into promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Ligands based on polyaromatic moieties are especially suitable for targeting G-quadruplexes utilizing their size complementarity to interact with the large exposed surface area of four guanine bases. A predictable way of (de)stabilizing specific G-quadruplex structures through efficient base stacking of polyaromatic functional groups could become a valuable tool in our therapeutic arsenal. We have investigated the effect of pyrene-modified uridine nucleotides incorporated at several positions of the thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) as a model system. Characterization using spectroscopic and biophysical methods provided important insights into modes of interaction between pyrene groups and the G-quadruplex core as well as (de)stabilization by enthalpic and entropic contributions. NMR data demonstrated that incorporation of pyrene group into G-rich oligonucleotide such as TBA may result in significant changes in 3D structure such as formation of novel dimeric topology. Site specific structural changes induced by stacking of the pyrene moiety on nearby nucleobases corelate with distinct thrombin binding affinities and increased resistance against nuclease degradation.


Subject(s)
Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry , G-Quadruplexes , Pyrenes/chemistry , Aptamers, Nucleotide/blood , Aptamers, Nucleotide/metabolism , Deoxyribonucleases , Dimerization , Entropy , Humans , Thermodynamics , Thrombin/metabolism , Uracil Nucleotides/chemistry
8.
Cutan Ocul Toxicol ; 40(4): 350-358, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34496685

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of topical application of 3% diquafosol sodium (DQS) and tocopherol (TCP) acetate mixtures in a mouse model of experimental dry eye (EDE). METHODS: After exposure to desiccating stress for 5 days, eye drops consisting of 3% DQS alone, 0.01% TCP alone, or 3% DQS and 0.005% or 0.01% TCP mixture were applied for the treatment of EDE. Tear volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining scores (CFSS), and tear film lipid layer grades (TFLLG) were measured at 0, 5 and 10 days after treatment. The 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay (DCFDA) for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for malondialdehyde (MDA), and flow cytometry for CD4 + interferon (IFN)-γ+ T cells were evaluated on the ocular surface at 10 days after treatment. In addition, levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and chemokine CC motif ligand 4 (CCL4) in the conjunctiva were measured using a multiplex immunobead assay, and conjunctival goblet cells were counted by periodic acid-Schiff staining at 10 days after treatment. RESULTS: Both the TCP mixture groups indicated a significant improvement in TBUT, ROS production, and MDA concentrations compared to those in the DQS alone group. Furthermore, the 0.01% TCP mixture group also showed higher tear film lipid layer grades and conjunctival goblet cell density and lower corneal fluorescein staining scores, number of CD4 + IFN-γ+ T cells, and levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and CCL4 than the DQS alone group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Application of eye drops containing the mixture of DQS and TCP could stabilize the tear film lipid layer, improve TBUT and corneal epithelial damages, decrease ROS production, inflammatory molecules, and T cells, and increase conjunctival goblet cell density on the ocular surface. Topical DQS and TCP mixtures may have a greater therapeutic effect on clinical signs, oxidative damage, and inflammation of dry eye than DQS eye drops.


Subject(s)
Dry Eye Syndromes/drug therapy , Ophthalmic Solutions/administration & dosage , Polyphosphates/administration & dosage , Uracil Nucleotides/administration & dosage , alpha-Tocopherol/administration & dosage , Administration, Ophthalmic , Animals , Conjunctiva/drug effects , Conjunctiva/pathology , Cornea/drug effects , Cornea/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Drug Combinations , Dry Eye Syndromes/pathology , Female , Humans , Mice , Tears/drug effects , Tears/metabolism
9.
Bioorg Med Chem Lett ; 30(23): 127539, 2020 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32919013

ABSTRACT

Nucleotide prodrugs are of great clinical interest for treating a variety of viral infections due to their ability to target tissues selectively and to deliver relatively high concentrations of the active nucleotide metabolite intracellularly. However, their clinical successes have been limited, oftentimes due to unwanted in vivo metabolic processes that reduce the quantities of nucleoside triphosphate that reach the site of action. In an attempt to circumvent this, we designed novel nucleosides that incorporate a sterically bulky group at the 5'-carbon of the phosphoester prodrug, which we reasoned would reduce the amounts of non-productive PO bond cleavage back to the corresponding nucleoside by nucleotidases. Molecular docking studies with the NS5B HCV polymerase suggested that a nucleotide containing a 5'-methyl group could be accommodated. Therefore, we synthesized mono- and diphosphate prodrugs of 2',5'-C-dimethyluridine stereoselectively and evaluated their cytotoxicity and anti-HCV activity in the HCV replicon assay. All four prodrugs exhibited anti-HCV activity with IC50 values in the single digit micromolar concentrations, with the 5'(R)-C-methyl prodrug displaying superior potency relative to its 5'(S)-C-methyl counterpart. However, when compared to the unmethylated prodrug, the potency is poorer. The poorer potency of these prodrugs may be due to unfavorable steric interactions of the 5'-C-methyl group in the active sites of the kinases that catalyze the formation of active triphosphate metabolite.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Cytomegalovirus/drug effects , Prodrugs/pharmacology , Uracil Nucleotides/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/chemical synthesis , Antiviral Agents/metabolism , Cell Line , Humans , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Molecular Docking Simulation , Prodrugs/chemical synthesis , Prodrugs/metabolism , Protein Binding , Uracil Nucleotides/chemical synthesis , Uracil Nucleotides/metabolism , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism
10.
Nature ; 514(7521): 252-256, 2014 Oct 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25119025

ABSTRACT

The pluripotency factor Lin28 inhibits the biogenesis of the let-7 family of mammalian microRNAs. Lin28 is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells and has a fundamental role in regulation of development, glucose metabolism and tissue regeneration. Overexpression of Lin28 is correlated with the onset of numerous cancers, whereas let-7, a tumour suppressor, silences several human oncogenes. Lin28 binds to precursor let-7 (pre-let-7) hairpins, triggering the 3' oligo-uridylation activity of TUT4 and TUT7 (refs 10-12). The oligoU tail added to pre-let-7 serves as a decay signal, as it is rapidly degraded by Dis3l2 (refs 13, 14), a homologue of the catalytic subunit of the RNA exosome. The molecular basis of Lin28-mediated recruitment of TUT4 and TUT7 to pre-let-7 and its subsequent degradation by Dis3l2 is largely unknown. To examine the mechanism of Dis3l2 substrate recognition we determined the structure of mouse Dis3l2 in complex with an oligoU RNA to mimic the uridylated tail of pre-let-7. Three RNA-binding domains form an open funnel on one face of the catalytic domain that allows RNA to navigate a path to the active site different from that of its exosome counterpart. The resulting path reveals an extensive network of uracil-specific interactions spanning the first 12 nucleotides of an oligoU-tailed RNA. We identify three U-specificity zones that explain how Dis3l2 recognizes, binds and processes uridylated pre-let-7 in the final step of the Lin28-let-7 pathway.


Subject(s)
Exoribonucleases/chemistry , Exoribonucleases/metabolism , MicroRNAs/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Animals , Biocatalysis , Catalytic Domain , Crystallography, X-Ray , Exosome Multienzyme Ribonuclease Complex/chemistry , Mice , MicroRNAs/chemistry , MicroRNAs/genetics , Models, Molecular , Oligoribonucleotides/chemistry , Oligoribonucleotides/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins/chemistry , Substrate Specificity , Uracil Nucleotides/chemistry , Uracil Nucleotides/metabolism
11.
BMC Ophthalmol ; 20(1): 277, 2020 Jul 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32650746

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To determine if 3% diquafosol (DQS) can preserve the meibomian gland morphology in glaucoma patients treated with prostaglandin analogs (PGA) for a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS: This study included 84 eyes of 46 normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients who were treated with either preservative-containing PGA (PC-PGA; 16 patients, 28 eyes), preservative-free PGA (PF-PGA; 21 patients, 39 eyes), or a combination of PC-PGA and 3% DQS (PC-PGA + DQS; 9 patients, 17 eyes). The meibography of the upper eyelid was acquired using Keratograph® 5 M at baseline and at each follow-up (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). Meibomian gland loss (MGL) was quantitatively analyzed by using ImageJ software. RESULTS: In the PC-PGA group, MGL increased significantly from baseline to month 9 and month 12, whereas no significant changes were observed in the PF-PGA and PC-PGA + DQS groups during the entire 12 months. All groups showed similar MGL at each follow-up time from baseline to six months. However, MGL in the PC-PGA group was significantly higher than those in the PF-PGA and PC-PGA + DQS groups at the 9 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Combining 3% DQS with PC-PGA was as effective as PF-PGA in preserving the meibomian gland morphology for at least 12 months. Our results suggest that 3% DQS may be a promising strategy for managing glaucoma patients with a high risk of developing meibomian gland dysfunction due to preservative-containing topical medications.


Subject(s)
Eyelid Diseases , Glaucoma , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Meibomian Glands/diagnostic imaging , Polyphosphates , Prostaglandins, Synthetic , Uracil Nucleotides
12.
EMBO J ; 34(13): 1801-15, 2015 Jul 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25979828

ABSTRACT

Terminal uridylyl transferases (TUTs) function as integral regulators of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis. Using biochemistry, single-molecule, and deep sequencing techniques, we here investigate the mechanism by which human TUT7 (also known as ZCCHC6) recognizes and uridylates precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) in the absence of Lin28. We find that the overhang of a pre-miRNA is the key structural element that is recognized by TUT7 and its paralogues, TUT4 (ZCCHC11) and TUT2 (GLD2/PAPD4). For group II pre-miRNAs, which have a 1-nt 3' overhang, TUT7 restores the canonical end structure (2-nt 3' overhang) through mono-uridylation, thereby promoting miRNA biogenesis. For pre-miRNAs where the 3' end is further recessed into the stem (as in 3' trimmed pre-miRNAs), TUT7 generates an oligo-U tail that leads to degradation. In contrast to Lin28-stimulated oligo-uridylation, which is processive, a distributive mode is employed by TUT7 for both mono- and oligo-uridylation in the absence of Lin28. The overhang length dictates the frequency (but not duration) of the TUT7-RNA interaction, thus explaining how TUT7 differentiates pre-miRNA species with different overhangs. Our study reveals dual roles and mechanisms of uridylation in repair and removal of defective pre-miRNAs.


Subject(s)
MicroRNAs/metabolism , RNA Nucleotidyltransferases/physiology , RNA Precursors/metabolism , RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional , Uridine Monophosphate/metabolism , Adenine Nucleotides/metabolism , Base Sequence , HEK293 Cells , HeLa Cells , Humans , Molecular Sequence Data , Nucleic Acid Conformation , Oligoribonucleotides/metabolism , RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics , RNA Stability/genetics , Uracil Nucleotides/metabolism
13.
RNA ; 23(10): 1582-1591, 2017 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28698239

ABSTRACT

Arrays of singly labeled short oligonucleotides that hybridize to a specific target revolutionized RNA biology, enabling quantitative, single-molecule microscopy analysis and high-efficiency RNA/RNP capture. Here, we describe a simple and efficient method that allows flexible functionalization of inexpensive DNA oligonucleotides by different fluorescent dyes or biotin using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and custom-made functional group conjugated dideoxy-UTP. We show that (i) all steps of the oligonucleotide labeling-including conjugation, enzymatic synthesis, and product purification-can be performed in a standard biology laboratory, (ii) the process yields >90%, often >95% labeled product with minimal carryover of impurities, and (iii) the oligonucleotides can be labeled with different dyes or biotin, allowing single-molecule FISH, RNA affinity purification, and Northern blot analysis to be performed.


Subject(s)
DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase/metabolism , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence/methods , RNA Probes/chemistry , Animals , Biotin , Dideoxynucleotides/chemistry , Dideoxynucleotides/metabolism , Drosophila melanogaster/genetics , Female , Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry , Oligonucleotide Probes/chemistry , Oligonucleotides/chemistry , Ovary/physiology , RNA Probes/metabolism , Uracil Nucleotides/chemistry , Uracil Nucleotides/metabolism
15.
BMC Ophthalmol ; 19(1): 131, 2019 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31208393

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study is aim to compare the clinical effectiveness between the two most prominent dry eye disease (DED)-specific eye drops, 0.05% cyclosporine (CN) and 3% diquafosol (DQ). METHODS: This is a multi-centered, randomized, masked, prospective clinical study. A total of 153 DED patients were randomly allocated to use CN twice per day or DQ six times daily. Cornea and conjunctival staining scores (NEI scale), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test scores, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score were measured at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: At 12 weeks after treatment, NEI scaled scores were significantly reduced from the baseline by - 6.60 for CN and - 6.63 for DQ group (all P < 0.0001, P = 0.9739 between groups). TBUT and Schirmer values for CN were significantly improved from the baseline at 4 and 12 weeks (P = 0.0034, P < 0.0001 for TBUT, P = 0.0418, P = 0.0031 for Schirmer test). However, for DQ, TBUT showed significant improvement at 12 weeks only (P = 0.0281). Mean OSDI score differences from the baseline to 12 weeks were improved by - 13.03 ± 19.63 for CN and - 16.11 ± 20.87 for DQ, respectively (all P < 0.0001, P = 0.854 between groups). Regarding drug compliance, the mean instillation frequency of CN was less than that of DQ (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in safety evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The level of improvement regarding NEI, TBUT, and OSDI scores were not significantly different between the two treatment groups. However, with regards to the early improvement of TBUT and patient compliance, patients using CN improved faster and with greater adherence to drug usage than did those treated with DQ. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0002180 , retrospectively registered on 23 December 2016.


Subject(s)
Cyclosporine/therapeutic use , Dry Eye Syndromes/drug therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Ophthalmic Solutions/therapeutic use , Polyphosphates/therapeutic use , Uracil Nucleotides/therapeutic use , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Conjunctiva/pathology , Female , Humans , Lubricant Eye Drops/therapeutic use , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Tears/physiology , Young Adult
16.
Ophthalmic Res ; 61(4): 188-198, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30654362

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical 3% diquafosol in treating patients with dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: Nine qualified randomized controlled trials incorporating 1,467 patients were included. Two of the reviewers selected the studies and independently assessed the risk of bias. The outcome measures were Schirmer score, tear film break-up time (TFBUT), rose bengal staining score, and corneal fluorescein staining score. To confirm the effect of diquafosol on dryness after cataract surgery, we performed a subgroup analysis according to the presence or absence of surgery. RESULTS: We observed statistically significant improvements in scores on the Schirmer test (weighted mean difference 0.74 mm at 4 weeks; 95% CI: 0.24-1.24; I2 = 0%), fluorescein stain, rose bengal stain, and TFBUT after treatment with diquafosol compared with the group using other eye drops. As a result of the subgroup analysis of DED after cataract surgery, diquafosol was found to be more effective than the other eye drops with regard to TFBUT and rose bengal staining. CONCLUSIONS: Topical diquafosol could be an effective treatment for DED, and also for DED after cataract surgery. Further randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes for the different clinical types of DED are warranted to determine the efficacy and limitations of diquafosol for these different clinical types of DED.


Subject(s)
Dry Eye Syndromes/drug therapy , Ophthalmic Solutions/therapeutic use , Polyphosphates/therapeutic use , Uracil Nucleotides/therapeutic use , Cataract Extraction/adverse effects , Humans , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Tears/metabolism
17.
18.
Molecules ; 24(19)2019 Sep 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31557948

ABSTRACT

Several health benefits, associated with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), have been revealed in the last decades. Further progress, however, requires not only the establishment of a simple "routine" method for absolute quantification of complex HMOS mixtures but also the development of novel synthesis strategies to improve access to tailored HMOS. Here, we introduce a combination of salvage-like nucleotide sugar-producing enzyme cascades with Leloir-glycosyltransferases in a sequential pattern for the convenient tailoring of stable isotope-labeled HMOS. We demonstrate the assembly of [13C6]galactose into lacto-N- and lacto-N-neo-type HMOS structures up to octaoses. Further, we present the enzymatic production of UDP-[15N]GlcNAc and its application for the enzymatic synthesis of [13C6/15N]lacto-N-neo-tetraose for the first time. An exemplary application was selected-analysis of tetraose in complex biological mixtures-to show the potential of tailored stable isotope reference standards for the mass spectrometry-based quantification, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) as a fast and straightforward method for absolute quantification of HMOS. Together with the newly available well-defined tailored isotopic HMOS, this can make a crucial contribution to prospective research aiming for a more profound understanding of HMOS structure-function relations.


Subject(s)
Milk, Human/chemistry , Oligosaccharides/chemistry , Carbon Isotopes/chemistry , Catalysis , Glycosyltransferases/chemistry , Humans , Nitrogen Isotopes/chemistry , Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization , Uracil Nucleotides/chemistry
19.
Molecules ; 24(23)2019 Nov 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31783537

ABSTRACT

Dinucleoside 5',5'-polyphosphates (DNPs) are endogenous substances that play important intra- and extracellular roles in various biological processes, such as cell proliferation, regulation of enzymes, neurotransmission, platelet disaggregation and modulation of vascular tone. Various methodologies have been developed over the past fifty years to access these compounds, involving enzymatic processes or chemical procedures based either on P(III) or P(V) chemistry. Both solution-phase and solid-support strategies have been developed and are reported here. Recently, green chemistry approaches have emerged, offering attracting alternatives. This review outlines the main synthetic pathways for the preparation of dinucleoside 5',5'-polyphosphates, focusing on pharmacologically relevant compounds, and highlighting recent advances.


Subject(s)
Dinucleoside Phosphates/chemical synthesis , Purinergic P2Y Receptor Agonists/chemical synthesis , Deoxycytosine Nucleotides/agonists , Deoxycytosine Nucleotides/chemistry , Deoxycytosine Nucleotides/pharmacology , Dinucleoside Phosphates/chemistry , Dinucleoside Phosphates/isolation & purification , Dry Eye Syndromes/drug therapy , Green Chemistry Technology , Humans , Ophthalmic Solutions , Phosphorylation , Polyphosphates/chemical synthesis , Polyphosphates/chemistry , Purinergic P2Y Receptor Agonists/chemistry , Purinergic P2Y Receptor Agonists/isolation & purification , Receptors, Purinergic/metabolism , Uracil Nucleotides/chemistry , Uridine/agonists , Uridine/analogs & derivatives , Uridine/chemistry , Uridine/pharmacology
20.
Analyst ; 144(1): 186-190, 2018 Dec 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30393796

ABSTRACT

Proximity induced intramolecular nucleotide strand displacement, which can be simply performed in a single tube or in a complex cellular environment, is one of the key mechanisms for the detection of biological targets, especially for significant genetic molecules. The host factor for RNA phage Qb replication (Hfq), with two distinct single stranded RNA binding sites, has excellent properties as an affinity ligand in a proximity induced reaction. In this research, a versatile RNA chaperone-Hfq assisted RNA annealing strategy for the sensitive detection of the intermediate product, oligouridylated RNA, in a genetic regulation process was developed. Benefiting from the high binding affinity of Hfq for the probe and the target, the sensitive determination of oligouridylated RNA in cell lysis and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells was successfully achieved. This study has also revealed that the Hfq assisted RNA annealing strategy can be further extended and applied in specific microRNA analysis, and RNA related tumorigenicity and disease diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Host Factor 1 Protein/metabolism , MicroRNAs/analysis , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Allolevivirus/chemistry , Base Sequence , Biological Assay/methods , Gold/chemistry , HeLa Cells , Humans , Limit of Detection , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , MicroRNAs/genetics , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Oligoribonucleotides/genetics , Ribonucleases/metabolism , Uracil Nucleotides/genetics
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